general problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Forte - part 1

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle, followed by a loss of motive power. The malfunction indicator light and abs warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate, and while inspecting the lights in the rear of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the socket where the brake light bulb was located was melting from the light overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer did not diagnose the cause of failure. The brake lights were not repaired. It was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 18v363000 (air bags) and 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The dealer stated that NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); recall might have contributed to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

The contact's cousin owned a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended by the privacy fence. The contact was alerted by her nephew and observed that the vehicle was on fire. The front windshield had shattered, and smoke was visible inside the cabin. The fire appeared to originate from the dashboard area. The contact used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames with the assistance of her brother. The local fire department arrived on the scene and completed extinguishing the fire. The airbags deployed during the incident, and the fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact was able to link the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (air bags). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owned a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while he was occupying the parked vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the contact noticed fire coming from underneath the hood. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the hood became engulfed in fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground from the front end to the rear seats. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was awaiting to be towed and to be totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was in included in NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000(service brakes, hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 348,000.

After taking my 2012 kia Forte ex to the dealership for the fire risk recall (recall number 23v652), the dealership replaced fuses as part of the recall. Despite this, major safety issues persisted: 1. Brake fluid leak – the leak was not resolved after the recall repair, and my brake pedal continues to go all the way to the floor, creating a critical safety hazard. 2. Brake warning light – the brake warning light remains on, indicating ongoing brake system issues. 3. Traction control warning light – a squiggly line symbol appeared, suggesting further malfunctions related to the vehicle’s stability control system. 4. Burning smell – despite the dealership’s claim that the recall repair was completed, I still detect a burning smell from the vehicle, raising serious concerns about unresolved fire risks. When I contacted kia customer care at +1-800-333-4542, I was informed that the brake issues and fluid leak were “unrelated to the recall,” and I was told that I would have to pay out-of-pocket for towing, diagnostics, and repairs—exactly as the dealership had also insisted. This response has left me in a vulnerable position, both financially and in terms of vehicle safety, as I am unable to cover these unexpected costs on my own. Additionally, I was forced to drive my car home with the brake pedal going to the floor, endangering my life and the safety of others on the road. The dealership delayed addressing these serious issues, rushed the repair, and failed to fully assess the depth of the recall symptoms. Their negligence, coupled with kia’s refusal to take responsibility, has exacerbated the situation. Given the financial strain and the unsafe condition of my vehicle, I urgently request a loaner car until all issues related to the recall are thoroughly addressed, whether kia wants to take responsibility for these problems or not. The vehicle is simply not safe to drive in its current state, and I should not be expected to bear the financial burden of fixing what appe.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was abnormal banging and clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,520. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, there was a burning plastic odor coming through the dashboard vents. The contact stopped the vehicle and opened the hood and became aware there was white smoke coming from under the right side of the engine compartment. The contact stated that the smoke dissipated; however, the failure had become a recurring failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know I can report it to be investigated as a recall.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,600. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable time to remedy the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte.  the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000(service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts unavailable.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact's daughter owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the mil warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I don't see anywhere else on this site to give feedback on the recalls 23v652000 and 23v651000 issued on 09/25/2023, so I will give it here. Hyundai/kia's "fix" for this recall isn't a fix at all, but a band-aid meant to save them money, so they don't have to fix the vehicles. A fuse isn't going to stop the o-ring in the hecu from leaking and disabling the hecu (and the abs) - it's just going to stop the vehicles from burning to the ground. The hecu and the abs will still be non-functional, decreasing owners' safety, and increasing the likelihood of loss of control of the vehicles and the likelihood of a crash. The hecu (the part alone) can cost $2000, and the owners will be responsible for that repair. Hyundai/kia should be forced to repair or replace the hecus in the affected vehicles, instead of implementing a band-aid fix. This just proves that Hyundai/kia is more interested in saving money than taking care of their customers.

This is in regards manufacturer recall number sc284td NHTSA recall number 23v652 this recall is deemed a serious fire risk to my kia Forte koup 2012. There has been no updates on any sign of when the remedy will become available. This is a serious problem for me. I need a remedy part to be supplied and become available so I can fix my car in a timely manner so I can drive my car knowing I will be safe and to those around me.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the O2 sensor had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer had not been contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Nhtsa safety recall 23v652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by kia confirm the hecu/abs module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in contact with an adjacent multi-pin electrical connector, igniting the brake fluid and quickly leading to an engine fire. Kia has also stated a permanent solution is not yet available, while only issuing an interim recall. Furthermore, the proposed replacement part, consisting of a fuse, is unavailable for now. I am confused and frustrated with this solution. How will a fuse remedy a leaking brake fluid defect, which is the primary fault? this unacceptable action is a flagrant example of kia's painfully slow and inadequate response to a serious defect. Drivers of affected vehicles are forced to endure aggravation, exasperation and much anxiety during the long wait for a repair. Already, my vehicle is on a list of models identified by kia to have been manufactured without immobilizer modules. Kia has done nothing about remedying my immobilizer problem beyond providing a steering wheel locking device, which my auto insurance has deemed as insufficient and subsequently raised my premium. Lastly, my well-maintained vehicle, with only 28,570 miles on the odometer, may also be affected by the familiar theta engine design manufacturing defect in the crankshaft bearings that fail and indirectly cause a connecting rod to break. The broken connecting rod then smashes through the engine block, hot engine oil spills out and onto the neighboring exhaust manifold. The end result is a raging engine compartment fire. Kia has never contacted me about this defect.

In 2003 I purchased a kia minivan and couldn't promote the company enough. In 2012 I bought a kia sportage and Forte. In 2023 kia issued a recall on all cars having a key start ignition to update them with some software to prevent the cars from being stolen. I called kia corporate after notification and they sent me a club for my Forte as an interim fix until the software could be updated. Later on checking with the dealership I was told not only do they not have the software fix yet that my VIN number was not on the list, kia corporate did not hesitate to provide me with a club which I use until today because kia has failed to provide a fix and even if they did my vehicle seems to be exempt even though it is of the model year affected and a key start. Kia recommendation was to have owners to park their car in the garage. On top of that another recall, interim notice. Dated November 14th, 2023 warns of potential fire hazard from the hydraulic electrical control unit (hecu) even while the vehicle is parked. Kia's recommendation is to parkyour car outdoors and away from other vehicles and structures in the meantime. So now you have it, I have a car which can be stolen easily to be parked in the garage which might catch fire so it is to be parked outside. Please, broadcast this message to people potentially wanting to purchase a kia vehicle. How many other kia owners are in the same boat with me?.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.  the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the tail lights and brake lights were inoperable due to an electrical shortage in the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately  unknown.  .

Over the past 4 years I’ve had ongoing issues with the air in the car where it won’t blow cold air & my defroster will not work and I’ve gotten it fixed still the same issue. Along with the break lights after many attempts to replace them they still don’t come on but sometimes it will. Many problems with the engine I also here ticking noises as well as other sounds but can’t find the issue as well with the engine rpm going to 2 while I’m on the breaks or in park.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a rattling sound coming from the front end. After pulling into a driveway and turning off the vehicle, the contact looked at the belt and noticed it was still running and releasing a slight smoke. The contact stated that it took an extended amount of time for the belts to stop moving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic at the time of failure however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

My car is affected by recall 17v773000, though it is not listed. Dealership refusing to fix.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated that it was discovered the vehicle would not start due to a battery that was fully drained. After recharging the battery, the rear brake lights remained illuminated even while the vehicle was turned off. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake light stopper pad had failed causing the brake lights to remain illuminated. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the NHTSA campaign number: 17v773000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000.

The break pedal stopper pad deteriorated causing break lights to constantly illuminate.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact stated that the abs, the check engine and traction control warning lights, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was an abs module electrical short. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,136.

Slow to stop when coming off the highway slowing down.

The engine light suddenly came on and engine was tapping stalling and I smelled burnt melted plastic smell. The oil light was intermittently coming on and off. The fuel was consumed quickly than normal. I had brakes remaing engaged when foot not pressing pedal and could feel contact to road. Engine has failed car was moving.

I didn't get the recall for the brakes in 2018 radio just went out last year for no reason window on passenger just stopped working.

My break pedal stopper for my break lights crumbled.

Kia,Hyundai theta 2. 4 engine failure, under 100k miles. I have a 2012 kia Forte hatch sx with the 2. 4 engine. I purchased it from sunset kia of auburn valley wa with 66,000 miles not quite 3 years ago. In that time I've put about 30k miles on the car. I've had the oil changed regularly, and it has never been low. Last week, on August 11, 2019, while driving to work the engine seized on the highway. I lost power steering and brake assist. I was able to pull off the road without causing an accident, but only because of the time of day. Had it happened during heavier traffic a significant accident could have occurred. From online research it appears that this is a common problem for this car and others that that use the same theta ii engine. This car/engine should be recalled.

I was making a left turn into a parking spot at a corner store parking lot. As I was turning the accelerater dropped to the floor. I pushed the brake all the way and it still pulled forward. I impacted the front left corner of the store causing damage to the wall of the store. Also damage to the front of the car headlights, fender, tire well lining and more. No warning lights came on or airbags deployed. I just received a letter today in the mail about recall issues. Kia has not warned me of anything and I take my car to the kia dealership. I was not notified I'm trying get help with this. I'm looking for lawyer now because I just got this information. After owning this car since 2012. I'm working on the claim now so the full report is not done.

Break light still on with out press the pedal.