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2012 Kia Forte Electrical Problems

30 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

30
Complaints
6
Fires
Jan 2017Dec 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (30)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Dec 2025

Your engine suddenly began screeching while driving, followed by jolting, knocking sounds, and then caught fire and started smoking on the interstate. The car shut off as you were exiting, and oil began spilling underneath the engine. You were aware of a recall for engine fire on this vehicle but hadn't had it serviced yet. The repair will likely require a complete engine inspection and replacement of failed internal components that caused the fire.

NHTSA #: 11705749
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

Your 2012 Kia Forte has a known safety recall involving the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can cause electrical shorts and engine fires. This defect damaged your starter and battery, which burned out due to overcurrent from the faulty HECU. When you installed replacement parts, the same overcurrent caused white smoke and nearly caught fire again. Kia refused to cover these recall-related repairs under the safety recall, claiming your salvage title (issued for hail damage only) voids coverage, even though the electrical damage is unrelated to the cosmetic hail damage. Resolving this will require Kia to acknowledge that recall-related electrical damage should be repaired at no cost, regardless of salvage title status.

NHTSA #: 11673392
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2025

Your brake light bulbs burn out every two months and melt inside the socket, requiring several days of effort to remove the melted material. The bulb socket also produces a burning smell, raising concerns about a potential fire risk. This issue has been ongoing for over a year and may indicate a wiring or socket problem causing excessive heat.

NHTSA #: 11693939
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

Water is collecting inside your taillights because of the factory-installed rear wing, which is preventing proper drainage. This water accumulation is causing your car not to start. You'll likely need to have the rear wing repositioned or sealed to redirect water away from the taillight area.

NHTSA #: 11684597
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

Your 2012 Kia Forte is subject to a safety recall (23V652000), but the dealership has been unable to complete the repair after multiple attempts. Each time they try to install the replacement fuse, your vehicle's anti-theft alarm activates and won't accept the fix. The dealership initially misdiagnosed the problem as oil seeping into the engine harness (quoting $3,000 for replacement), but a second opinion confirmed there was no oil present. The master technician acknowledged the incompatibility but cannot explain why the recall remedy isn't working on your vehicle and is requesting $300 for further electrical diagnostics before attempting the fix again. Resolving this issue will likely require a complete electrical system diagnostic and potentially reprogramming or replacement of the vehicle's electrical control modules.

NHTSA #: 11664454
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

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

NHTSA #: 11614311
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

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

NHTSA #: 11595849
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2024

This is in regards to: 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.

NHTSA #: 11565667
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2023

Hello My complaint is why is it taking KIA so long on the HECU electrical short issue. According to your website this all started at the end of Sept. We got a recall notice on dated Nov 14. When I call and visit the Kia dealership they are on hold waiting for updates from corporate I guess. Same thing when I e-mail KIA Customer care. See response from Kia below. ========================================================== We are following up regarding your web submission for recall remedy status for repairs to begin. We apologize to hear of the concern and appreciate the opportunity to assist with this matter. Unfortunately we do not have an eta for the remedy however once made available an second notice will be sent to you. ============================================================ Their work around is to park the car outside. Since their previous recall was for the ease of stealing the car AND it's getting very cold here in Minnesota that is not a good option. Given the fact that the car could catch on fire and possibly burn a house down or kill someone this needs a higher priority. Thankyou for your time. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11560291
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11559408
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2022

Unknown… The car has been having on going issues with shutting off while driving. With new battery, starter, tune up, plugs, and still no fix. The signal lights do keep busting. The headlights and brake lights. It’s expensive to keep changing the headlights that do not last more than 2 months. Driver side in particular.

NHTSA #: 11491597
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2022

My car is affected by recall 17V773000, though it is not listed. Dealership refusing to fix.

NHTSA #: 11482365
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Dec 2021

I tried starting my vehicle and it wouldn't turn over so I pulled the key out of the ignition and the engine kept running. It stopped quickly, so I thought it was weird so I tried again and it made the same vacuum type noise and started smoking, all while the key was not in the ignition. It stopped smoking but I walked away for a sec and came back and the entire place was filled with smoke and the engine had then caught on fire. I was in a parking garage so many other vehicles could have been damaged, and people could have inhaled smoke and other things of that nature. I was also concerned that it would explode and cause even more damage. There was no other signs that this would happen, my vehicle had driven fine the morning of. The car is totaled of course and was towed off.

NHTSA #: 11445553
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2021

2012 Kia Forte Ex 2.0 I4 126k miles Daughter driving car to college, inside of vehicle filled with smoke, car engine stalled while on Hwy 430 in the middle of a construction zone. Barely made it to the shoulder of the road. I was close buy, I went and loaded up the car and took it home. Once home, I turned the ignition to on, to check for warning lights, None present! I looked under the car and could see oil! I looked all over the engine and discovered oil was coming from oil dipstick tube. I pulled the dipstick the rest of the way out and could see extreme metallic particles in oil. I drained what oil was left and the oil pan was full of fine metallic debris. I went ahead and changed the oil and started the car and the engine has an extreme knock, due to a common Kia failure. Faulty Rod main bearings. Contacted Kia and they told me to kick rocks. There’re corporate managers stated, “ I could care less if you ever bought a Kia and I could care less that the Rod Bearing failure is premature or a design flaw. We will not honor nor fix it.” This engine is in multiple Kia brands, they have recalled and replaced thousands of them. Since this engine is in a Forte, they stated my vin wasn’t in the selected range of defective engines. Even though, other models with the same engines are! Kia needs to stand behind and fix their faulty engines. My forte never had a “check engine “ light come on. The knock sensor never sent the car into limp mode and the vehicles pcm never acknowledged an issue to alert the driver of an impending disaster. Not only is my engine defective by Kia, they tampered with the vehicles software to where the knock sensor would never sense an impending problem, until the engine exploded in the consumer's face. Otherwise, the knock sensor would have alerted to an impending problem! Not one check engine light, not one ever came on! A computer scan also showed no stored codes, No active fault codes and No pending fault codes.

NHTSA #: 11417982
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Feb 2021

THIS VEHICLE HAS NOW REPAIRED 2 TIMES FOR RECALL ON BRAKE LIGHT/WIRING ISSUE. WE WERE CHARGED BY THE JENKINS KIA OF GAINESVILLE,FLORIDA FOR THE LAST 2 TIMES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT. MECHANIC AT ANOTHER BUSINESS ADVISED BULB BURNED SO MUCH THE BULB HOLDER WAS BURNED. SC158 IS RECALL NUMBER. REPAIRS DONE 10/22/2018, 2/14/2020 WIRING HARNESS & BULB HOLDER REPLACED ALL AT OUR COST. RECALLED TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. BULB NOW BURNED OUT AGAIN 2/15/21. FEEL CHEATED BY THIS DEALER SINCE HAS BEEN RECALLED 2013 & 2015.

NHTSA #: 11396480
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2021

MY 2012 KIA FORTE 2.0L ENGINE KEEPS MAKING A TICKING, KNOCKING NOISE. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE ISSUE, BUT THAT I MAY JUST NEED AN OIL CHANGE. OIL WAS SEVERELY LOW, EVEN THOUGH OIL WAS JUST CHANGED. THERE WERE NO LEAKS IDENTIFIED. ALSO, MY CAR HAS A JERKING ISSUE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE CAR SOMETIMES GETS THROWN FORWARD WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING THROWN. THIS ESPECIALLY HAPPENS ON THE INTERSTATE, OR IF THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR LONGER THAN 20 MINUTES. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA #: 11388894
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2020

THE NHTSA WEBSITE SAYS I HAVE A RECALL UNDER MY VIN NUMBER BUT WHEN I GO TO THE KIA WEBSITE AND ENTER IT FOR SERVICE IT SAYS NO RECALL FOUND, SO I CAN NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED.

NHTSA #: 11376768
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2020

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

NHTSA #: 11365607
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Mar 2019

THE STEREO WIRES MELTED AND STARTED A FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD. FIRE WAS PUT OUT. STEREO IS DAMAGED.

NHTSA #: 11184940
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2018

MADE A TURN AT APPROX 12 MPH. CAR BUMPED INTO NEUTRAL WHEN GROCERIES TIPPED OVER. HEATER, RADIO, AND ENGINE ALL QUIT. COULD NOT BE RESTARTED, VEHICLE HAD ZERO POWER. STRANDED IN INTERSECTION. TOWED TO REPAIR, INFORMED ENGINE HAD SEIZED DUE TO OVER-REVVING IN NEUTRAL. HAD ZERO POWER, COULD NOT OVER-REV. KIA AND WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSING ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR COVERAGE. BEING TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND A NEW STARTER. ESTIMATED REPAIR $8500, MORE THAN TWICE BLUEBOOK VALUE. I SEE AFTER RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA VEHICLES OF THIS ERA. APPROX. 83000 MILES, ALL SERVICE UP TO DATE. I NOTICE ON THE AUL REPORT THE AMOUNT OF WEAR ON THE ENGINE, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DAMAGE USING WORDS LIKE "HEAVILY SCORED AND WORN TO COPPER BACKING." I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE MINUTE OR SO THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL, ESPECIALLY SINCE DRIVER WAS AWARE OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED. (SHE SAW THE GROCERIES TIP OVER AND HIT THE SHIFTER).

NHTSA #: 11065330
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2017

THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE CAR GOES OUT OFTEN SINCE I BOUGHT IT, MORE COMMONLY THE RIGHT SIDE. I HAVE REPEATEDLY CHECKED AND REPLACED FUSES AND BULBS. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT WON'T LAST A MONTH BEFORE SOMEONE TELLS ME MY BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. THIS IS A HAZARD. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY ISSUES WITH THE WIRES OR FUSES, BUT THROUGH RESEARCH FOUND EARLIER MODELS OF THE KIA FORTE HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE PROBLEM BEING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BY THE PEDAL. KIA NEEDS TO FIND A FIX FOR THIS AND DO A PROPER RECALL.

NHTSA #: 11022087
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jun 2017

CENTER MOUNT STOP LIGHT ASSEMBLY - THE BRAKE LIGHT BURNED OUT AND BURNED THE ASSEMBLY. I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING FROM MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I CHECKED THE VEHICLE FOUND THIS LIGHT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY. THIS BURNING OF THE CENTER ASSEMBLY SHORTED OUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHICH LEFT ME WITHOUT BRAKES. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT LOOKING AT THE CENTER ASSEMBLY AS WELL AS THE OTHER BRAKE LIGHT PORTS-THERE WAS A SURGE OF SOME SORT WHICH CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. THE AREAS IN THE BRAKE LIGHT SOCKETS WERE BLACK. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I SMELLED THE BURNING IN THE CAR AND THUS FAR NO OTHER ELECTRICAL OR LIGHT AREAS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. I THOUGHT THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED IN THE EVENT KIA TRUNKS START BURNING.

NHTSA #: 11000121
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2017

MY WIFE AND I WERE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING ABOUT 75MPH ON A HIGHWAY IN SOUTHEAST KANSASWHEN MY CAR ESSENTIALLY TURNED OFF. LUCKILY THERE WAS A SHOULDER TO PULL ONTO. TRIED JUMPING IT WITH NO LUCK. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A NEARBY TOWN TO A BODY SHOP WHO KEPT IT OVER THE WEEKEND TO TRY AND REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THIS WAS A FRIDAY AND WE RETURNED THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY TO PICK UP THE CAR. BODYSHOP STATED THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO REPICATE WHAT HAD HAPPEND AND NOTHING FLASHED ON THE COMPUTER. WE DROVE IT IN THE TOWN A LITTLE BIT WITH NO ISSUES AND PROCEEDED HOME. WE WERE OUT OF THE TOWN ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN WE HEARD A SMALL KNOCKING THAT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. WE PULLED OVER. WE CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD TO THE NEXT TOWN WHICH WAS ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY TO A BODY SHOP. WE JUST GOT INTO TOWN WHEN THE CAR DIED AGAIN AS IF I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I MUSCLED THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT. TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON AGAIN AND ENGINE STARTED SMOKING. GOT IT TOWED BACK HOME TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP WHO LOOKED AT IT THE NEXT DAY TO INFORM ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, MAIN WIRE HARNESS, AND STARTER. I CONTACTED KIA, EVENTHOUGH I WAS ONLY 11K MILES OVER WARRANTY, TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. GOT IT TOWED TO A LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP WHO LOOKED IT OVER AND FOUND LOTS A METAL IN THE OIL. THEY PUT A CLAIM IN WITH KIA WHICH THEY DENIED. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO THEN SENT IT TO THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND HE DENIED ANY HELP. IT THEN GOT ESCALATED TO A HIGHER DEPARTMENT AND THEY DENIED ANY HELP EITHER. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NO ISSUES OR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. DURING THE TIME I HAD MY CAR I HAD PROPER OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 71,462 MILES ON IT AND NOW NEEDS A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. THANKFULLY THE TIMES IT STALLED, WHICH NO WARNING LIGHT EVER CAME ON NOR WAS THERE EVER A NOISE OF ANY KIND INDICATING ANYTING WAS WRONG, MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT IN A CRASH.

NHTSA #: 10972281
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Jan 2017

DRIVING HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY FROM MY PARENTS ON THE FREEWAY, HEARD A NOISE IN ENGINE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING. THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN OFF AND MY HUSBAND GOT OUT AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD OF THE CAR NOTICED IT WAS IN FLAMES. HE IMMEDIATELY YELLED FOR US TO ALL GET OUT OF THE CAR. AS WE STARTED RUNNING THE ENTIRE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. THANKFULLY WE GOT OUT WHEN WE DID, HOWEVER ALL OF MY CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS GIFTS, ALL OF OUR BELONGINGS WEREN'T SO LUCKY. MY KIDS ARE TRAUMATIZED AND IN SHOCK. THE CAR ONLY HAD 40K MILES ON IT. RECENTLY HAD THE 35K SERVICE BY KIA AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. YET THEIR WARRANTY MEANT NOTHING. THEY WON'T EVEN INSPECT THE CAR YET THEY DETERMINED THAT IT ISN'T THEIR PROBLEM. HOW DOES A RELATIVELY NEW CAR JUST BURN UP ?!?! *TR

NHTSA #: 10943968
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2016

THE ALTERNATOR ISN'T CHARGING THE BATTERY FULLY ACCORDING TO MY VOLTMETER. ACCORDING TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP I JUST NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. THIS IS THE 3RD BATTERY ALREADY. LUCKILY THE CAR SEEMS TO DIE AFTER IT IS PARKED. ALSO WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN ONCE AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED AND RADIO CUT OUT. HOPING IT IS JUST A FREAK OCCURRENCE BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS WEAK.

NHTSA #: 10881257
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2016

JUST RECENTLY (WITHIN THIS MONTH) I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN I TURN ON MY BLINKER EITHER WAY, OR STEP ON MY BREAK MY RADIO OR MUSIC FROM MY PHONE CUTS OUT. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME AND I DO NOT NOTICE IT HAPPENING AT A PARTICULAR SPEED. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE FREEWAY BUT I JUST NOTICE IT DID IT ON A SURFACE STREET TODAY. MY HEADLIGHTS AND MY INSIDE ROOF LIGHTS FLICKER ALSO. HAD A FRIEND CHECK IT OUT AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. CHECKED ALL THE WIRING FOR CORROSION, SOMETHING GROUNDING WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE, CHECK MY BATTERY VOLTAGE AND MY TRANSMISSION. CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IT BEING AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE DUE TO ME DRIVING 100+ MILES A DAY, 6 DAYS A WEEK. LAST THING I NEED IS FOR MY CAR TO CATCH FIRE...

NHTSA #: 10823289
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FireFiled: Jan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AS HE WALKED OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDOWS WERE BLACK FROM THE RESIDUE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF BEFORE THE FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA #: 10821478
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2015

MY 2012 KIA FORTE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY RACING, AND ACTING LIKE IT IS OUT OF GEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I ALSO GET PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS: I GET TOLD THAT THEY'RE OUT WHEN THEY AREN'T. I DO REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES ON MY VEHICLE. IT STARTED IN APRIL, 2014, AT FIRST OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOW IT IS ALMOST CONSTANT. IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT FOUND AND FIXED, I AM IN DANGER OF LOSING MY TRANSMISSION AND WORSE....UPDATED 12/10/15 *BF

NHTSA #: 10733474
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Apr 2015

I WAS PULLED OVER BY TRANSIT POLICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. IF THE PROBLEM FALLS TO THE WARRANTY THEY WILL DO IT, BUT I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CHECK-UP. MY TAIL LIGHTS WORK, BUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKE. IS THERE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA #: 10705047
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jul 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND PARKED, THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. THE VEHICLE STOPPING AFTER RUNNING FOR ONE FULL HOUR. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER AND THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE COATING AROUND THE WIRE NEAR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES HAD MELTED AND LEFT THE WIRES EXPOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA #: 10531617

Other 2012 Kia Forte Issues