What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?

Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (45 complaints), followed by air bags (35).

How many 2011 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?

28 of 154 complaints report a crash and 13 a fire; 35 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2011 Kia Forte recalls and problems

3 recalls and 154 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia Forte.

recalls

154

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 Kia Forte recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · reported June 1, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 507,587 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
The risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Power train: automatic transmission, cooling unit and lines

NHTSA campaign 16V070000 · reported February 5, 2016 · Kia Motors America · 10,240 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
The risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine45
Air bags35
Power train18
Service brakes, hydraulic18
Electrical system16
Unknown or other13
Service brakes11
Vehicle speed control10
Exterior lighting8
Structure8

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 13, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 130,000 miles · fire reported
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning…

Jul 31, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 300,000 miles · fire reported
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were…

Feb 26, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 273,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS, red brake light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping and jerking during acceleration and deceleration. After restarting the vehicle, there was resistance while…

Feb 2, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling
See attached document for complaint.

Jan 5, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…

Forte model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	0	1	0	0
2010	3	221	21	4
2011	3	154	28	13
2012	4	292	20	23
2013	5	195	16	13
2014	3	444	32	36

Across all years, the 2014 Forte has the most complaints (444). All Kia Forte years →

Questions

Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on September 25, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?: Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (45 complaints), followed by air bags (35).
How many 2011 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?: 28 of 154 complaints report a crash and 13 a fire; 35 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 13, 2026.