How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Forte have?

The 2011 Kia Forte has 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2011 Kia Forte has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2011 Kia Forte?

Of 213 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is engine.

2011 Kia Forte Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2011 Kia Forte has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,248,019 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 213 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 23V652000 2023-09-25 1,730,192 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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…

AIR BAGS 18V363000 2018-06-01 507,587 affected

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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…

POWER TRAIN 16V070000 2016-02-05 10,240 affected

Defect

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.

Consequence

If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE

AIR BAGS

191271

POWER TRAIN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

114

SERVICE BRAKES

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

611

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

111

STRUCTURE:BODY

325

Total complaints213

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2026-02-25

“The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the…”

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · reported 2025-12-08

“The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2025-12-08

“See attached document for complaint.”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · reported 2025-12-07

“I just bought this car with 79873 miles on it it now has 81853 miles and its making a ticking noise.I been looking over the engine and wondering why my check engine light doesn't come on when I left my gas cap off.I bought this car from a used car dealership..I been doing some research on this…”

ENGINE · reported 2025-10-01

“Wcs sensor defect b1322-20 - airbag code wcs communication error b1324-20 - airbag code door ajar lamp circuit failure b1323-20 - airbag code”

AIR BAGS · reported 2025-09-29

“The contact owns a 2011 kia forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2025-09-23

“Took the car to a mechanic for suspension work. While the forte was on the lift, it was discovered that the condensation from the air-conditioning unit drops directly on the car's subframe. This is on the right passenger side under the motor which could give way at anytime. There are no known…”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2025-06-28

Defect investigations

Investigation AQ23002 Opened 2023-11-17 · open

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured…

Investigation DP22003 Opened 2022-09-12 · closed 2023-12-12

Loss of Motive Power

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles…