2012 Kia Forte engine problems
160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Kia Forte — 55% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Recall: NHTSA 23V-652 (Kia SC284) – HECU/ABS fuse recall My vehicle underwent this safety recall in 2025. The dealership replaced the HECU fuse. Immediately upon leaving the dealership after the recall repair, the same warning lights returned. I contacted the dealership…”
filed Jun 22, 2026
“While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle lost power in traffic, creating a safety risk. There were no warning signs before the failure. The oil level was properly maintained and oil changes were performed regularly. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle and stated…”
filed Mar 4, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An engine compartment fire can occur while drivingCampaign 20V750000 · Dec 2, 2020
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
PI2002YZ_TSB_R3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 7, 2024
Engine problems in other Forte years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 7 | 29% |
| 2023 Forte | 9 | 15% |
| 2022 Forte | 4 | 15% |
| 2021 Forte | 22 | 33% |
| 2020 Forte | 17 | 23% |
| 2019 Forte | 36 | 24% |
| 2018 Forte | 57 | 42% |
| 2017 Forte | 144 | 48% |
| 2016 Forte | 66 | 49% |
| 2015 Forte | 157 | 61% |
| 2014 Forte | 214 | 49% |
| 2013 Forte | 107 | 55% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Forte
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.