2012 KIA FORTE VIN: KNAFU4A27C5494237

TBD
Condition
Run & Drive
Damage
Normal
Title
Clear

VIN KNAFU4A27C5494237 Decoding Kia Vin Decoder

Error Text

0 - VIN decoded clean. Check Digit (9th position) is correct

Make

KIA

Manufacturer Name

HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)

Model

Forte

Model Year

2012

Plant City

HWASUNG

Series

GLS

Vehicle Type

PASSENGER CAR

Plant Country

SOUTH KOREA

Plant Company Name

Kia Motors Corporation

Series2

TD

Body Class

Sedan/Saloon

Doors

4

Bed Type

Not Applicable

Cab Type

Not Applicable

Trailer Type Connection

Not Applicable

Trailer Body Type

Not Applicable

Displacement (CC)

2000.0

Displacement (CI)

122.04748818946

Displacement (L)

2.0

Engine Model

DOHC MPI THETA II

Fuel Type - Primary

Gasoline

Valve Train Design

Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)

Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type

Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Seat Belt Type

Manual

Curtain Air Bag Locations

1st and 2nd Rows

Front Air Bag Locations

1st Row (Driver and Passenger)

Side Air Bag Locations

1st Row (Driver and Passenger)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type

Direct

Bus Floor Configuration Type

Not Applicable

Bus Type

Not Applicable

Custom Motorcycle Type

Not Applicable

Motorcycle Suspension Type

Not Applicable

Motorcycle Chassis Type

Not Applicable

2012 KIA FORTE Crash Test Score

4

Overall Rating

Overall Front Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Front Driver Side
Front Passenger Side

Overall Side Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Front Seat
Rear Seat

Side Barrier

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Driver
Rear Passenger

Overall Side Pole Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Rollover Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Rollover Risk:
10.3%

2012 KIA FORTE Safety Features

Seat Belts and Head Restraints

Dynamic Head Restraints Driver, Front Passenger
Head Restraint Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat
Advanced Belt Feature Standard
Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage Driver, Front Passenger
Seat Belt Reminder System Not Available

Air Bags

Frontal Air Bag Driver, Front Passenger
Curtain Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat
Pelvis/Torso Driver, Front Passenger
Knee Not Available
Additional Air Bags Not Available
Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements Yes

Child Passenger Features

LATCH Locations Rear Seat
Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) Not Available
Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations Not Available

Complaints Assosiated with VIN KNAFU4A27C5494237

Components: ENGINE

May 06, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11378597
Consumer Location: RAYMORE, MO
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE MADE A REALLY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME. HAS A CONSISTENT KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE ISSUE.

Components: ENGINE

August 08, 2018
NHTSA ID Number: 11378195
Consumer Location: MIDDLEBURG, VA
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OF THE KNOCKING SOUND RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC OR A KIA DEALER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNKNOWN OR OTHER

November 27, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11376768
Consumer Location: GRIFFIN, GA
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: POWER TRAIN ENGINE

September 01, 2018
NHTSA ID Number: 11361463
Consumer Location: CLEVELAND, OH
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS EMITTING A SOUND LIKE THAT OF A DIESEL ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE CONTACTED WERE CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ISSUE WAS COMMON WITH SIMILAR VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CRANK BEARING HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Components: POWER TRAIN EXTERIOR LIGHTING

August 20, 2019
NHTSA ID Number: 11252897
Consumer Location: Unknown
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE CONTACT WAS TESTING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER EASILY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CALLED CROWN KIA ST PETERSBURG (5500 34TH ST N, ST PETERSBURG, FL 33714, (844) 921-3247) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V773000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES

August 12, 2019
NHTSA ID Number: 11252883
Consumer Location: TIERRA VERDE, FL
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF LAST WEEK AND I FOUND THAT THE STOPPER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE ONLY WAY TO TURN THEM OFF WAS BY REMOVING THE BRAKE SWITCH BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN RECALLED (17V773000), BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOW DO I GET MY VIN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL?

Components: ENGINE

February 20, 2019
NHTSA ID Number: 11185087
Consumer Location: VESTAL, NY
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

THIS ENGINE HAS ALWAYS HAD LOUD VALVES. DEALER SAYS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT IN 2012. AT 121,000 MILES, THE ENGINE HAS SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A SOLID KNOCKING FROM DEEP WITHIN THE ENGINE - MUCH LIKE THE SAME CONDITIONS THAT RESULTED IN THE OPTIMA, SPORTAGE, AND SORRENTO ENGINES BEING RECALLED. KIA CLAIMS THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH FORTE ENGINES YET THEY EXHIBIT THE SAME KNOCKING THAT ENDS WITH CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO PREMATURE BEARING WEAR. WHEN COLD, MY 2.0L GAS ENGINE CLATTERS MORE THAN A DIESEL TRUCK. IS IT POSSIBLE THEY ARE RESISTING ADDING THE FORTE DUE TO THE SHEER NUMBER OF THOSE VEHICLES SOLD? DEALER WANTS $109 PER HOUR FOR DIAGNOSTICS WITH NO CAP ON HOURS SPENT. ON THE KIA FORUM I FOLLOW, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE WAITED 3 MONTHS FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. I'M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING MORE FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH. UP UNTIL NOW, THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT VEHICLE. SOLID, RELIABLE, ONE I WOULD JUMP INTO AND DRIVE 1200 MILES ON A TRIP WITHOUT HESITATION. WE AVERAGED 38 MPG MAKING TRIPS FROM NY TO FL AND BACK. NOW I'M SCARED TO EVEN MOVE IT IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT'S JUST SAD THAT KIA APPEARS TO HAVE DROPPED THE BALL LIKE THIS.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

January 15, 2019
NHTSA ID Number: 11184940
Consumer Location: MILWAUKEE, WI
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SERVICE BRAKES

March 06, 2018
NHTSA ID Number: 11076607
Consumer Location: LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

WHEN DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATE. THE BULBS IN THE TAIL LIGHT BURN OUT FREQUENTLY ON AVERAGE OF 60-90 DAYS..

Components: ENGINE

May 10, 2017
NHTSA ID Number: 11031742
Consumer Location: PASSAIC, NJ
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AND THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WITH SOME NOISE, AND NOISE STARTED TO GET LOUDER AND LOUDER, I STOPPED THE ENGINE AND I HAD TO TAKE THE ENGINE APART TO SEE INSIDE TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, I FOUND METAL DEBRIS FROM THE ENGINE IN THE OIL BAN AND CYLINDER #2 AND # 4 ROD BEARING WORN OUT, AND FROM WHAT I READ ABOUT THE HYUNDAI PROBLEM, ALL HYUNDAI UNDER RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, I DONT KNOW HOW COME KIA NO RECALL SO FAR AND THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE INSTALLED ON HYUNDAI.

Components: POWER TRAIN VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ENGINE

October 15, 2016
NHTSA ID Number: 10979188
Consumer Location: RIVERSIDE, CA
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT FLOW OF TRAFFIC MOTOR SHUTS DOWN AT HIGH SPEED AND ON THE HIGHWAYS.

Components: ENGINE

July 01, 2016
NHTSA ID Number: 10919673
Consumer Location: PITTSBURGH, PA
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE EVAPORATOR CANISTER WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING SERVICE BRAKES

March 13, 2015
NHTSA ID Number: 10694593
Consumer Location: INDEPENDENCE, MO
VIN: KNAFU4A27C5****

Summary of Complaint

I WAS PULLED OVER BY A [XXX] AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT EXACT PROBLEM ON 2009-2010 MODELS BUT THERE WAS NOT ONE YET ON 2012 MODELS. MY TAIL LIGHTS WORK, BUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Components: POWER TRAIN UNKNOWN OR OTHER ENGINE

May 27, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11420796
Consumer Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL
VIN: Knafw6a38c5****

Summary of Complaint

This complaint it about Kia Motors. My motor sent a rod through the block due to a recall. However, i called a week before because of rod knock that started on 05/22/21(blew 05/27/21) , i was told parts were ordered. A week after i was told that the engine blew. I towed it to a dealership (05/28/21) Its been an additonal 2 and a half weeks with no update as to when itll be repaired, no loaner offered. Ive already lost one job because of Kia's lack of quality control. This engine failure is common and i believe common enough to not have to wait this long for work to be done.

Components: ENGINE

May 27, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11420376
Consumer Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL
VIN: Knafw6a38c5****

Summary of Complaint

Was driving to work, motor developed rod knock and later blew up due to the knock. Which was caused by one of the recalls for this vehicle.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ENGINE

April 01, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11417982
Consumer Location: BIGELOW, AR
VIN: KNAFU4A23C5****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: ENGINE

May 17, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11417517
Consumer Location: CARBON CLIFF, IL
VIN: KNAFU4A23C5****

Summary of Complaint

My Kia forte has 94k miles on it started making a ticking noise took it to a mechanic he said you need a new engine, Excuse me??? Looked online tons of people are having the same issue why no recall ???? please help!

Components: ENGINE

May 08, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11415651
Consumer Location: DIBOLL, TX
VIN: KNAFW6A36C5****

Summary of Complaint

CAR HAS LESS THAN 80,000 MILES AND I WAS DRIVING IT TODAY AND MADE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND THEN I HEARD ALL THE OIL DRAIN OUT. I HAD A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT AND HE FOUND PIECES OF THE MOTOR BROKE OR CRANK CASING. I HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK TO PARK IT AT MY HOUSE. I HAVE PICTURES BUT IT SAYS IT'S TO BIG TO UPLOAD.

Components: STRUCTURE

January 01, 2014
NHTSA ID Number: 11407607
Consumer Location: WYOMING, MI
VIN: KNAFU5A24C5****

Summary of Complaint

PREVIOUSLY, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR UNDER BODY RUST. I HAD THAT FIXED. HOWEVER, THE RUST PROBLEM EXTENDS TO THE PAINT JOB AND LITTLE ORANGE DOTS OF RUST HAVE BEEN ON THE VEHICLE IN MANY PLACES.

Components: ENGINE

December 30, 2012
NHTSA ID Number: 11407775
Consumer Location: EL PASO, TX
VIN: KNAFU6A21C5****

Summary of Complaint

MY VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ONLY MINIMALLY WITH PRESENTLY 23540 MILES REGISTERED ON THE ODOMETER. SINCE NEW, THE ENGINE HAS ALWAYS EXPERIENCED PRE-IGNITION AND PINGING, ESPECIALLY UNDER LIGHT LOAD. I SUSPECT A PROBLEM WITH THE SPARK TIMING EXISTS. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS A PISTON SLAPPING SOUND HEARD DURING COLD ENGINE OPERATION. IT IS CERTAINLY NOT A NORMAL SOUND. BOTH PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED SOON AFTER VEHICLE PURCHASE IN 2012. THE SERVICE DEALERSHIP CONCLUDED THAT THE SOUNDS WERE NORMAL FOR THE ENGINE DESIGN. MY CONCERN IS THAT EITHER CONDITION CAN LEAD TO AN ENGINE FIRE.

Components: ENGINE

March 20, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11407128
Consumer Location: APPLE VALLEY, CA
VIN: KNAFU4A22C5****

Summary of Complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VALLEY-HI KIA (14644 VALLEY CENTER DR, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395, (760) 955-0046) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Components: AIR BAGS SERVICE BRAKES ENGINE

December 02, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11406487
Consumer Location: TAMPA, FL
VIN: KNAFT4A23C5****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: ENGINE

March 26, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11406090
Consumer Location: TULSA, OK
VIN: KNAFU4A22C5****

Summary of Complaint

I HAVE A 2012 FORTE WITH 57,000 MILES. IT HAS DEVELOPED A ROD KNOCK TAPPING NOISE THAT SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE KIA ENGINES IN THEIR VEHICLES. WHY IS THE 2.0L ENGINE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS RECALL FROM JANUARY 2021? ON MARCH 26, 2021 DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WHICH WE ALL KNOW IS NOT A GOOD THING FOR ANY VEHICLE. TOOK CAR TO THE KIA DEALER WERE THE MECHANIC SAID THAT HE WILL HAVE TO BREAKDOWN THE ENGINE TO TROUBLESHOOT WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. I NEED KIA MOTORS TO FIX THESE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2.OL ENGINES.

Components: ENGINE

May 13, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11399889
Consumer Location: FAYETTEVILLE, AR
VIN: KNAFW5A32C5****

Summary of Complaint

I HAVE FINANCED A 2012 KIA FORTE HATCH BACK AND ON MAY 13TH 2020 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE, CHECK OIL AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE, BECAME HARD TO STEER. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND THE ENGINE DIED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T RESTART. I TOOK IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND ANOTHER MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD MY ENGINE HAD SPONTANEOUSLY FAILED. THE CAR SAT IN MY GARAGE SINCE AND ON 2/8/2021 I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM KIA IN THE MAIL. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO KIA ON 2/9/2021 AND IT HAS BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE. I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT MY CAR WON'T PASS OR FAIL THE TEST AND IS THEREFORE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND MY CAR WON'T BE REPAIRED. I AM NOW EXPECTED TO KEEP MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON THE FINANCE NOTE AND THE INSURANCE FOR A VEHICLE THAT DOESN'T RUN. I NEED TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED.

Components: ENGINE

March 05, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11399470
Consumer Location: NATCHITOCHES, LA
VIN: KNAFU4A21C5****

Summary of Complaint

ENGINE HAS A SLIGHT KNOCK AND CONSISTENTLY HAS A ROUGH START-UP, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN LATEST RECALL NOTICE FROM KIA. FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM IN 2017, SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WANTED TO REBUILD THE ENGINE. WE DECLINED DUE TO COST AND AFTER SOME INTERNET RESEARCH, KNOWING THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE CARS, WE WERE HOPING IT WOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE 2020-2021 RECALL. INSTEAD, OUR VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WE'RE STILL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE RECALL RELATED TO ENGINE KNOCKING, RISK OF FIRE, AND OTHER ENGINE ISSUES NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL 2012 KIA FORTES.

Components: ENGINE

November 01, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11398703
Consumer Location: YUKON, OK
VIN: KNAFU6A29C5****

Summary of Complaint

MOTOR HAS A KNOCKING SOUND AN NO LONGER OPERATES

Components: STEERING WHEELS SERVICE BRAKES

February 23, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11398324
Consumer Location: CINCINNATI, OH
VIN: KNAFT4A25C5****

Summary of Complaint

SLOW TO STOP WHEN COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY SLOWING DOWN

Components: ENGINE

January 26, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11398016
Consumer Location: LOGANVILLE, GA
VIN: KNAFU4A26C5****

Summary of Complaint

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHILST DRIVING MY CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHICH PROCEEDED TO MAKE IT HARD FOR ME TO STEER AND COMPLETELY SLOWED DOWN MY CAR AND IT EVENTUALLY GAVE OUT ON ME . I WASN'T EXPERIENCING ANY OTHER PROBLEMS . WHEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC THEY STATED IT WAS THE ENGINE

Components: ENGINE

March 15, 2019
NHTSA ID Number: 11397802
Consumer Location: SPRINGFIELD, MO
VIN: KNAFW5A35C5****

Summary of Complaint

OUR LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THIS PROBLEM WITH OUR CAR ON 3/15/19. 2012 KIA FORTE SX 2.4L (106,430 MILES, 6430 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY) FOUND THE ENGINE TO BE KNOCKING. FOUND THE #2 ROD BEARING TO BE SEVERELY WORN AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MAKE NOISE AND STOP ROTATING. RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENGINE. THE 2.4L THETA II ENGINE WAS NOT PART OF ORIGINAL RECALL SO KIA WOULD NOT REPLACE ENGINE AND SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF A REPLACEMENT ENGINE AND LABOR. WE DECLINED, AND CAR AS SAT STATIONARY FOR PAST TWO YEARS AT OUR HOME. WHEN WE FOUND OUT THIS 2.4L THETA II ENGINE WAS NOW INCLUDED IN A RECENT RECALL WE ASKED KIA TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES TO REPLACING THE ENGINE SINCE THE CAR HAS SAT FOR TWO YEARS AND I NO LONGER HAVE FAITH IN THE RELIABILITY OF THIS CAR AS PARTS OF THE CAR ARE NO LONGER IN WORKING CONDITION AND/OR MISSING. THEY REFUSED ANY ALTERNATIVES. THEY WANTED US TO PAY TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL KIA DEALER TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM THAT WAS ALREADY DIAGNOSED BACK ON 3/15/19. THE ORIGINAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THE 2.0L AND 2.4L GDI ENGINES PROVIDED ALTERNATIVES TO ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENGINE FAILURE (LIKE TOWING), REBATES, ETC. SINCE KIA WAS FOUND AT FAULT AND FINED BY THE US GOVERNMENT OVER THEIR DELAY IN RECALLING THESE 2.4L THETA II ENGINES AND SINCE THAT DELAY WAS THE ONLY REASON WE DIDN'T FIX THIS CAR ON 3/15/19 WE FEEL WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR OUR EXPENSES AND LOSS OF TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE OF THEIR FAULTY ENGINE AND THEIR NEGLIGENCE IN DELAYING THE RECALL. HAVING THE ENGINE REPLACED NOW IS NO LONGER A VIABLE OPTION FOR US. WE OFFERED TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE WITH THE COST OF ENGINE REPLACEMENT/LABOR PUT TOWARDS A REBATE, KIA REFUSED.

Components: ENGINE

February 23, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11397589
Consumer Location: SHREVEPORT, LA
VIN: KNAFW5A37C5****

Summary of Complaint

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I TOOK MY 2012 KIA FORTE TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA(ORR KIA) UPON RECEIVING A IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL BY KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. UPON COMPLETION OF MY RECALL I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE TICKING/ KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE THAT HAS A ODOR SMELL TO IT WAS DECLINE BY TECHLINE BECAUSE OF A OUTSIDE WARRANTY. I'M NOT SATISFIED WITH THIS DECISION BECAUSE THE WARRANTY CLEARLY STATE VEHICLE'S ENGINE, ENGINE NOISE, FUEL SMELL, BURNING SMELL,ETC. THAT MAY BE RELATED TO AN ENGINE MECHANICAL ISSUE. AT VARIOUS TIMES THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EXTERIOR LIGHTING

February 15, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11396480
Consumer Location: GAINESVILLE, FL
VIN: KNAFU4A21C5****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING ENGINE

February 04, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11396028
Consumer Location: CEDARTOWN, GA
VIN: KNAFUYA20C5****

Summary of Complaint

I BOUGHT MY 2012 KIA FORTE BRAND NEW. WELL..I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS ENGINE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. IT MAKES A HORRIBLE TICKING NOISE LIKE ITS ABOUT TO BLOW UP AND I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY MILEAGE IS 96,000. MY DIM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING AS WELL. AND ITS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL. KIA NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND GO AHEAD AND RECALL BECAUSE I HAVE THE SAME ENGINE AS THE ONE THATS BEEN RECALL BUT THEY SAY MINE ISN'T LISTED IN THE RECALL.

Components: ENGINE

February 13, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11396116
Consumer Location: APPLETON, WI
VIN: KNAFU4A28C5****

Summary of Complaint

I HAVE A 2012 FORTE WITH 103000 MILES. IT HAS DEVELOPED A ROD KNOCK THAT SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES. WHY IS THE 2.0 ENGINE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS RECALL?

Components: ENGINE

January 31, 2021
NHTSA ID Number: 11390903
Consumer Location: INKOM, ID
VIN: KNAFW4A34C5****

Summary of Complaint

THE MOTOR BLEW A ROD THREW THE BOTTOM OF THE BLOCK. CAR ONLY HAS 83,500 MILES ON IT. WAS TRAVELING AT 80 MPH ON INTERSTATE.

Components: SUSPENSION AIR BAGS SEAT BELTS

March 05, 2018
NHTSA ID Number: 11390612
Consumer Location: SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
VIN: KNAFW6A35C5****

Summary of Complaint

I PURCHASED THE KIA FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP WITH FAKE CARFAX. I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S A EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WORKING VEHICLE NO PROBLEMS OR RECALLS. I GOT A CAR LOAN ON IT AND A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AND. KIA NEVER REPAIRED IT I TOLD THE BANK AND CAR LOT AND THEY DEMAND MORE MONEY FROM AND I SHOULD THEM THAT THEY WERE INFORMED ABOUT THIS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY REPO MY CAR AND STILL LEFT ME ON THE DMV RECORDS STATING I HAVE THE CAR AND FORCING ME TO PAY THE LOAN AND IS TRIPLE MY PAYMENTS

Components: ENGINE

July 09, 2019
NHTSA ID Number: 11390717
Consumer Location: KEWAUNEE, WI
VIN: KNAFU4A24C5****

Summary of Complaint

AT ABOUT 99,500 MILES, MY 2012 KIA FORTE 2.0-L CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD TICKING SOUND, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE VALVE LIFTERS. HOWEVER, AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DIAGNOSED IT, USING A STETHOSCOPE, AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE WRIST PIN ON THE PISTON CONNECTING ROD. IN MY OPINION, THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECALLED FOR SAFETY REASONS.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ENGINE

September 01, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11388894
Consumer Location: DOUGLASVILLE, GA
VIN: KNAFU4A20C5****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: ENGINE

December 29, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11387442
Consumer Location: BRIGHTON, IL
VIN: KNAFU5A22C5****

Summary of Complaint

BOUGHT 2012 KIA FORTE ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IT STARTED A KNOCK NOISE. A COUPLE DAYS AFTER THE NOISE STARTED I TOOK IT IN FOR A SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE HOPING THE NOISE WOULD IMPROVE. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE, NOW I'M WAITING FOR MY NEXT APPOINTMENT TO GET MY CAR LOOKED AT AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I WAS AWARE OF ENGINE RECALLS ON 2.4L HYUNDAI ENGINES, AS WE OWN A SONATA THAT WAS AFFECTED. I DID NOT KNOW THAT 2.0L ENGINES HAD BEEN RECALLED. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW 2.0L IN THE FORTE ARE NOT INCLUDED.

Components: ENGINE

September 23, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11386425
Consumer Location: GRAPEVIEW, WA
VIN: KNAFW5A35C5****

Summary of Complaint

MY CAR HAS A 2.4 L ENGINE IN IT THE ENGINE IS FAILING IT HAS A BEARING PROBLEM I HAVE IT AT KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY'RE TELLING ME IT'S NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL AND I DON'T SEE HOW IT'S NOT BECAUSE IT'S THE 2012 2.4L AND AT THE SAME CAR SAME MOTOR AND THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME GOING ON.

Components: ENGINE

December 17, 2020
NHTSA ID Number: 11386061
Consumer Location: EMERYVILLE, CA
VIN: KNAFU4A20C5****

Summary of Complaint

DEVELOPED A VERY SUBTLE TICKING NOISE IN 2018, HAPPENING MOSTLY AT LOW SPEEDS, GONE AFTER WARM UP. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP (NAPLETON'S IN URBANA, IL), AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT LOCATE ANY NOISE AND DIDN'T FIND ANY IMPACT ON DRIVABILITY. I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR, WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES (ALL MY MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AT THE DEALER), UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2020, WHEN THE NOISE BECAME VERY VERY NOTICEABLE, AT ALL SPEEDS AND ALMOST CONSTANT. BECAUSE I HAD MOVED TO CALIFORNIA, I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER KIA DEALERSHIP IN OAKLAND AND THEY SAID THEY CAN INSTALL A USED ENGINE REPLACEMENT (WITH 30 K MILES ON IT ALREADY) FOR A MINIMUM OF 6200 BEFORE TAX. I THOUGHT THEY WERE KIDDING, TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T EVEN DO SO MUCH AS CHANGE THE OIL IN THAT VISIT.... WELL THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AGREES ON THE ROD BEARING BEING ON ITS WAY OUT AND THAT THE ENGINE CAN SEIZE AT ANY POINT. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TORE DOWN THE ENGINE TO DIAGNOSE IT. I NOW HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN THE CAR'S WORTH TO ENSURE IT DOESN'T SEIZE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND KILL SOMEONE, OR HAVE TO SELL IT FOR SCRAPS, DESPITE INSTALLING BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, A NEW EVAP CANISTER (CRACKED AND FAILED SMOG TEST IN CALIFORNIA)AND PURGE VALVE JUST THIS YEAR ALONE. THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE NOW. KIA NEEDS TO FIX THIS. THESE ENGINES NEED TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. FORUMS ARE FULL OF FAILED KIA FORTES FROM 2012, SOME MUCH EARLIER THAN MINE. 93.5K MILES SINCE BUYING IT IN AUGUST 2013).

KIA FORTE Sold

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