2012 KIA FORTE KOUP Complaints and Recall Information
The 2012 KIA FORTE KOUP has 1 complaint and 5 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to engine failure accompanied by warnings such as check engine lights. One complaint involves white smoke coming from under the hood and multiple component failures linked to the engine, including battery, starter, and knock sensor damage.
Common Issues
- Engine failure. The engine failed causing damage to the battery, starter, and knock sensor, requiring replacement of these parts and the engine itself.
- Warning lights. The check engine warning light illuminated while driving at moderate speed.
- Smoke from engine compartment. Owners report white smoke coming from under the hood during startup or servicing.
There are five recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte Koup that address various safety and mechanical concerns, including engine fires, brake system malfunctions, and airbag control issues. These recalls affect multiple components related to braking, engine, and safety systems.
Recalls
- Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. (NHTSA 23V652000) Affects 1,730,192 vehicles. The unit may short circuit causing engine compartment fires while parked or driving. Owners are advised to park outside until repair. The fix includes replacing the HECU fuse free of charge.
- Engine fire risk. (NHTSA 20V750000) Covers 294,756 vehicles. Engine compartment fires can occur while driving. Dealers will inspect for fuel or oil leaks, perform engine tests, repair or replace the engine if necessary, and update the Knock Sensor Detection System software at no cost.
- Brake pedal stopper pad. (NHTSA 17V773000) Affects 134,366 vehicles. Deterioration can cause brake lights to stay on and allow shifting out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the pad free of charge.
- Air bag control module. (NHTSA 18V363000) Impacts 507,587 vehicles. A short circuit in the air bag control unit may prevent frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. Dealers will install an extension wire harness kit to fix the issue at no charge.
Owners facing repeated engine issues or those affected by unresolved recall repairs may want to review their legal options under their state’s lemon law. Legal rights could apply when defects or recalls remain unaddressed or continue causing problems.
2012 KIA FORTE KOUP Summary
2012
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
2666901
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2012 KIA FORTE KOUP
1730192 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2012 KIA FORTE KOUP
294756 vehicles affected
ENGINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
2012 KIA FORTE KOUP
507587 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
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.
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.
2012 KIA FORTE KOUP
134366 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2012 KIA FORTE KOUP
ID: 2098667ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte Koup. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, white smoke was coming from under the hood. While the independent mechanic was starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The mechanic turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the smoke on a separate occasion, while the contact's daughter was driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had caused the battery, starter, and knock sensor to fail. The vehicle was repaired for the prior failures. The contact stated that after the most recent failure, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine had failed and damaged the battery, starter, and knock sensor. The independent mechanic replaced the battery, starter, and knock sensor. Additionally, the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.