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2012 Kia

Forte Koup

Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L

Kia Forte Koup: best and worst years
2012 Kia Forte Koup

Closest available photo (2010 model year); you're viewing the 2012.

2010 photoIFCARPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
154
Power to weight
0.055 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.20
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
31.2 mpg, reported by 2 driversabout 3.2 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
14 See on NHTSA

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE76%
  • AIR BAGS6%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6%
  • POWER TRAIN6%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 17 total.

Kia Forte Koup: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • AQ23002Openopened Nov 17, 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

  • DP22003opened Sep 12, 2022ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • EA21003opened Dec 22, 2021ENGINE

    Engine Fires

  • PE18003opened Mar 16, 2018SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

    Air bags may be disabled during crash

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

31 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Feb 19, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYTSB_CS2312_R1

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whole Integr

  • Dec 19, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYCS2311_OWNR_PC201

    CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade and can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Prior notifications stated that this modification had to be performed by July 1, 2025, but the subject vehic

  • May 16, 2024POWER TRAINTSB_TRA046_R4

    This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.

  • Feb 22, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCS2311_TSB_R2

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrat

  • Mar 20, 2023EQUIPMENTCS2305L_OWNRYD

    CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter.

  • Nov 18, 2022POWER TRAINTSB_TRA046_R3

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.

  • Oct 5, 2021STEERINGTSB_CHA084_R8

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping n

  • Sep 13, 2021STRUCTURETSB_BOD055_R1

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine r

  • and 23 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.