2011 Kia Forte
KNAFU41BECA004445
Vehicle record for the 2011 Kia Forte (VIN KNAFU41BECA004445). White, sedan, hybrid (lpg / electric). 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN KNAFU41BECA004445
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2011 Kia Forte worth?
What comparable 2011 Kia Forte vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2011 Kia Forte.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Kia Forte.
Rollover risk: 10.3% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2011 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2011 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2011 Kia Forte — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires Open
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 by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and di…
NHTSA #AQ23002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Nov 2023Loss of Motive Power Closed
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 spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the s…
NHTSA #DP22003 · Engine · opened Sep 2022 · closed Dec 2023Air bags may be disabled during crash Closed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. ODI also evaluated data from the automotive air bag…
NHTSA #PE18003 · Seat Belts, Air Bags · opened Mar 2018 · closed Aug 2019An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 81
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 81.
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…
Bulletin CS2311_TSB_R4 · Structure · Jun 2026PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2102 FLIGHT #501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2010-2011 MY Kia Forte and Forte Koup…
Bulletin PI2102_OWNR_501 · Electrical System, Engine · Mar 2026TECHNICAL 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 ba…
Bulletin TSB_CS2312_R1 · Structure · Feb 2026CUSTOMER 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 upgr…
Bulletin CS2311_OWNR_PC201 · Structure · Dec 2025PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating dis…
Bulletin PS797 · Back Over Prevention · Dec 2025PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2102) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2010-2011 MY Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles equipped with…
Bulletin PI2102_OWNR_401 · Electrical System, Engine · Jul 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 relat…
Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R5 · Power Train · Apr 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2102Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicate…
Bulletin PI2102YZ_TSB_R1 · Engine · Nov 2024PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2102) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2101) titled “Knock…
Bulletin PI2102_OWNR_301 · Engine · Nov 2024TECHNICAL 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…
Bulletin CS2311_TSB_R3 · Steering, Electrical System, Structure · Oct 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the FORTE FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2011 Kia Forte. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park…
Transport Canada #2023529 · Sep 2023Engine
Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the…
Transport Canada #2021040 · Feb 2021Airbag
On certain gasoline and hybrid engine vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control unit may become damaged. This could cause the airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in certain collisions where deployment is warranted, which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install a wire harness kit between the ACU connector and…
Transport Canada #2018301 · Jun 2018Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission’s fluid cooler hose may have been improperly manufactured. This could result in transmission fluid leaking from the hose, and cause abnormal transmission shifts and/or illumination of the instrument cluster malfunction indicator lamp. If enough fluid is lost, the loss of hydraulic pressure to the transa…
Transport Canada #2016061 · Feb 2016Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Kia Forte
The Kia Forte, known as the K3 in Asia, the Forte K3 or Shuma in China, and the Cerato in South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia, is a compact car manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia, produced from 2008 to 2024, replacing the Kia Spectra.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 3
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 drivi…
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
NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · manufacturer #SC284 · 25/09/2023AIR 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.
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 ins
NHTSA Campaign #18V363000 · manufacturer #SC165 · 01/06/2018POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V070000 · manufacturer #SC129 · 05/02/2016Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia Forte, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 28 involved a crash 🔥 12 involved a fire 🚑 35 reported injuries
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 161
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2011 Kia Forte.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle.…
Fire · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11754070SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 resistance while accelerating, and the jerking persisted. The…
NHTSA ODI #11720801ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA ODI #11714989SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed pol…
NHTSA ODI #11708830ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 rear cargo area for less than 15 minutes. There was no collisio…
NHTSA ODI #11703885SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed …
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11694817ENGINE
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 type engine and most of them have me recalled.
NHTSA ODI #11694631AIR BAGS
WCS Sensor Defect B1322-20 - Airbag Code WCS Communication Error B1324-20 - Airbag Code Door Ajar Lamp Circuit Failure B1323-20 - Airbag Code
NHTSA ODI #11691517+ 153 more complaints on record.
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