Model year guide

2012 Kia forte koup

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia forte koup is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2012 Kia forte koup — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Kia forte koup at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints302
Combined26–28 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Kia forte koup recalls 4

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software,…

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #18V363000 · 01/06/2018

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.

Fix: 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 i…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #17V773000 · 01/12/2017

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 p…

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Kia forte koup common problems

Owners have filed 302 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
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.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2012 Kia forte koup MPG & running costs

Combined26–28 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,525
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd or Manual 6-spd
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$625 more

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.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Kia forte koup costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,625
Fuel only$12,625
Per mile$0.17

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.

2012 Kia forte koup trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS
Engines
2.0L

2012 Kia forte koup vehicles on record

Other Kia forte koup model years

2012 Kia forte koup — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia forte koup have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia forte koup. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia forte koup?

Owners have filed 302 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia forte koup get?

The 2012 Kia forte koup has U.S. EPA estimates of 26–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.