2012 Kia Forte Koup SX 6MT
All photo credits
- Photo: 2010 Kia Forte Koup EX, front left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Kia Forte Koup, Front Right, 08-08-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2009 Kia Forte by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2013080203 Kia Forte Koup by Dynamicwork, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Kia Forte Koup in Gray met, rear left by Benespit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX 6MT is a 2.0-liter inline-4 with a manual 6-speed and front-wheel drive. It starts at $18,600 MSRP and is rated at 27 mpg combined.
EPA fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway (27 mpg combined).
The Forte Koup measures 176.4 inches long on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,844 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $18,600 ($26,328 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $19,350 ($27,390 *) |
| Destination Charge | $750 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L I4 |
| Displacement | 2 L |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | Manual 6-speed |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 24 MPG |
| Highway | 32 MPG |
| Combined | 27 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Tank Capacity | 13.7 gal |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 17-in. aluminum alloy |
| Wheels Rear | 17-in. aluminum alloy |
| Tires Front | P215/45R17 |
| Tires Rear | P215/45R17 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 176.4 in |
| Width | 69.5 in |
| Height | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in |
| Front Track | 61.4 in |
| Rear Track | 61.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 in |
| Cargo Volume | 12.6 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 2,844 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.7 in |
| Headroom Rear | 35.3 in |
| Legroom Front | 43.6 in |
| Legroom Rear | 33.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 55.7 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 52.4 in |
| Hip Room Front | 53.3 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 51.6 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX 6MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Tested, but no star ratings were published (2012 Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD).
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia FORTE KOUP. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside
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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
NHTSA campaign 23V652000
Dec 2, 2020 · 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
NHTSA campaign 20V750000
Jun 1, 2018 · 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.
Consequence: 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.
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 install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
NHTSA campaign 18V363000
Dec 1, 2017 · 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V773000
306 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia FORTE KOUP
Owner Complaints
306 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia FORTE KOUP (20 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 16 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine | 174 |
| Service Brakes | 52 |
| Air Bags | 38 |
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Exterior Lighting | 23 |
| Hydraulic | 21 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 KIA FORTE KOUP. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.