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2012 Kia Forte LX 6MT

The 2012 Kia Forte LX 6MT is a 2.0-liter inline-4 with a manual 6-speed and front-wheel drive. It starts at $15,200 MSRP and is rated at 28 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (28 mpg combined).

The Forte measures 178.3 inches long on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,729 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$15,200 ($21,516 *)
MSRP with Destination$15,950 ($22,577 *)
Destination Charge$750
Engine
Engine Type2.0L I4
Displacement2 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionManual 6-speed
Fuel Economy
City25 MPG
Highway34 MPG
Combined28 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity13.7 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15-in. steel
Wheels Rear15-in. steel
Tires FrontP195/65R15
Tires RearP195/65R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.3 in
Width69.9 in
Height57.5 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Front Track61.3 in
Rear Track61.6 in
Ground Clearance5.9 in
Cargo Volume14.7 ft³
Curb Weight2,729 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40 in
Headroom Rear37.6 in
Legroom Front43.3 in
Legroom Rear35 in
Shoulder Room Front55.7 in
Shoulder Room Rear54.7 in
Hip Room Front53 in
Hip Room Rear53.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (10.3 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD: 4 ★ overall

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia FORTE. 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

292 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia FORTE

Owner Complaints

292 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia FORTE (20 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 16 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine161
Service Brakes52
Air Bags37
Electrical System32
Exterior Lighting23
Hydraulic21
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 18, 2026 · Engine Fire
“VEHICLE & INCIDENT DETAILS * Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback * VIN: KNAFU5A26C5641380 * Incident Date: August 21, 2026 * Relevant Recalls: NHTSA Campaign 23V652000 (Recall SC284) & NHTSA Campaign…”
Aug 28, 2026 · Air Bags
“Airbag light came on August 21, 2026. I tried several steps to troubleshoot with no resolution. I took it to the local Kia dealership for further inspection. I was terrified to drive the vehicle…”
Aug 26, 2026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic Fire
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an abnormal sound for approximately five minutes, and the check engine warning light…”
Jul 2, 2026 · Service Brakes
“My vehicle is a 2012 Kia Forte EX. The vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. The brake pedal became soft/sank, and…”
Jun 22, 2026 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine
“Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Recall: NHTSA 23V-652 (Kia SC284) – HECU/ABS fuse recall My vehicle underwent this safety recall in 2025. The dealership replaced the HECU fuse. Immediately upon leaving the…”

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. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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