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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2010–2017

Kia Forte Koup recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 52 owner complaints for the Kia Forte Koup, covering model years 2010 to 2017. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (16), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Kia Forte Koup VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 5 recall campaigns on file
  • 52 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2010–2017)
  • most complaints: 2013 (16 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (37 complaints)
  • latest recall 23V652000 (reported Sep 25, 2023)
  • 1 complaint reporting a crash (1.9%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a fire (3.8%)
  • 1 complaint reporting an injury (1.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Kia Forte Koup complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 16 of 52, or 30.8%. Next come 2012 (14) and 2010 (11). The fewest are for 2014, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Kia Forte Koup owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2010–2016Column chart of 52 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2013 with 16. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2010: 11 complaints1120102011: 8 complaints820112012: 14 complaints1420122013: 16 complaints1620132014: 1 complaint120142015: 0 complaints20152016: 2 complaints22016
Kia Forte Koup complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Kia Forte Koup complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2010110100
201180000
2012140000
2013161110
201410000
201620000
All model years521210

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Kia Forte Koup components

top 14 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 37 complaints (71.2% of all 52), followed by Air Bags (5) and Electrical System (5).

Components named most often in Kia Forte Koup complaints (top 14)
Components named most often in Kia Forte Koup complaints (top 14)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine3771.2%
Air Bags59.6%
Electrical System59.6%
Seat Belts47.7%
Vehicle Speed Control47.7%
Fuel/Propulsion System35.8%
Exterior Lighting23.8%
Power Train23.8%
Structure23.8%
Wheels23.8%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)11.9%
Service Brakes11.9%
Unknown or Other11.9%
Visibility11.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Kia Forte Koup recalls

5 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Forte Koup, newest first. The 5 campaigns cover model years 2010 to 2017. The 2012 and 2013 model years appear in the most campaigns (4 each).

  • 5 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Park Outside” advisory
Kia Forte Koup recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2010: 2 campaigns2011: 2 campaigns2012: 4 campaigns2013: 4 campaigns2014: 2 campaigns2015: 1 campaign2016: no campaigns2017: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 23V652000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2010–2013

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V031000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2017

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

    Consequence:
    Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 20V750000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model years 2012–2015

    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V363000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

    Model years 2010–2013

    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 17V773000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages

    Model years 2012–2014

    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Kia Forte Koup questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Kia Forte Koup have?

NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recall campaigns for the Kia Forte Koup, covering model years 2010 to 2017. The most recent, 23V652000, was reported on September 25, 2023 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”. The 2012 and 2013 model years are covered by the most campaigns (4 each).

Which Kia Forte Koup model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 16 of the 52 complaints in NHTSA’s file (30.8%). The next are 2012 (14) and 2010 (11). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Kia Forte Koup complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 37 complaints, or 71.2% of all 52. Air Bags (5) and Electrical System (5) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Kia Forte Koup?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Kia dealer.

How many Kia Forte Koup complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 52 complaints, 1 report a crash, 2 a fire, 1 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Kia models

8 models · most complaints first

The Kia models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Kia VIN decoder with every Kia model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Kia Sorento 2003–2026 · 40 recalls · 10,159 complaints
  • Kia Optima 2001–2020 · 22 recalls · 7,499 complaints
  • Kia Soul 2010–2025 · 15 recalls · 5,532 complaints
  • Kia Sportage 1995–2026 · 36 recalls · 4,687 complaints
  • Kia Forte 2009–2024 · 18 recalls · 2,539 complaints
  • Kia Sedona 2002–2021 · 23 recalls · 2,406 complaints
  • Kia Telluride 2020–2027 · 19 recalls · 2,009 complaints
  • Kia Sephia 1995–2003 · 7 recalls · 1,687 complaints

All Kia models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.