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 because of the airbag failure. I explained to the technician that I had read that there was an warranty extension for the exact clock spring failure. I met the qualification (2011-2016 /unlimited mileage) but I was required to pay $493.05 for this repair.
2012 Kia Forte: airbag warning light
10 of the 293 complaints about the 2012 Kia Forte describe airbag warning light.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Airbag warning light by model year
What owners say
Air bag light is on and dealership can't find cause. There is obvious reason for this and the kia dealership is at a loss. They've Replace coil/spring and acm it didn't fix it. Now they think it's a possible wire issue. Im the original owner and My car is a 2012 with about 75000 miles on it. I understand that older cars have issues but I still don't feel like there's enough "wear" for all this "tear"
The air bag light came on. I brought it to the dealer and was told it was the clock spring. I was charged over $700.00 for this repair. It appears that other years of the same make and model had problems with the clock spring as well and received an extended warranty. I want to know since my car had the same issue why my car 's clock spring is not covered in this class action suit for the extended warranty.. Thank you for any assistance . I contacted Kia USA and they would not refund the cost.
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Kia Campaign Number: SC165; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the brake light bulbs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he replaced the rear brake lights bulbs twice himself. Additionally, the contact stated that he had replaced the brake light switch. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was it was diagnosed that engine oil was leaking and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The part was replaced, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My airbag light is on took it to dealership when the airbag recall came out to have it check and got it back with airbag light on. And when it rains water gets in the trunk and also my passenger and driver side floor board gets soaked it has begun to show signs of mold this really concerns me due to the fact i have health issues and having to drive a car with mold growing in it is a huge issue
The steering wheel clicks really bad. My steering wheel components are no longer working. The airbag light has also come on with these issues.
My airbag light is on in the car. I took my car in to the dealer for on january 10 2019 for a recall 18v363 which they completed. On saturday feb 2, I was running errands. When I left one of the stores, the airbag light came on in my car and stay illuminated. It has been on and off (mostly on) intermittedly since then. The light never came on before the recall repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia forte. The contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated. The vehicle was serviced per the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v363000 (air bags) by value kia (6915 essington ave, philadelphia, pa 19153, 215‑937‑1000). The contact stated that the remedy was inadequate because the air bag indicator continued to illuminate. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,480.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia forte. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v363000 (air bags), which indicated that the part was unavailable. When the vehicle was started, the air bag indicator illuminated and remained lit. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Airbag light came on right after hitting 108k miles. Car has not been in amy accident. No airbags have ever deployed. The light just came on and will not go off.also car makes humming sound while idling with the foot off the gas. Bought car brand new and I'm being informed that other models that are having this issue are being recalled.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 18V363000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2012 Kia Forte airbag light
Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2012 Kia Forte?
10 of 293 owner complaints about the 2012 Kia Forte (3%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Kia Forte?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Kia Forte
Knocking 77Engine failure 57Check engine light 35Fire or smoke 26Stalling 23No deployment 11Won't start 11Jerking 8ABS 7Fuel smell 7Loss of power 7Headlights 6
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