2012 Kia Forte brakes problems

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Brakes · 135,000 miles · CA · 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 illuminated. The contact then became aware of a fire underneath the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and extinguished the fire using water and dirt. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that the vehicle had just been parked, and the engine was off prior to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Brakes · IL

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 the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a Kia dealership. The failed component was a brake line, which is a safety-critical part of the braking system. The repair was completed at customer expense after Kia declined goodwill or reimbursement assistance. Kia Customer Care case number: 2622663. My concern is that this does not appear to be ordinary wear only. This vehicle had prior Kia underbody corrosion campaign history under SC141, titled “Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material.” Kia confirmed to me that SC141 involved applying additional anti-corrosion/undercoating/cavity wax material to certain underbody components to help protect against corrosion. Kia also confirmed that SC141 was completed on my vehicle before the brake-line repair. Kia’s position is that SC141 did not cover brake lines or brake replacement, and that brake-line corrosion is normal maintenance/customer-pay because the vehicle is out of warranty. I understand Kia’s warranty position, but my complaint is about the safety issue and possible design-related corrosion vulnerability. The failed brake line appears to be routed in an underbody area exposed to corrosion risk, possibly near hardware, brackets, covers, or areas where salt/water can collect. In my view, this may represent a corrosion-trap design issue involving the routing/location of a safety-critical brake line, rather than simple routine maintenance. I am filing this complaint because corrosion-related brake line failure can result in reduced braking ability or loss of braking, and I believe this issue should be documented and reviewed for potential safety-defect trends involving this vehicle/platform.

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 100,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle, followed by a loss of motive power. The malfunction indicator light and ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Brakes · 174,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate, and while inspecting the lights in the rear of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the socket where the brake light bulb was located was melting from the light overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer did not diagnose the cause of failure. The brake lights were not repaired. It was confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 18V363000 (Air Bags) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer stated that the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); recall might have contributed to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know i can report it to be investigated as a recall.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · MS · fire

The contact's cousin owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended by the privacy fence. The contact was alerted by her nephew and observed that the vehicle was on fire. The front windshield had shattered, and smoke was visible inside the cabin. The fire appeared to originate from the dashboard area. The contact used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames with the assistance of her brother. The local fire department arrived on the scene and completed extinguishing the fire. The airbags deployed during the incident, and the fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact was able to link the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 31, 2024 · Brakes · 348,000 miles · FL · fire

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while he was occupying the parked vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the contact noticed fire coming from underneath the hood. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the hood became engulfed in fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground from the front end to the rear seats. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was awaiting to be towed and to be totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was in included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 348,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

After taking my 2012 Kia Forte EX to the dealership for the fire risk recall (recall number 23V652), the dealership replaced fuses as part of the recall. Despite this, major safety issues persisted: 1. Brake fluid leak – The leak was not resolved after the recall repair, and my brake pedal continues to go all the way to the floor, creating a critical safety hazard. 2. Brake warning light – The brake warning light remains on, indicating ongoing brake system issues. 3. Traction control warning light – A squiggly line symbol appeared, suggesting further malfunctions related to the vehicle’s stability control system. 4. Burning smell – Despite the dealership’s claim that the recall repair was completed, I still detect a burning smell from the vehicle, raising serious concerns about unresolved fire risks. When I contacted Kia Customer Care at +1‑800‑333‑4542, I was informed that the brake issues and fluid leak were “unrelated to the recall,” and I was told that I would have to pay out-of-pocket for towing, diagnostics, and repairs—exactly as the dealership had also insisted. This response has left me in a vulnerable position, both financially and in terms of vehicle safety, as I am unable to cover these unexpected costs on my own. Additionally, I was forced to drive my car home with the brake pedal going to the floor, endangering my life and the safety of others on the road. The dealership delayed addressing these serious issues, rushed the repair, and failed to fully assess the depth of the recall symptoms. Their negligence, coupled with Kia’s refusal to take responsibility, has exacerbated the situation. Given the financial strain and the unsafe condition of my vehicle, I urgently request a loaner car until all issues related to the recall are thoroughly addressed, whether Kia wants to take responsibility for these problems or not. The vehicle is simply not safe to drive in its current state, and I should not be expected to bear the financial burden of fixing what appe

Filed Jun 22, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

Over the past 4 years I’ve had ongoing issues with the air in the car where it won’t blow cold air & my defroster will not work and I’ve gotten it fixed still the same issue. Along with the break lights after many attempts to replace them they still don’t come on but sometimes it will. Many problems with the engine I also here ticking noises as well as other sounds but can’t find the issue as well with the engine rpm going to 2 while I’m on the breaks or in park

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Brakes · 81,600 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,600. Parts distribution disconnect.