2012 Kia Forte: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · PA · fire

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The driver pulled into the driveway and the engine caught on fire. The Fire Department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The Police responded to the scene and filed a Police report. The contact stated that photographs were taken of the vehicle for the insurance company.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL · fire

Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning of any kind, car was running seemingly fine prior to this, car was jolting and not going anymore and something also sounded as if it had popped, it started knocking and caught fire and was smoking, breaking down on the side of the road and has been in another state since this occurred just sitting at a hotel because we had to get a rental car. We did call Kia in Georgia to have this issue rectified as we had recently bought this vehicle and were unaware there was a recall on it, however we did some checking and the previous owner also let us know there is a recall for engine fire. I do have the papers for that. Kia advised us they would not be responsible, but Panama City fl Kia where we live were willing to look at that car prior to this incident and take care of the recall, the previous owner never went but now the car has caught fire whilst we were driving in it 7.5 hours away from our house out of town with our children in the car. We had to pull over off of the interstate because the car was on fire and get out on the side of the road and all of had to evacuate. I do believe that if we had been going any faster, we may have even became fatalities because the car locked up. It turned off actually as I was turning to to the exit and just coasted far enough to not be hit in the middle of the road. It was terrifying and we had to move fast and smoke was starting to come through, it started dropping oil everywhere just spilling out lv its almost like the entire underneath of the motor just dropped or something. I’m not quite sure but it was sudden and it has been absolutely miserable.

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 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 Feb 13, 2024 · Brakes · 173,000 miles · IL

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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a burning plastic odor coming through the dashboard vents. The contact stopped the vehicle and opened the hood and became aware there was white smoke coming from under the right side of the engine compartment. The contact stated that the smoke dissipated; however, the failure had become a recurring failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 15, 2023 · Electrical · MN

Hello My complaint is why is it taking KIA so long on the HECU electrical short issue. According to your website this all started at the end of Sept. We got a recall notice on dated Nov 14. When I call and visit the Kia dealership they are on hold waiting for updates from corporate I guess. Same thing when I e-mail KIA Customer care. See response from Kia below. ========================================================== We are following up regarding your web submission for recall remedy status for repairs to begin. We apologize to hear of the concern and appreciate the opportunity to assist with this matter. Unfortunately we do not have an eta for the remedy however once made available an second notice will be sent to you. ============================================================ Their work around is to park the car outside. Since their previous recall was for the ease of stealing the car AND it's getting very cold here in Minnesota that is not a good option. Given the fact that the car could catch on fire and possibly burn a house down or kill someone this needs a higher priority. Thankyou for your time. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 24, 2023 · Engine · 147,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owned 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 her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed. The contact's grandson stopped the vehicle and noticed a glow coming from under the front hood. The contact's grandson and his brother exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames. The contacts grandsons flagged down a nearby driver and asked them to call the fire department. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.Â

Filed Jul 6, 2023 · Engine · NY · fire

Is the car still available: UNKNOWN. The Police report saids the Engine caught fire, it was while parked and was not driven since around 7pm that night, it was inspected by Geico insurance company and by the Police Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, Case Number: 2020-00014944 Reporting Officer: 151 - Sheppard. The vehicle would have put me and my girlfriend in danger if we drove again or further that night or had it been parked in a garage. The vehicle was parked in front of my apartment and was fully engulfed in flames, my girlfriend heard an explosion and saw the car in flames on our surveillance camera. The time of total loss was around 2am that night. The Fire department extinguished the vehicle and said it was a Total loss. It was 20ft from my apartment. Other residents live and park their vehicles near mine. Other residents moved their vehicles before police arrived. The problem wasn't confirmed with Kia Motors nor the Kia Dealership: Dutchess Kia in Poughkeepsie, NY. My VIN number and car model doesn't qualify for the current engine HECU recall, Other models have been recalled except the 2012 Kia Forte EX Automatic. There were no warning lights, no signs, no messages, no other symptoms of a problem prior. Also, no phone call, voicemail, no letters, no emails was sent to me regarding this issue nor about other related models with the HECU engine or similar. Some websites say the 2012 Kia Forte EX has the HECU Engine but I'm unsure. I initially thought this was a problem with just my car but the manufacturer has since made many faulty vehicles under other models and possibly even the same model as mine that have gone unreported. I was made aware of this by videos of current and prior Kia owners, the news and car related websites. I paid off my car in Full with no compensation for the faulty engine or total loss of my vehicle. These are the videos and pictures, I can't upload them because it reaches Max file size: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cT3XrBS3R1WNYuqg9

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Engine · 82,000 miles · OR · fire

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated the vehicle was previously involved in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) where they received an engine knock test as the remedy. The contact stated that at that time they had no failures with the engine. Approximately 2 months after while driving approximately 30 mph when the vehicle began to make a loud knocking noise inside the engine. The contact decided to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and while doing so they began to smell smoke within the cabin of the vehicle. Once the contact had successfully pulled over and exited the vehicle they began to notice smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the smoke with a fire extinguisher. The fire department did arrive and confirmed the smoke was successfully extinguished and there no longer was a fire. There was no damage, injuries, or medical attention needed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact then had the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle nor had the vehicle been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The contact stated the vehicle shut down on its own, but contact was able to veer off the road.

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Engine · CA

I received a letter in the mail in the beginning of April about a recall. The Slave Cylinder just happened to go out at this time, so I tow it in to Kia Downtown LA on April 6th. I let them know I have recalls on the vehicle and the problem with the clutch, or more specifically the slave cylinder. They give me a estimate on how much it would be to replace the slave cylinder, so I decline the offer and asked them to just get the recalls done. That was on April 13th. We have this back and forth phone calls about when was I going to pick up my vehicle and I had to constantly remind them that I was waiting on them to call me letting me know when the recalls were finished. It took until April 22nd to find out that none of the recalls were done, after being told they are "still working" on the recalls. I go to pick up my car asking about why none of the recalls were done and their excuse was they could "not turn it on, the car was shaking, or because the clutch issue." I had to pay a fee of $189.95 for the "diagnostics" and in order for them to release the car. I get the car fixed as of June 3rd, and on that day the engine locks. The component that failed is the 'knock sensor detection system' which could have prevented the engine from locking or worst catching on fire. I very much feel that me, my spouses, and others around me on the road were not safe. There was no warning lamps on or messages on to indicate the engine was under any problem. At the same time the oil had been changed on April 1st, and they gave no indication that the car was ever leaking oil. As of June 10th the car was towed into the dealership again. I have called every day they were open, and finally got a hold of a advisor on June 13th. The same advisor as the one I had last time. He now alleges the technician "couldn't get a proper reading from the scanner" last time, and how the "PI 2002" recall has expired so they might not be able to do anything about the engine.

Filed Dec 30, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

I tried starting my vehicle and it wouldn't turn over so I pulled the key out of the ignition and the engine kept running. It stopped quickly, so I thought it was weird so I tried again and it made the same vacuum type noise and started smoking, all while the key was not in the ignition. It stopped smoking but I walked away for a sec and came back and the entire place was filled with smoke and the engine had then caught on fire. I was in a parking garage so many other vehicles could have been damaged, and people could have inhaled smoke and other things of that nature. I was also concerned that it would explode and cause even more damage. There was no other signs that this would happen, my vehicle had driven fine the morning of. The car is totaled of course and was towed off.

Filed Dec 3, 2021 · Lights · FL · fire

I believe that something within brake light assembly has caught fire at one time. The plastic I. Which holds the brake light bulb is melted to the point that I had to purchase a new brake light assembly because I can no longer replace the bulb because it is melted beyond repair.