Kia denied repair and replacement of components damaged by a known safety recall (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) on my 2012 Kia Forte Coupe, VIN# [XXX] . There was also a recall on the “Knock Sensor”, but I was unaware of the recall and paid for the repair out of pocket. Specifically, I was seeking repair or replacement of the starter and battery, as well as any other component that I wasn’t aware of, which was compromised as a direct result of the defective HECU system covered under the recall. They denied the repair because they said that the warranty was voided because the car had a salvage title, but the request to repair was not a warranty issue. The recall involves the HECU potentially causing electrical shorts and engine compartment fires, which can damage surrounding electrical components — including the battery and starter. These are not wear-and-tear items in this case, but parts affected by the consequences of a manufacturer-recognized safety defect. The internal electrical short circuit condition of the HECU fuse caused an overcurrent, which resulted in the wire from the solenoid cable of the starter burning and damaging the starter. As well as the wire of the negative battery terminal, which also resulted in the battery being damaged. I even left the battery and the starter on the floor of the car to show proof that these occurrences happened due to the defect of the HECU fused because when I purchased a new battery and starter the overcurrent of the HECU caused white smoke to appear and was about to catch fire and burn out the replacement parts as well. Kia has declined to perform these recall-related repairs, citing that the vehicle holds a salvage title, which was issued due to hail damage only. I respectfully contended that the cosmetic damage had no connection to the mechanical or electrical condition of the vehicle and in no way contributed to the failure of the battery or starter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2012 Kia Forte engine complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 167, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My vehicle is affected by the federal safety agency Recall Number 23V652000, I have taken my vehicle to Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw on several occasions, I believe 3 separate occasions to try and get this recall resolved. Each time I am told that the fix, a replacement fuse, is not being accepted by my vehicle. Each time they attempt to replace the fuse, the vehicle goes into anti-theft mode where the alarm goes off consistently. The dealership is unable to tell me why and states they can not complete the recall because of this. Initially, they tried to state the issue was that engine oil was seeping through into my engine harness and that I would need a new engine harness, sending me home with a quote for $3,000 to fix the issue. That same night I took my vehicle to an actual professional, who told me the dealership had no clue what they were talking about and that there was no oil in my engine harness. I returned to the dealership requesting that my vehicle only be looked at by the master technician, after the master tech reviewed the vehicle he agreed there was no oil in the engine harness and that that was a misdiagnosis. Absolutely absurd to think they can send a customer home with a $3k quote with no oversight before doing so. The master tech stated he could not figure out the incompatibility of my vehicle and the recall remedy, and stated I would have to pay $300 for them to do a full electrical review as a first step of troubleshooting. I can not believe that a massive corporation like Kia is sticking a customer with a MASSIVE fire hazard of a vehicle that is a result of their negligence and telling me that 'although we have a fix, for some reason the fix doesn't work for your car and you're going to have to pay us to figure out why.' This is absolutely unacceptable, I am a college student and while driving my only form of transportation, I constantly have to hope that I am not a victim of fatality at the hands of Kia.
Called the kia dealer in Springfield Missouri to find out if my engine was under the class action engine lawsuit and was redirected to the service department the lady said someone would text me they ignored all my texts about seeing if my engine was under kia class action lawsuit warranty no one ever messaged me back. My engine is still making a loud knocking noise and I can not drive it like this so it is sitting on the street parked and no longer can drive it because of the engine noise which i am sure is rod knock. 156,636 miles as it sits right now. My name [XXX] owned this kia since 82,300 miles. Vin is [XXX] 2012 kia Forte 5 hatchback Ex 2.0 L INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The following day, upon starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); the VIN was included, and parts were available. However, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair, stating that the vehicle needed to be brought in before the failure for the cost of the repair to be covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, as the contact was turning to the left and ascending a slight grade in the road the vehicle's rear end was swaying to the left and the right. The contact stated she was not able to regain control of the vehicle and drove off of the roadway and down an embankment. The contact was rendered unconscious. The contact stated that emergency services were on the scene and the state police. The contact stated that she was not transported to the hospital and was taken to her residence by the state police. The contact stated that the police had issued a report. The contact later was taken to the hospital and was diagnosed as having a fractured sternum, damage to her lower back, concussion, and neck damage. The contact stated that the police had the vehicle towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that her insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that before the crash the vehicle had been stalling intermittently but she had not had the vehicle taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when her spouse started the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken a Midas where the vehicle remained without being diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that undisclosed parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage approximately 160,000.
Engine keeps turning off when driving at 65 mph it also jerks accelerate by itself loosen power it occurs occasionally, engine smells burn oil and engine light comes on. Dealer has failed to reproduce failure and now they want to charge me $185 to run a full diagnose this problem started after 8/16/2017 after dealer service
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
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
The car shut off (engine died) when I was driving and it wouldnt restart. The car was in perfect working condition, low miles & well taken care of, no lights on the dash or anything. I had it towed to 2 different mechanics (first was private, 2nd was a Kia dealership) - they both told me I needed a new engine or I needed part of the engine fixed and told me it didn't fall under any of the recalls. From what I've read I feel like it is a manufacturer's defect due to all of the recalls on this model/engine.
The engine started knocking just like all the other fortes and theta engines that blew up or gained the same knocking metal to metal noise. I have since found metal shavings in the oil which tells me that my engine is on its way out the door just like the rest that had this same problem. My engine needs to be recalled and replaced alongside the rest! Kia needs to own up to there engineering mistakes and install a new engine. My car should not be ignored on that recall seeing as it has the same engine as all the other fortes that were given new replacement engines. I refuse to be ignored on this matter and will not put forth my own money to fix something Kia is liable for. Kia is putting my life and others lives in danger. When will they take actions and responsibility for the rest of the Kia’s out there with the same engine symptom. I also haven’t got a recall for a knock sensor upgrade. I refuse to be without a vehicle because of Kia’s terrible engineering and poor production and assembly of these cars. I should not be experiencing an engine rod knock at 100k miles that has only become louder with time. I will be presenting the car to Kia for other recalls to be done and will be complaining about the other issues. Thousands of people have had to pay out of pocket to get a new motor. That’s on Kia to make things right with there customers for selling them a faulty product.
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 while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the front end. After pulling into a driveway and turning off the vehicle, the contact looked at the belt and noticed it was still running and releasing a slight smoke. The contact stated that it took an extended amount of time for the belts to stop moving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic at the time of failure however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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 the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the O2 sensor had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer had not been contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
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
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
I own a 2012 Kia Forte . My engine started knocking, ticking sound. A mechanic used a mechanics stethoscope and the cylinder is collapsed, bad lifter. I always keep the oil changed regularly since the day I purchased. This is the same problem reported by thousands of Kia owners. I expect Kia to cover a new engine as I know a lawsuit was filed for the same year and model that I have and they covered the replacement of engines.
So my check engine light kept coming on and my car has trouble starting. Light is now on all the time.The code says it's a intake manifold runner control. I called kia they said the part is obsolete because my car is 11 years old. It makes my engine knock and shake and kia here in parma has been no help. They originally said part was around $79 kia motors was able to find 1 but now dealer telling. Me it's $400 can't get check engine light off or my engine to stop shaking without the part but not when the price is tripled. It's been in kias shop for a recall and they didn't know what to do about the part or the knocking .
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after each failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,705.
I was driving and out of nowhere my engine stalled on me, and now when I drive it it engine fails on the road without warning
While driving on the highway I had the Check Engine light come on. After approximately 5 minutes, while accelerating, all the system lights flashed, and then turned off. The engine stalled and the vehicle was coasting. I pulled the vehicle to the side of the road, and though the vehicle had power, the engine would not start. I towed the vehicle to a mechanic who told me the engine could not be salvaged or repaired. As a replacement engine would cost as much as the vehicle is worth, I am now seeking to sell the car to a junkyard or other interested party. I believe this vehicle's Theta II engine's design is what led to its failure. However, Kia's SC200 recall campaign only covers 2012 Kia Forte's with a 2.4-liter MPI engine, and my vehicle has a 2.0-liter MPI engine. After spending 2 hours with Kia on the phone, they told me I had no recourse with them.
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
I saw that 2012-2015 kia fortes had a recall for engines but mine was not a part of it. My car had a ticking/knocking sound and I took it to the mechanic and he said that I needed a new engine, he said the knocking could have started because of low oil which is impossible because I have kept up on my oil changes. So now I don’t have a car, it’s almost $5000 to fix my engine. I would like kia to fix my car
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at various speeds a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Recall Campaign number: 20V750000(Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was The failure mileage was 104,000. The contact has made several attempts to contact KIA America customer Service in regards to faulty engine failures with no response beyond we have received your email.
I have owned my 2012 Kia Forte EX since 2013 when I purchased used from a car dealership (not a kia dealer). I have kept all oil changes, filters up to date since purchase, plus in Pennsylvania we have annual car inspections, which my car has always passed. In early Jan 2023, I noticed a 'ticking sound' and was not related to low oil, leak, etc. The sound became increasingly loud and took to my mechanic. After he took off the engine cover and was able to put a camera down into the motor, the cylinders are bad. So, here I am with a 2012 Kia, mileage 83,836 and the motor is shot! I want Kia to replace my motor at no cost as I have read that Kia has agreed that all Kia's produced between 2011 through 2015 have engine failure. How do I have my engine replaced by Kia? I currently am without transportation,
UNKNOWN: 04/11/23 I purchased (as second owner) a 2012 Kia Forte (less than 2 months ago) only had 107,799 miles. Purchased as a Senior Citizen for doctor appointmenta & food shopping....after a short while I noticed a tap/knock from the engine that has gotten louder with every ride....Took the vehicle to Dealer Matt Blatt Kia in Egg Harbor Township for diagnostics. Couldn't believe I was charged $190.82 to receive a paper telling me it has a "knock" which I knew & took it there for & that it NEEDS A NEW ENGINE! The car fax a Kia lady printed out for me, shows vehicle was maintained wonderfully....from the info I've located those engines are bad so the KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK that's grown louder would be engine replaced? Can you assist me I purchased a vehicle that now can BLOW UP! Thank You for your time.
Engine described as making a knocking sound and having total engine failure. The car is not covered under the current 2020 Kia engine recall as it is a 2.0 litre engine. It has been inspected by Kia and an independent auto shop. It was not eligible to receive the software upgrade which would register the knock engine failure. No warning signs appeared beforehand besides a knocking sound which started a week or so before I took it in. This engine could have failed while I was driving and caused an accident. This is a common problem across Kia’s that Kia knows about and this should have been covered by them since they manufactured a faulty engine.
This past winter (December 2022 ish), my car started ticking whenever I turned it on and the ticking never went away as the car warmed up. I took the vehicle to my mechanic who told me it was piston slap and that the issue was caused by a manufacturing defect in the piston and engine block sizing. I confirmed the issue myself with a borescope camera in April, and anyone who is able can view the damage as well. Since the issue is damaging a vital part of the engine, any time the car is driven puts all individuals in the car at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, but has not been inspected by anyone outside of myself. The closest warning light I had came up over 2 years ago, but no warning lights or other symptoms appeared before the sound was audible around December 2022.
2012 kia forte Long story short I was sitting at a red light foot on brake once light turned green went to accelerate car did not move at all I was stuck holding up traffic turned the car off turned it on still nothing after some time i was able to crank the car and go 2nd time same issue but I took a brief stop engine shook car shut down as if i turned it off without it being in park I had to put the car in park cut it off and crank back up I also recently had an issue when fueling once Ive fueled the car Does not respond when trying to crank it will turn over engine shake power back off like it would as mentioned while at stops it just stops responding cuts off , AND wont move ENGINE PROBLEMS ARE KIA BIGGEST ISSUE BUT THEY FAIL TO RECALL
Vehicle fire that started from the engine compartment.
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