At least one recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Confirm by VIN that the repair was completed before driving or buying this car. The fix is free at a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Brakes recall
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.
- Status
- Park outside and away from buildings until repaired. Dealer fixes it free.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Exterior lighting recall
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
95
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11747096 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
23
Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
No Accident just routine maintenance finds that are concerning me . The car is 15 yrs old but over the years have had to replace the brake light bulb harness several times The brake light bulbs get too hot thus melting the bulb receptacle causing the brake lights not to illuminate. Have had vehicles come up behind me several times way too close for comfort because brake lights not working .
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11679697 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
10
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 2 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
My car was sitting in the driveway went out of park. I was able to get it stopped and pull emergency brake before any crash occurred. I seen that the brake switch was on recall and thought I should see if I can get it fixed.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11604365 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
36
Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
PULLING OUT DRIVE WAY GOING TO THE LEFT FELT LIKE PASSENGER WHEEL WAS LOCKING UP AND DOES IT QUITE A BIT. ALSO NTB IN CLEVELAND, TN SAID THERE WAS LOTS WRONG WITH UNDER NEATH , ALSO IT STILL FEELS LIKE IT'S RUNNING AFTER BEING CUT OFF. AND IT HAS A RIM THAT IS CRACKED AND WHEN I GOT IT I THOUGHT IT NEEDED TIRES CAUSE I HAD TO AIR TIRE EVERY DAY OR SO BUT NOW IT'S MORE THAN A FEW TIMES DAILY AND I JUST LEARNED HOW UNSAFE THAT IS TO BE DRIVING FOR MY KIDS AND I BUT FOR OTHERS AS WELL
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11416288 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
42
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 15 mention a crash, 12 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
On August 22nd 2025 my daughter was driving this vehicle and was in a car accident and her front air bags did not deploy. Her passenger side airbags deployed with no passenger but nothing in the front and it was a front collision. Upon receipt of the Paperwork from Copart we learned there was an active recall from 2018 for the front airbags possibly not deploying and resulting in injury during a collision, which is what happened. Her knee and ribs were injured from hitting the steering wheel. The car was declared a total loss from insurance.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11689708 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
5
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
ONE DAY, DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN 2017. MY HUSBAND ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. WHILE GOING 60MPH, THE DOOR OPENED. AFTER THAT, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.. WE TOOK IT UPON OURSELVES TO TRY TO FIX IT, AND WERE ABLE TO FIX THE MECHANISM THAT ALLOWS US TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, BUT IT STILL WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11352798 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
10
Most reports here involve corrosion.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11716928 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 221 complaints on file, more than the 2011 (153). Of the 15 model years of the Kia Forte we cover, the 2014 has the most (440). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.