Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
152Complaints
3Recalls
28Crashes
11Fires
34Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (29.6% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Engine complaints here are 2.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
45 · 29.6%
not available
—
Air Bags
34 · 22.4%
Recalled
Recall 18V363000
Power Train
17 · 11.2%
Recalled
Recall 16V070000
Electrical System
16 · 10.5%
not available
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
16 · 10.5%
Recalled
Recall 23V652000
Service Brakes
11 · 7.2%
Recalled
Recall 23V652000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 152 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
What owners report
“tHEY SAID MY CAR MAY CATCH ON FIRE DUE A FUSE. tHIS HAS BEEN SINCE sEP AND IT IT IS NOW ALMOST mAY. tHIS COULD…”NHTSA complaint 11585192 — filed 04/25/2024 · ENGINE
“My daughters Kia Forte, started making a ticking noise. Them more she has driven the car, the worse the ticking has become. Looking on line…”NHTSA complaint 11530906 — filed 07/07/2023 · ENGINE
“I have a 2011 Kia forte had 130,000 plus miles when I bought it. I've had the car for 1 year first 2 months motor…”NHTSA complaint 11524573 — filed 05/31/2023 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 45 of 152 NHTSA complaints (29.6%), followed by air bags (34), power train (17), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2011 Kia Forte have?
152 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 28 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, and 34 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V363000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Kia Forte's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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