2011 Kia FORTE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
153 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
76,353 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 96 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 45 of 153 complaints (29.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 40 | 26.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 12 | 7.8% |
| Engine operation | 12 | 7.8% |
| Steering behavior | 11 | 7.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 10 | 6.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 45 |
| Air Bags | 34 |
| Power Train | 17 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 17 |
| Electrical System | 16 |
| Unknown Or Other | 13 |
| Service Brakes | 11 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 |
Engine: 45; Air Bags: 34; Power Train: 17; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 17; Electrical System: 16; Unknown Or Other: 13; Service Brakes: 11; Vehicle Speed Control: 10
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 21 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 15 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 9 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 21 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 18 |
| 150,000 and above | 12 |
Under 25,000: 21; 25,000 to 49,999: 15; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 21; 100,000 to 149,999: 18; 150,000 and above: 12
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (21). 57 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2011: 7; 2012: 8; 2013: 4; 2014: 6; 2015: 8; 2016: 9; 2017: 6; 2018: 31; 2019: 14; 2020: 10; 2021: 11; 2022: 3; 2023: 9; 2024: 17; 2025: 6; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 40 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 12 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 12 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10415487 · 2011-07-28 (July 28, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE BECAUSE THE BRAKES ENGAGED WHEN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 4,100. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATE 09/09/11. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 4,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10415487 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10451182 · 2012-03-12 (March 12, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CURB. THE FAILURE RECURRED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED LURCHING AND HESITATION WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1000. UPDATED 04/10/12*LJ…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10451182 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10408704 · 2011-06-23 (June 23, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA MOTOR FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD HEAR SCREECHING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Owner-reported narrative. 16,532 miles reported. Look up ODI 10408704 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10409753 · 2011-06-25 (June 25, 2011)
CAR WILL NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY UNDER MANUAL.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,370 miles reported. Look up ODI 10409753 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10464189 · 2012-07-04 (July 4, 2012)
WHEN GOING 60 ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN TO 40 AND I HAD TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. UPON RECIEVING THE CAR AGAIN IT WOULD JERK AND STALL WHEN ACCELERATING. CAR WAS THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND A "RELEARN" OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS PERFORMED. THIS HAS NOT STOPPED THE PROBLEM AND HAS MADE IT WORSE. IT NOW JERKS WHEN STOPPING AND WHEN ACCELERATING AND PEEDS OF 5 MI/HR OR MORE. AS WELL AS WHEN FIRST SHIFTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK. *JS
Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10464189 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10883822 · 2016-07-10 (July 10, 2016)
MY 2011 KIA FORTE STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE I DRIVE IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN MULTIPLE DRIVING SITUATIONS. TWO INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY 805 SOUTH IN SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA. ANOTHER INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS LEAVING THE MARRIOTT HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO (IN THIS INSTANCE, I HAD TO COAST THE CAR OFF OF THE TRACKS -FORTUNATELY NO TRAIN WAS COMING AT THAT TIME). IN DESCRIBING MY EXPERIENCES IN ONE OF THESE INCIDENTS, I OFFER THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION: ON JUNE 6, 2016, WH…
Owner-reported narrative. 94,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10883822 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10585980 · 2014-05-01 (May 1, 2014)
I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN MY 2011 KIA FORTE AT 70 MPH WHILE I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL FOR ME TO STOP ON THE ROAD BEFORE I WAS PUSHED INTO AN 8FT DEEP DITCH, INTO BIG BRANCHES AND MY CAR THEN BOUNCED THROUGH A HUGE FIELD. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, THE FRONT OF MY CAR IS DENTED IN FROM THE IMPACT OF THE DITCH AND THEN THE SEATBEAT DID NOT LOCK UP, IT THREW ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I HAVE PERSONALLY HEARD ABOUT THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A KI…
Owner-reported narrative. 44,015 miles reported. Look up ODI 10585980 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10714583 · 2015-05-05 (May 5, 2015)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE STRAIGHT ALTHOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT INDICATED ONCE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED BACK TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WOULD OPERATE AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…
Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10714583 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10690252 · 2015-02-24 (February 24, 2015)
CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I HAD NO IDEA AT THE TIME WHAT THE ISSUE COULD BE BECAUSE IN THE KIA OWNERS MANUAL IT DOES NOT STATE THAT ONCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT, YOU CAN NOT TAKE IT OUT OF PARK. CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR UNTIL I USED THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TO TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR. DROVE IT HOME AND FOUND A BLOWN FUZE (BRAKE LIGHT FUSE) .. REPLACED IT AND DROVE FINE (WHILE IT WAS DOING THIS THE ELECTRICAL SUSPENSION LIGHT CAME ON ALSO). FAST FORWARD 7 DAYS, WAS DRIVING OUT OF TOWN AND THE SUSPENSION LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE …
Owner-reported narrative. 87,721 miles reported. Look up ODI 10690252 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10905851 · 2016-09-12 (September 12, 2016)
ESC LIGHT FLASHING NUMEROUS TIMES WITH LOSS OF POWER WHILE ON DRY, STRAIGHT ROAD. VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS FOUND A CONNECTION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. HAD KIA TECH IN AND CERTIFIED THE VEHICLE AS SAFE. THIS WAS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2015. THE SAME INDICATIONS AND POWER LOSS OCCURRED AGAIN IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2016. IN EVERY CASE IT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC CAUSING AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME MY FAMILY AND THE OTHER VEHICLES IN THE TRAFFIC. TO DATE THE DEALER OR KIA HAS FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS IN MOT…
Owner-reported narrative. 26,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10905851 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11170159 · 2019-01-15 (January 15, 2019)
I GOT INTO AN AUTO ACCIDENT A YEAR AGO AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. I DISCOVERED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER ONE. WELL JUST THE OTHER DAY MY INSIDE DASH LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS , WELL BASICALLY ALL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING IN AND OUT. MADE THE CAR BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. NEW FUEL PUMP, CHECKED STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. ALL OF THOSE ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. BUT MY CAR IS STILL BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11170159 at NHTSA ↗