Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | −78% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2013 | 16 | 1.6× | 4 | Engine | Caution |
| 2012 | 14 | 1.4× | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2011 | 8 | −26% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2010 | 11 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Forte Koup year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Forte Koup problems
Latest Kia Forte Koup recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
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.
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Forte Koup should you avoid?
2013 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Forte Koup years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Kia Forte Koup?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other Forte Koup years at the same age, followed by 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Forte Koup problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (35), electrical system (5) and air bags (5). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Forte Koup had?
4 recalls across 2010–2014. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Kia Forte Koup recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.