Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Kia Forte owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the vehicle seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was stated that an unknown part was disconnected near the gear shift. The contact was unsure what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the display screen had seized. The contact also replaced the rear brake lights after being notified that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the bulbs were replaced and immediately fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 119,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake light switch failed to operate as designed. The brake light would remain illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the light bulbs were hot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
I believe that something within brake light assembly has caught fire at one time. The plastic I. Which holds the brake light bulb is melted to the point that I had to purchase a new brake light assembly because I can no longer replace the bulb because it is melted beyond repair.
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Kia Campaign Number: SC165; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the brake light bulbs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he replaced the rear brake lights bulbs twice himself. Additionally, the contact stated that he had replaced the brake light switch. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was it was diagnosed that engine oil was leaking and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The part was replaced, however, the failure persisted. …
Unknown... The car has been having on going issues with shutting off while driving. With new battery, starter, tune up, plugs, and still no fix. The signal lights do keep busting. The headlights and brake lights. It's expensive to keep changing the headlights that do not last more than 2 months. Driver side in particular.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear brake lights remained illuminated at all times without the key in the ignition switch. In addition, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and the contact was testing the transmission shifter, it was noticed that the gear shifter easily shifted out of park without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact called crown Kia st petersburg (5500 34th st n, st petersburg, fl 33714, [phone]) and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer where it was determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V773000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
Just recently (within this month) I have noticed that when I turn on my blinker either way, or step on my break my radio or music from my phone cuts out. It does not happen every time and I do not notice it happening at a particular speed. It happens mostly on the freeway but I just notice it did it on a surface street today. My headlights and my inside roof lights flicker also. Had a friend check it out and he said he could not find anything. Checked all the wiring for corrosion, something grounding where it shouldn't be, check my battery voltage and my transmission. Cannot figure out the problem and I am concerned about it being an electrical issue due to me driving 100+ miles a day, 6 days a week. Last thing I need is for my car to catch fire...
Tl* he contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while parked in the driveway it was discovered that the rear brake light remained illuminate with the ignition in the off position. Additionally, the gear shifter could be shifted without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer south dade Kia (17120 south dixie hwy, miami) who diagnosed that the brake pedal stopper pad was defective and needed to be replaced. The stopper pad was replaced and the failure was remedied. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 17V773000 (service brakes). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,400.
Center mount stop light assembly - the brake light burned out and burned the assembly. I smelled something burning from my vehicle and when I checked the vehicle found this light had burned through the assembly. This burning of the center assembly shorted out my brake lights which left me without brakes. The mechanic stated that looking at the center assembly as well as the other brake light ports-there was a surge of some sort which caused this to happen. The areas in the brake light sockets were black. I was driving when I smelled the burning in the car and thus far no other electrical or light areas have been affected. I thought this should be reported in the event Kia trunks start burning.
This vehicle has now repaired 2 times for recall on brake light/wiring issue. We were charged by the jenkins Kia of gainesville,florida for the last 2 times. This is a safety issue since brake light keeps burning out. Mechanic at another business advised bulb burned so much the bulb holder was burned. Sc158 is recall number. Repairs done 10/22/2018, 2/14/2020 wiring harness & bulb holder replaced all at our cost. Recalled twice for this issue. Bulb now burned out again 2/15/21. Feel cheated by this dealer since has been recalled 2013 & 2015.
Headlight complaints in other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2012 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Kia Forte, 8% of the model year's 292 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Kia Forte headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2012 Kia Forte, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Forte headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.