2012 KIA FORTE Electrical System Problems

Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning of any kind, car was running seemingly fine prior to this, car was jolting and not going anymore and something also sounded as if it had popped, it started knocking and caught fire and was smoking, breaking down on the side of the road and has been in another state since this occurred just sitting at a hotel because we had to get a rental car. We did call Kia in Georgia to have this issue rectified as we had recently bought this vehicle and were unaware there was a recall on it, however we did some checking and the previous owner also let us know there is a recall for engine fire. I do have the papers for that. Kia advised us they would not be responsible, but Panama City fl Kia where we...

Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know i can report it to be investigated as a recall.

In forte koups installed with a factory wing allows for water to collect in taillights causeing a no start issue for my vehicle

Kia denied repair and replacement of components damaged by a known safety recall (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) on my 2012 Kia Forte Coupe, VIN# [XXX] . There was also a recall on the “Knock Sensor”, but I was unaware of the recall and paid for the repair out of pocket. Specifically, I was seeking repair or replacement of the starter and battery, as well as any other component that I wasn’t aware of, which was compromised as a direct result of the defective HECU system covered under the recall. They denied the repair because they said that the warranty was voided because the car had a salvage title, but the request to repair was not a warranty issue. The recall involves the HECU potentially causing electrical shorts and engine compartment fires, which can damage surrounding electrical components — including the battery and starter. These are not wear-and-tear items in this...

My vehicle is affected by NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000, I have taken my vehicle to Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw on several occasions, I believe 3 separate occasions to try and get this recall resolved. Each time I am told that the fix, a replacement fuse, is not being accepted by my vehicle. Each time they attempt to replace the fuse, the vehicle goes into anti-theft mode where the alarm goes off consistently. The dealership is unable to tell me why and states they can not complete the recall because of this. Initially, they tried to state the issue was that engine oil was seeping through into my engine harness and that I would need a new engine harness, sending me home with a quote for $3,000 to fix the issue. That same night I took my vehicle to an actual professional, who told me the dealership had no clue...

After taking my 2012 Kia Forte EX to the dealership for the fire risk recall (recall number 23V652), the dealership replaced fuses as part of the recall. Despite this, major safety issues persisted: 1. Brake fluid leak – The leak was not resolved after the recall repair, and my brake pedal continues to go all the way to the floor, creating a critical safety hazard. 2. Brake warning light – The brake warning light remains on, indicating ongoing brake system issues. 3. Traction control warning light – A squiggly line symbol appeared, suggesting further malfunctions related to the vehicle’s stability control system. 4. Burning smell – Despite the dealership’s claim that the recall repair was completed, I still detect a burning smell from the vehicle, raising serious concerns about unresolved fire risks. When I contacted Kia Customer Care at +1-800-333-4542, I was informed that the brake issues and fluid leak...

Over the past 4 years I’ve had ongoing issues with the air in the car where it won’t blow cold air & my defroster will not work and I’ve gotten it fixed still the same issue. Along with the break lights after many attempts to replace them they still don’t come on but sometimes it will. Many problems with the engine I also here ticking noises as well as other sounds but can’t find the issue as well with the engine rpm going to 2 while I’m on the breaks or in park

This is in regards to: Manufacturer Recall Number SC284TD NHTSA Recall Number 23V652 This recall is deemed a serious fire risk to my Kia Forte Koup 2012. There has been no updates on any sign of when the remedy will become available. This is a serious problem for me. I need a remedy part to be supplied and become available so I can fix my car in a timely manner so I can drive my car knowing I will be safe and to those around me.

Hello My complaint is why is it taking KIA so long on the HECU electrical short issue. According to your website this all started at the end of Sept. We got a recall notice on dated Nov 14. When I call and visit the Kia dealership they are on hold waiting for updates from corporate I guess. Same thing when I e-mail KIA Customer care. See response from Kia below. ========================================================== We are following up regarding your web submission for recall remedy status for repairs to begin. We apologize to hear of the concern and appreciate the opportunity to assist with this matter. Unfortunately we do not have an eta for the remedy however once made available an second notice will be sent to you. ============================================================ Their work around is to park the car outside. Since their previous recall was for the ease of stealing the car AND it's getting...

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the taillights and brake lights were inoperable due to an electrical short. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA safety recall 23V652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by Kia confirm the HECU/ABS module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in contact with an adjacent multi-pin electrical connector, igniting the brake fluid and quickly leading to an engine fire. Kia has also stated a permanent solution is not yet available, while only issuing an interim recall. Furthermore, the proposed replacement part, consisting of a fuse, is unavailable for now. I am confused and frustrated with this solution. How will a fuse remedy a leaking brake fluid defect, which is the primary fault? This unacceptable action is a flagrant example of Kia's painfully slow and inadequate response to...

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.

My car is affected by recall 17V773000, though it is not listed. Dealership refusing to fix.

I tried starting my vehicle and it wouldn't turn over so I pulled the key out of the ignition and the engine kept running. It stopped quickly, so I thought it was weird so I tried again and it made the same vacuum type noise and started smoking, all while the key was not in the ignition. It stopped smoking but I walked away for a sec and came back and the entire place was filled with smoke and the engine had then caught on fire. I was in a parking garage so many other vehicles could have been damaged, and people could have inhaled smoke and other things of that nature. I was also concerned that it would explode and cause even more damage. There was no other signs that this would happen, my vehicle had driven fine the morning of. The car is totaled of course and was...

2012 Kia Forte Ex 2.0 I4 126k miles Daughter driving car to college, inside of vehicle filled with smoke, car engine stalled while on Hwy 430 in the middle of a construction zone. Barely made it to the shoulder of the road. I was close buy, I went and loaded up the car and took it home. Once home, I turned the ignition to on, to check for warning lights, None present! I looked under the car and could see oil! I looked all over the engine and discovered oil was coming from oil dipstick tube. I pulled the dipstick the rest of the way out and could see extreme metallic particles in oil. I drained what oil was left and the oil pan was full of fine metallic debris. I went ahead and changed the oil and started the car and the engine has an extreme knock, due to...

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.

MY 2012 KIA FORTE 2.0L ENGINE KEEPS MAKING A TICKING, KNOCKING NOISE. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE ISSUE, BUT THAT I MAY JUST NEED AN OIL CHANGE. OIL WAS SEVERELY LOW, EVEN THOUGH OIL WAS JUST CHANGED. THERE WERE NO LEAKS IDENTIFIED. ALSO, MY CAR HAS A JERKING ISSUE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE CAR SOMETIMES GETS THROWN FORWARD WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING THROWN. THIS ESPECIALLY HAPPENS ON THE INTERSTATE, OR IF THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR LONGER THAN 20 MINUTES. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE.

THE NHTSA WEBSITE SAYS I HAVE A RECALL UNDER MY VIN NUMBER BUT WHEN I GO TO THE KIA WEBSITE AND ENTER IT FOR SERVICE IT SAYS NO RECALL FOUND, SO I CAN NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED.

I DIDN'T GET THE RECALL FOR THE BRAKES IN 2018 RADIO JUST WENT OUT LAST YEAR FOR NO REASON WINDOW ON PASSENGER JUST STOPPED WORKING

THE STEREO WIRES MELTED AND STARTED A FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD. FIRE WAS PUT OUT. STEREO IS DAMAGED.

MADE A TURN AT APPROX 12 MPH. CAR BUMPED INTO NEUTRAL WHEN GROCERIES TIPPED OVER. HEATER, RADIO, AND ENGINE ALL QUIT. COULD NOT BE RESTARTED, VEHICLE HAD ZERO POWER. STRANDED IN INTERSECTION. TOWED TO REPAIR, INFORMED ENGINE HAD SEIZED DUE TO OVER-REVVING IN NEUTRAL. HAD ZERO POWER, COULD NOT OVER-REV. KIA AND WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSING ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR COVERAGE. BEING TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND A NEW STARTER. ESTIMATED REPAIR $8500, MORE THAN TWICE BLUEBOOK VALUE. I SEE AFTER RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA VEHICLES OF THIS ERA. APPROX. 83000 MILES, ALL SERVICE UP TO DATE. I NOTICE ON THE AUL REPORT THE AMOUNT OF WEAR ON THE ENGINE, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DAMAGE USING WORDS LIKE "HEAVILY SCORED AND WORN TO COPPER BACKING." I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE MINUTE OR SO THE...

THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE CAR GOES OUT OFTEN SINCE I BOUGHT IT, MORE COMMONLY THE RIGHT SIDE. I HAVE REPEATEDLY CHECKED AND REPLACED FUSES AND BULBS. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT WON'T LAST A MONTH BEFORE SOMEONE TELLS ME MY BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. THIS IS A HAZARD. I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY ISSUES WITH THE WIRES OR FUSES, BUT THROUGH RESEARCH FOUND EARLIER MODELS OF THE KIA FORTE HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE PROBLEM BEING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BY THE PEDAL. KIA NEEDS TO FIND A FIX FOR THIS AND DO A PROPER RECALL.

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.

MY WIFE AND I WERE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING ABOUT 75MPH ON A HIGHWAY IN SOUTHEAST KANSASWHEN MY CAR ESSENTIALLY TURNED OFF. LUCKILY THERE WAS A SHOULDER TO PULL ONTO. TRIED JUMPING IT WITH NO LUCK. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A NEARBY TOWN TO A BODY SHOP WHO KEPT IT OVER THE WEEKEND TO TRY AND REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THIS WAS A FRIDAY AND WE RETURNED THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY TO PICK UP THE CAR. BODYSHOP STATED THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO REPICATE WHAT HAD HAPPEND AND NOTHING FLASHED ON THE COMPUTER. WE DROVE IT IN THE TOWN A LITTLE BIT WITH NO ISSUES AND PROCEEDED HOME. WE WERE OUT OF THE TOWN ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN WE HEARD A SMALL KNOCKING THAT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. WE PULLED OVER. WE CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD TO THE NEXT TOWN WHICH WAS ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY TO A BODY...

DRIVING HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY FROM MY PARENTS ON THE FREEWAY, HEARD A NOISE IN ENGINE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING. THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN OFF AND MY HUSBAND GOT OUT AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD OF THE CAR NOTICED IT WAS IN FLAMES. HE IMMEDIATELY YELLED FOR US TO ALL GET OUT OF THE CAR. AS WE STARTED RUNNING THE ENTIRE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. THANKFULLY WE GOT OUT WHEN WE DID, HOWEVER ALL OF MY CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS GIFTS, ALL OF OUR BELONGINGS WEREN'T SO LUCKY. MY KIDS ARE TRAUMATIZED AND IN SHOCK. THE CAR ONLY HAD 40K MILES ON IT. RECENTLY HAD THE 35K SERVICE BY KIA AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. YET THEIR WARRANTY MEANT NOTHING. THEY WON'T EVEN INSPECT THE CAR YET THEY DETERMINED THAT IT ISN'T THEIR PROBLEM. HOW DOES A RELATIVELY NEW CAR JUST BURN UP ?!?! *TR

THE ALTERNATOR ISN'T CHARGING THE BATTERY FULLY ACCORDING TO MY VOLTMETER. ACCORDING TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP I JUST NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. THIS IS THE 3RD BATTERY ALREADY. LUCKILY THE CAR SEEMS TO DIE AFTER IT IS PARKED. ALSO WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN ONCE AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED AND RADIO CUT OUT. HOPING IT IS JUST A FREAK OCCURRENCE BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS WEAK.

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* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AS HE WALKED OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDOWS WERE BLACK FROM THE RESIDUE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF BEFORE THE FIREFIGHTERS WERE CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

MY 2012 KIA FORTE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY RACING, AND ACTING LIKE IT IS OUT OF GEAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. I ALSO GET PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS: I GET TOLD THAT THEY'RE OUT WHEN THEY AREN'T. I DO REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES ON MY VEHICLE. IT STARTED IN APRIL, 2014, AT FIRST OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOW IT IS ALMOST CONSTANT. IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT FOUND AND FIXED, I AM IN DANGER OF LOSING MY TRANSMISSION AND WORSE....UPDATED 12/10/15 *BF

I WAS PULLED OVER BY TRANSIT POLICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. IF THE PROBLEM FALLS TO THE WARRANTY THEY WILL DO IT, BUT I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CHECK-UP. MY TAIL LIGHTS WORK, BUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKE. IS THERE A RECALL? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND PARKED, THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. THE VEHICLE STOPPING AFTER RUNNING FOR ONE FULL HOUR. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER AND THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE COATING AROUND THE WIRE NEAR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES HAD MELTED AND LEFT THE WIRES EXPOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.