Problems · by component

2012 Kia Forte service brakes problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Forte cite service brakes, 10% of all 292 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
30
10% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My vehicle is a 2012 Kia Forte EX. The vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. The brake pedal became soft/sank, and the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a Kia dealership. The failed component was a brake line, which is a safety-critical part of the braking system. The repair was completed at customer expense after Kia declined goodwill or reimbursement assistance. Kia Customer Care case number: 2622663. My concern is that this does not appear to be ordinary wear only. This vehicle had prior Kia underbody corrosion campaign history under SC141, titled “Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material.” Kia confirmed to me that SC141 involved applying additional anti-corrosion/undercoating/cavity wax material to certain underbody components to help protect against corrosion. Kia also confirmed that SC141 was completed on my vehicle before the brake-line repair. Kia’s position is that SC141 did not cover brake lines or brake replacement, and that brake-line corrosion is normal maintenance/customer-pay because the vehicle is out of warranty. I understand…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2026Service brakesODI 11747944
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2025Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11693939
“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 were “unrelated to the recall,” and I was told that I would have to pay out-of-pocket for towing, diagnostics, and repairs—exactly as the dealership had also insisted. This response has left me in a vulnerable position, both financially and in terms of vehicle…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2024Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11614311
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2024Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11595849
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11565667
“In 2003 I purchased a KIA minivan and couldn't promote the company enough. In 2012 I bought a KIA Sportage and Forte. In 2023 KIA issued a recall on all cars having a key start ignition to update them with some software to prevent the cars from being stolen. I called KIA corporate after notification and they sent me a club for my forte as an interim fix until the software could be updated. Later on checking with the dealership I was told not only do they not have the software fix yet that my VIN number was not on the list, KIA corporate did not hesitate to provide me with a club which I use until today because Kia has failed to provide a fix and even if they did my vehicle seems to be exempt even though it is of the model year affected and a key start. KIA RECOMMENDATION WAS TO HAVE OWNERS TO PARK THEIR CAR IN THE GARAGE. On top of that another recall, interim notice. dated November 14th, 2023 warns of potential fire hazard from the Hydraulic electrical control unit (HECU) even while the vehicle is parked. KIA's recommendation is to PARKYOUR CAR OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES AND STRUCTURES IN THE MEANTIME. So now you have it, I have a car which can be…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 4, 2024Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11563545

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.