NHTSA DATA SNAPSHOT · SEP 21 2026MODEL MATCH ≠ VIN MATCHCHECK A VIN AT NHTSA ↗
RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2011 Kia Forte recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Kia Forte, spanning 3 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

URGENT CAMPAIGN FLAG

NHTSA records include a Park Outside advisory for at least one campaign associated with 2011 Kia Forte. Open the campaign and verify the VIN before operating or parking the vehicle.

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups3distinct top-level categories
Latest recordSeptember 25, 2023report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2011 Kia Forte recall campaigns

The 2011 Kia Forte report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 23V652000 dated September 25, 2023.
PARK OUTSIDE
Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Report received
September 25, 2023
Potential units
1,730,192campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Owner notification: March 29, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Component
AIR BAGS
Report received
June 1, 2018
Potential units
507,587campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

Why it matters: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

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 Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Owner notification: September 28, 2018 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 16V070000

Component
POWER TRAIN
Report received
February 5, 2016
Potential units
10,240campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.

Why it matters: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.

Owner notification: March 30, 2016 · Filing manufacturer: Kia Motors America

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2011 Kia Forte?

The most frequent component groups in 2011 Kia Forte campaign records are Power Train (1), Air Bags (1), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Power Train1
Air Bags1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1