2011 Kia Forte brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

21 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2011 Kia Forte, 35% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 165,000 mi.

Brakes complaints
21
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
165,000 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes, hydraulic17
Service brakes4

Brakes complaints across Kia Forte years

62010212011382012222013122014122015820167201732018420192202022021220224202322024
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2011 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k160k–100k2100k–150k4150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesPark outside
    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. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 31, 2026300,000 miWVFire1 injuredBrakes
    The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact's wife attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but…
    NHTSA complaint #11754070 · source
  2. Filed Feb 26, 2026273,000 miCABrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS, red brake light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping and jerking during acceleration and deceleration. After restarting the vehicle, there was resistance while accelerating, and the jerking persisted. The contact stated that the failures started one week after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number:…
    NHTSA complaint #11720801 · source
  3. Filed Jan 5, 202685,000 miNJBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed pollution control system. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In…
    NHTSA complaint #11708830 · source
  4. Filed Oct 21, 2025MOFireTowedBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed smoke that was coming from the HECU fuse box. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11694817 · source
  5. Filed Jul 5, 202428,800 miOHBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 there was an abnormal burning wiring odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11599217 · source
  6. Filed Jun 24, 2024NCBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were available, an appointment was made. The contact stated when she arrived for the appointment, after…
    NHTSA complaint #11596116 · source
  7. Filed Jun 14, 2024200,000 miOKBrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2011 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 the check engine, ABS, and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warning lights were illuminated. There was a burning odor emitting from underneath the hood…
    NHTSA complaint #11594423 · source
  8. Filed Apr 25, 2024MDBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.…
    NHTSA complaint #11585223 · source
  9. Filed Apr 15, 2024KYBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11583139 · source
  10. Filed Apr 4, 2024LABrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11581068 · source
  11. Filed Mar 11, 2024ALBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11576685 · source
  12. Filed Mar 5, 2024FLBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11575535 · source

Other 2011 Kia Forte problem areas

  • Engine (27)
  • Electrical System (10)
  • Airbags (7)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Other / Unknown (5)
  • Body & Structure (4)
  • Lighting (2)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
  • Steering (1)
  • Suspension (1)

Back to all 2011 Kia Forte problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology