2011 Kia Forte — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Kia Forte is a hatchback offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Forte workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2011 listings: Kia Forte Koup.
Compared with the 2010 Kia Forte: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 90 to 97 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 97 cu ft (2,747 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 30 urban / 42 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 25 city / 35 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 Kia Forte across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 29 mpg (US), or 31 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/35) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/34) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/31) | 212 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Kia Forte
Running Costs: 2011 Kia Forte
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Kia Forte at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Kia Forte Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Air bags (1), Power train (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V652000, reported 25 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 18V363000, reported 1 June 2018. Risk: 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…
- Power train — campaign 16V070000, reported 5 February 2016. Risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas are Engine (48), Air bags (36), Power train (19). Complaints include 28 reported crashes, 12 reported fires, 35 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is close to the median of 147 complaints across the 15 Kia Forte model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Kia Forte
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (48 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 36 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 19 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 17 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 35 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Kia models in our database. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 17 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 15 Kia Forte model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 11th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Kia Forte year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Kia Forte have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Kia Forte: 2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Kia Forte?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Kia Forte cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Kia Forte have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (1), Air bags (1), Power train (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Kia Forte?
Among the 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (48 complaints), Air bags (36 complaints), Power train (19 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Kia Forte have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.