2012 Kia Forte — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Kia Forte is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Forte workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2012 listings: Kia Forte Koup.
Compared with the 2011 Kia Forte: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 34 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
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 | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 97 cu ft (2,747 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 197 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Kia Forte across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 28 mpg (US), or 31 to 34 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 | 34 | 28 (25/34) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/32) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 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 2012 Kia Forte
Running Costs: 2012 Kia Forte
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Kia Forte at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 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.
2012 Kia Forte Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (2), Engine (1), Air bags (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.
- Engine — campaign 20V750000, reported 2 December 2020. Risk: An engine compartment fire increases 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…
- Service brakes — campaign 17V773000, reported 1 December 2017. Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the…
Owners have filed 306 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas are Engine (174), Air bags (38), Electrical system (33). Complaints include 20 reported crashes, 23 reported fires, 16 reported injuries, 3 reported deaths. That is well above the median of 147 complaints across the 15 Kia Forte model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 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 (1 recall campaign · 174 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (2 recall campaigns · 30 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 38 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (33 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
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 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Kia models in our database. Its 197 g/km CO₂ figure is 10 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 15 Kia Forte model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 13th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 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 2012 Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Kia Forte have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 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 2012 Kia Forte?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Kia Forte cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 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 2012 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 2012 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Service brakes (2), Engine (1), Air bags (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 2012 Kia Forte?
Among the 306 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (174 complaints), Air bags (38 complaints), Electrical system (33 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 2012 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.