2011 Kia Forte Koup: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Kia Forte Koup: 2 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V363000 · 2018 · 507,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
The fix: 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…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
The fix: 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (3): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 Kia Forte Koup has 8 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 8 Forte Koup model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 6). Complaints peaked in 2017 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (11 complaints, 2 recalls), 2012 (14 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Kia Forte Koup.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Kia Forte Koup have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte Koup. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Kia Forte Koup problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (3), speed control / throttle (2), fuel & propulsion (1).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Forte Koup get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Kia Forte Koup repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.