2012 Kia Forte

US · Compact Cars

The 2012 Kia Forte is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine: Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.4L 4-cylinder
Power: Not available
Torque: Not available
Transmission: Varies by configuration: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: FWD
Fuel: Gasoline
Seating: Not available

Generic outline. Published dimensions for this vehicle are not available.

Specifications at a Glance

Key Performance & Dimensions

Units:

Engine / Powertrain

GASOLINE

Power Output

Not available

Peak Torque

Not available

Combined Economy

Not available

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

Not available

Capacity

Not available

Exterior Dimensions

Not available

Market: US·Switch units anytime to convert horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and dimensions.

Compare 2012 Kia Forte ↗

Engine

Engine
Specification	Value	Source
Engine	Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.4L 4-cylinder
Displacement	2.0 L to 2.4 L
Cylinders	4
Fuel type	Gasoline	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
Specification	Value	Source
Transmission	Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears	6
Drivetrain	FWD	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
Specification	Value	Source
Combined	30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)	EPA fueleconomy.gov
City	27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)
Highway	35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)

Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.

Trims and configurations

9 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 14, 2026.

23V652000: 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…
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…
Reported September 25, 2023. View on NHTSA
20V750000: ENGINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers…
Reported December 2, 2020. View on NHTSA
18V363000: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
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.
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.…
Reported June 1, 2018. View on NHTSA
17V773000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the…
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…
Reported December 1, 2017. View on NHTSA

Data sources

EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 14, 2026

Data verified: October 14, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

2011 Kia Forte
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder · FWD
30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)
2013 Kia Forte
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.4L 4-cylinder · FWD
30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 2012 Kia Forte have?

Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.4L 4-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Forte?

Combined fuel economy is 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 2012 Kia Forte front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 14, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.