KIA Forte Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the KIA Forte across 14 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (30). The words owners use most often: “brake switch” (7% of reports).
- 156service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 24mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brake switch: mentioned in 11 of 156 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 79 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 156 complaints, 24 mention a crash, 9 an injury.
KIA Forte service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2023 Forte | 4 | 6% | — |
| 2022 Forte | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2020 Forte | 1 | 1% | 5,000 |
| 2019 Forte | 3 | 2% | 81,950 |
| 2018 Forte | 4 | 3% | 28 |
| 2017 Forte | 7 | 2% | 47,000 |
| 2016 Forte | 10 | 7% | 118,167 |
| 2015 Forte | 15 | 6% | 40,400 |
| 2014 Forte | 26 | 6% | 63,533 |
| 2013 Forte | 24 | 12% | 75,365 |
| 2012 Forte | 30 | 10% | 65,000 |
| 2011 Forte | 11 | 7% | 89,711 |
| 2010 Forte | 17 | 8% | 53,778 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outside
Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Problem: 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.
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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014
Problem: 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 engine management brake pedal override feature.
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 vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 SC158.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While car was rolling in reverse, breaks got stiff and driver had to use excessive force to get car to stop. Battery warning came on when pushing hard on the breaks. Then got the car in park, reved the gas to make sure the car was on which it was. Drove it to a parking spot and the car was giving…
This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the…
My vehicle is a 2012 Kia Forte EX. The vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. The brake pedal became soft/sank, and the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a Kia dealership. The failed component…
My check engine light came on and I got it checked out and had a c1053 code show up. The repair shop told me I had a recall but my car is 2010 so itâs not falling within the recall year range.
The system that is failing are the brakes and the tail lights. They used to be an open recall for the brake pedal stopper pad, however Iâm not sure if that part is able to break again because in October I remember hitting the break and something I heard a crack down by the pedal, but I wasnât…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Fortes have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 156 owner complaints about service brakes for the KIA Forte. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Forte service brakes?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the KIA Forte?
The most frequent phrase is “brake switch”, in 11 of 156 complaints.
Other KIA Forte problems
- Engine problems (1,130)
- Electrical System problems (325)
- Air Bags problems (294)
- Power Train problems (218)
- Exterior Lighting problems (178)
- Steering problems (166)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (116)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (110)
See all KIA Forte problems.