The Kia Forte Koup Years to Avoid
Kia Forte Koup by ASmiley - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Although the sedan segment is way less popular than SUVs nowadays, many models continue to be popular among consumers. Undoubtedly, one of the best-selling models of Kia is the Forte – thanks to its affordability, well-rounded qualities, and modern features. As a way to add more excitement to the Forte lineup, Kia launched the Kia Forte Koup.
The Kia Forte Koupe is a sleek and stylish two-door variant of Kia’s popular Forte lineup. As a member of the Forte family, the Koup offers a sportier alternative to its four-door counterparts in an attempt to cater to a wide range of preferences. While the Forte sedan caters to the everyday commuter, the Koup is for enthusiasts who desire a bit more flair on the road.
However, with the shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers and not-so-great sales numbers, the Forte Koup was discontinued in its 2016 model.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE KIA FORTE KOUP
While production ended several years ago, this stylish coupe is still readily available on the used car market. So, exploring the most reliable Kia Forte Koup years can be helpful.
If you’re buying a used Kia Forte Koup, know that some years are less reliable than others. Today, we walk you through the worst Kia Forte Koup years to avoid as a used car buyer.
Which Kia Forte Koup Years to Avoid?
According to RepairPal, the Kia Forte Koup has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, making it the 11th most reliable compact car out of 36 automakers. With that said, below are the Forte Koup years to avoid due to the high number of complaints and known reliability issues (mostly the faulty engines).
- 2010 Kia Forte Koup
- 2012 Kia Forte Koup
- 2013 Kia Forte Koup
2010 Kia Forte Koup
Debut model years are essentially the “first draft” of a vehicle. They might contain design flaws or mechanical issues the manufacturer hasn’t yet identified or addressed. That is clearly the case with the 2010 Forte Koup. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2010 Forte Koup has received 23 complaints and one recall.
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Engine Issues
One of the main reasons to avoid the 2010 Forte Koup is the prevalence of engine issues. The 2010 Kia Forte Koup has had a notable number of engine-related complaints. A recurring issue among several owners is engine knocking, especially at higher RPMs. This problem can be indicative of more severe internal engine damage, as evidenced by reports of metal flakes in the oil pan.
Some of the reported issues are not just minor inconveniences. There have been alarming incidents, such as engine fires (although very rare), which pose significant safety risks to drivers and passengers.
Apart from internal engine issues, there have been complaints related to the throttle body. An owner faced problems with the throttle body, both the original and the replacement part. The vehicle intermittently failed to start after sitting for a while. The problem recurred even after replacing the throttle body.
2012 Kia Forte Koup
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup is another problematic version of the South Korean automaker’s coupe sedan. CarComplaints.com has documented 22 complaints and three recalls for the 2012 Forte Koup, and like the 2010 Forte Koup, this model year struggled with severe reliability woes, including engine issues.
Engine Problems
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup has had a series of engine-related complaints, ranging from knocking sounds and reduced performance to severe issues like engine seizures.
Several reports mentioned that the check engine warning light would illuminate intermittently for several months. Despite having the engine replaced previously, the problem persisted. The consumption valve was replaced, but the check engine light came back on, accompanied by a knocking sound from the engine.
Another notable area for improvement with the 2012 Kia Forte Koup is the failure of the connecting rod bearing. One owner reported rod bearing failure in the 2012 Kia Forte Koup with a 2.4L engine at approximately 93k miles. The engine began rattling while driving, with no prior indication of any issues.
Overheating issues and components like the coolant fan resistor melting were also reported. These problems indicate potential design or manufacturing flaws in the vehicle’s cooling system.
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2013 Kia Forte Koup
The 2013 model is one of the worst Kia Forte Koup years to avoid due to pretty much the same issue: engine problems. CarComplaints has listed 29 complaints, and three recalls for the 2013 Kia Forte Koup.
Blown Engine
If you don’t want to deal with expensive repair jobs and increased safety risks, the 2013 Kia Forte Koup should be an instant pass. This model year is quite notorious for various reports of blown engines.
The 2013 Kia Forte Koup has had several reported instances of the engine blowing. One owner experienced an engine failure after hearing a ticking sound, which escalated to a loud knocking. This owner highlighted that the Forte Koup was excluded from a recall that covered other models with similar engine issues.
However, a particularly alarming incident involved an engine explosion on the highway at 65 mph, causing debris to scatter and posing a significant danger.
Other Engine Issues
In addition, this model year also received numerous reports about varying engine problems. Many owners described abrupt engine failures while driving, such as sudden RPM drops, engine seizures, and unexpected stalling. These are huge safety risks, especially when driving at highway speeds.
Some owners drew parallels between the Forte Koup’s engine issues and the Theta II engine recall, suggesting similarities in the nature of the problems. These engine problems typically happen around the 81,939-mile mark, which can affect the potential longevity of the vehicle’s engine.
As you might expect, addressing these engine issues can be costly. Several owners faced high repair or replacement costs; some had to replace their engines multiple times.
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Faulty Airbags
The 2013 Forte Koup also received several reports of problematic airbags. An owner recounted a situation where they were T-boned at an intersection during rainy conditions. Despite the impact being directly next to the airbags, they did not deploy. These issues are not widespread, but it’s worth keeping in mind, especially if you’re concerned about safety.
With all these issues, the 2013 Kia Forte Koup is one of the worst Kia Forte Koup years to avoid.
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