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Makes›Kia›Forte›2011

2011 Kia Forte

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Kia Forte
Pictured: 2016 Kia Forte Koup EX in Silky Silver, front right. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan LX/EX, 4dr Sedan Sx, Koup EX 2dr Coupe, Koup Sx 2dr Coupe
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
Length
170.9–178.3 in
Curb weight
2,707–2,859 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2011 midsize car (23.2 MPG).

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Kia Forte is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,707 lb (4dr Sedan LX/EX).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 29% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Forte — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Forte →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan LX/EX178.3 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.4 in2,707 lb62/38
4dr Sedan Sx178.3 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.4 in2,853 lb62/38
Koup EX 2dr Coupe176.4 in69.7 in55.1 in104.3 in61 / 60.6 in2,716 lb63/37
Koup Sx 2dr Coupe176.4 in69.7 in55.1 in104.3 in61 / 60.6 in2,859 lb63/37
5 4 Dr Hatchback LX/EX170.9 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.4 in2,780 lb62/38
5 4 Dr Hatchback Sx170.9 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in60.6 / 61 in2,780 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forte Eco2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+29%$2,250296
Forte2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+25%$2,300306
Forte2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+21%$2,400317
Forte Koup2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+15%$2,400317
Forte Koup2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+11%$2,500329
Forte Koup2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+7%$2,600342
Forte Koup2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+7%$2,600342
Forte2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+12%$2,600342
Forte2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+12%$2,600342
Save $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Kia Forte.

Similar 2011 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Kia Forte (this car)30 MPGNot rated3
2011 Toyota Corolla30 MPGNot rated9
2011 Honda Civic41 MPGNot rated9
2011 Nissan GT-R17 MPGNot rated0
2011 Toyota Prius48 MPGNot rated6
2011 Hyundai Elantra32 MPGNot rated8
2011 Ford Focus29 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

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.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Jun 1, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · 507,587 vehicles

Problem
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.
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 systems.
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 install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines · Feb 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V070000 · 10,240 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

137Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
18Involved a crash
13Involved a fire
27Injuries reported
90,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine47
Air Bags30
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Electrical System16
Power Train12
Unknown Or Other12
Service Brakes8
Exterior Lighting8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/01: 122/06: 122/10: 123/02: 123/05: 123/07: 223/10: 123/11: 424/01: 324/02: 224/03: 224/04: 424/06: 324/07: 124/10: 124/11: 125/03: 125/06: 125/10: 325/12: 126/01: 126/02: 226/07: 126/10: 122/0123/0223/1024/0224/0624/1125/1026/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Kia Forte buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 47 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 30 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 18 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Kia Forte. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Forte years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2024 Forte34182.7 in★★★★★026
2023 Forte34182.7 in★★★★★366
2022 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★128
2021 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★269
2020 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★078
2019 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★2150
2018 Forte32179.5 in★★★★★3136
2017 Forte32179.5 in★★★★★3305
2016 Forte30179.5 in★★★★★1138
2015 Forte30179.5 in★★★★★1260
2014 Forte29179.5 in★★★★★3421
2013 Forte30178.3 inNot rated5197

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →