2011 Kia Forte Airbags Problems

WCS Sensor Defect B1322-20 - Airbag Code WCS Communication Error B1324-20 - Airbag Code Door Ajar Lamp Circuit Failure B1323-20 - Airbag Code

NHTSA ID

11691517

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

No incident yet, but I see other Kia's that have been recalled for powertrain system and air bag issues. The power train issue comes up when I get my engine light checked and the airbag light is on. Also, a constant problem is the break switch, the push button car won't start sometimes and the steering wheel doesnt lock because immobilizer Is a problem and other Kia's have been recalled but not mine, instead they sent me a wheel car lock. I see online so many people complaining about the push button car not starting like mine which may be due to the immobilizer issue and theft. It is annoying to see other vehicle recalled but not mine.

NHTSA ID

11535370

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to be towed to a shop we’re now it was put on a lift and there is a hole in the bottom of the engine , And the transmission is not in tact

NHTSA ID

11508036

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

The driver airbag light came on in June 2021 - I called Kia dealership and they said there was no recall. Last month the passenger airbag light came on. Both appear to not be working. I do not have extended warranty and my car is past warranty. I am wondering if any other Kia owners have a similar problem. I have never been in any major accidents and am an excellent driver. I am hoping there is a recall issued in the near future.

NHTSA ID

11440277

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

I WAS IN MOTION, TURNING LEFT FROM 13TH STREET NORFOLK NE, INTO THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO MY DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR DOOR DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN, AND THE FRAME BETWEEN BOTH DOOR WAS DENTED IN.*DT

NHTSA ID

11404931

Incident

Jun 8, 2019

HAD FRONT COLLISION AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT ISSUE RECALL NOTICE LETTER FROM KIA I NEVER RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP NOTICE TO FIX.

NHTSA ID

11399300

Incident

Jun 1, 2018

TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL SC165. WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOESN'T ACCOUNT FOR REMOVING/READING THE AIRBAG SENSORS. THE ESTIMATE TO READ THE CODES IS $150 THAT CAN THEN GO TO COST OF REPAIRS. WHY WOULDN'T A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INCLUDE READING THE SENORS AND ENSURING THEY ARE WORKING PROPERLY?

NHTSA ID

11310219

Incident

Feb 19, 2020

Mileage

123,799 mi

TAKATA RECALL: I WAS INVOLVED IN A NOT AT FAULT SIDE IMPACT CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND I WAS INJURED AND AM CURRENTLY SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION.

NHTSA ID

11229112

Incident

Jun 8, 2019

Mileage

17,000 mi

TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CORRECT RECALL ISSUE (18V363). COMPLETED THE WORK AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. MY AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS "ON". INTERIM NOTICE ON RECALL MENTIONED IF AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND REMAINS ILLUMINATED TO TAKE TO DEALER. I BELIEVE, BECAUSE OF THIS, THAT THE TWO ARE RELATED AND THE REPAIR SHOULD LEAD TO THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOING OUT. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE $200 TO CORRECT IT WITH A NEW SEATBELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IS THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINING ILLUMINATED RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL 18V363?

NHTSA ID

11190427

Incident

Mar 19, 2019

Mileage

129,720 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A CUT TO THE HEAD, AND INJURIES TO THE LEGS AND HIP. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 1820224 WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11174482

Incident

May 25, 2018

Mileage

32,000 mi

I GOT INTO AN AUTO ACCIDENT A YEAR AGO AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. I DISCOVERED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER ONE. WELL JUST THE OTHER DAY MY INSIDE DASH LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS , WELL BASICALLY ALL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING IN AND OUT. MADE THE CAR BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. NEW FUEL PUMP, CHECKED STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. ALL OF THOSE ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. BUT MY CAR IS STILL BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID

11170159

Incident

Jan 13, 2019

Mileage

150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT AND/OR LATCH WHEN PROMPTED. UPON SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO EXTEND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS FOR LATCHING PURPOSES, THE SEAT BELTS MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE THAT SOUNDED FROM THE REAR BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. ROSEN KIA MILWAUKEE (5505 SOUTH 27TH STREET, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53221, (414) 282-9300) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY COVERAGE HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11149770

Incident

Oct 6, 2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11141253

Incident

Jul 27, 2018

OTHER AIR BAG RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TRAVELED LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE ON A TWO LANE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN AN OFF-SET, HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE DRIVER AIR BAG AND DRIVER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO DEPLOY / ACTIVATE DURING THE SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURY.

NHTSA ID

11131971

Incident

Sep 18, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHWEST KIA AUSTIN (13175 N US-183, AUSTIN, TX 78750, (512) 583-1900), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO SOUTHWEST KIA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,252.

NHTSA ID

11130442

Incident

Sep 3, 2018

Mileage

92,252 mi

I HAD A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY& SAFETY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF MY 2011 KIA FORTE WHEN I WAS SUDDENLY FACING A HABITUAL DRUNK DRIVER, CREAMING US HEAD-ON AND MY AIRBAGS FATO DEPLOY. I HAVE UNDERGONE 8 SURGERIES TO TRY TO REPAIR MY BROKEN BODY. I LOST MY FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS FAILED ME. IS THERE A MONETARY VALUE TO KIA'S RESPONSIBILITY?

NHTSA ID

11130355

Incident

Jul 11, 2013

Mileage

13,000 mi

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOR MY KIA FORTE 2011 FOR THE SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS. I DO NOT WISH TO PUT MY SAFETY AT RISK. I HAVE TO DRIVE TO WORK EVERYDAY AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE MY CAR. I REALLY WISH KIA WOULD GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR. WITH MY KIA, I HAVE NOTICED THAT I PUT MY SEATBELT ON AND SUDDENLY IT BECOMES UNBUCKLED AS IF IT WAS RELEASED. THIS HAPPENED OFTEN BEFORE I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AFTER I TURNED IT ON. I DO NOT WISH TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT AND THEN THE SEATBELT AND/OR AIRBAG DON'T WORK. PLEASE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ALMOST 60 DAYS WAITING FOR A REMEDY. KIA DOESN'T WANT TO HELP IN OTHER WAYS! I NEED A RENTAL CAR THAT IS THE LEAST THEY CAN DO!

NHTSA ID

11129665

Incident

Jun 1, 2018

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED CAMPBELL NISSAN OF EDMONDS (24325 WA-99, EDMONDS, WA 98026, (425) 774-2174) SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11124286

Incident

Jun 1, 2018

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED CAMELBACK KIA AT 602-388-1276 (LOCATED AT 1450 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11121104

Incident

Jun 1, 2018

MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN A HABITUAL DRUNK DRIVER HIT US HEAD-ON 7/11/2013. I HAD A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY THAT MY AIRBAGS WOULD KEEP ME SAFE. I HAVE REQUIRED 8 SURGERIES TO MEND MY BROKENNESS, INCLUDING A COMPLETE HYSTERECTOMY, BILATERAL SACROILIAC JOINT FUSIONS AND TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID

11121039

Incident

Jul 11, 2013

Mileage

12,000 mi

IN APRIL 2016 MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALED OUR KIA FORTE 2011. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT I SPENT ENDLESS WEEKS WITH VARIOUS REPRESENTATIVES FROM KIA EXPRESSING MY CONCERN. I SEE THE RECALL HAS TAKEN PLACE BUT ALMOST 2 YEARS LATER AND AFTER PEOPLE HAVE DIED. I AM APPALLED, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE DID AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND THAT AIR BAGS DONT ALWAYS DEPLOY. KIA CORPORATE WAS AWARE THERE WAS AN ISSUE. MY WIFE DID NOT DIE BUT OBVIOUSLY FROM THE ENCLOSED PICTURES THERE WAS DAMAGE DONE. MY WIFE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND THEN THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT WHICH TIME THE DRIVERS DOOR FLEW OPEN YET NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED TO PROTECT HER. PEOPLE NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE THESE DEATHS COULD HAVE BEEN AVERTED.

NHTSA ID

11101209

Incident

Apr 27, 2016

Mileage

95,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL. WE WERE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED ON 4/2/18. THE DRIVER WAS GOING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 50-70 MPH. MY AIR BAGS NEVER INFLATED CAUSING ALOT OF INJURIES. MY DRIVER HEAD REST WAS EJECTED CAUSING INJURY TO MY DAUGHTERS FACE.

NHTSA ID

11101097

Incident

Apr 2, 2018

Mileage

115,000 mi

I WAS HIT HEAD-ON AT 65MPH AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IT HAS CAUSED ME HORRIBLE INJURIES INCLUDING A CERVICAL NECK FUSION, BILATERAL SACROILIAC JOINT FUSIONS, NECESSITY OF A TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY DUE TO MY UTERUS & FELOPIAN TUBES PERFORATING, GASTRIC ADHESIONS AND A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT. I HOLD KIA RESPONSIBLE. I HAD CONFIDENCE THAT I WOULD BE SAFE IN MY 2011 KIA FORTE. I LOST MY VERY ESSENCE OF BEING A WOMAN BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS FAILED AFTER BEING CLOBBERED HEAD-ON BY A FULL-SIZE PICK-UP TRUCK. MOST FRUSTRATING IS THE CONSTANT PAIN AND SUFFERING, ADDED TO MY ALREADY A 100% DISABLED NAVY VETERAN.

NHTSA ID

11084652

Incident

Jul 11, 2013

Mileage

13,000 mi

I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT THEN LANDED ON MY FRONT WINDSHIELD AND TOP OF MY CAR CAUSING IT TO BE TOTALED. AT IMPACT AND DESPITE WEARING A SEATBELT MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSED EXTREME BRUISING AND PAIN. THE ROAD WAS SLICK WITH RAIN.

NHTSA ID

11080284

Incident

Mar 6, 2018

Mileage

85,000 mi

TRAVELING 45 TO 55 MPH RAN INTO FOUR LARGE DEERS AND RAN OFF ROAD. DAMAGE FRONT OF CAR. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON BUT DID NOT FLATE. I SUBSTAIN SEVERE SHOULDER INJURY.

NHTSA ID

11079973

Incident

Feb 21, 2017

Mileage

110,000 mi