Service bulletins for the 2011 Kia Forte
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
81 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| PI2102_QA | 2021-05-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Product Improvement Campaign (PI2102). |
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| PI2102_DSM | 2021-05-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage on 2010-2011 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter engines, manufactured from February 24, 2009 through May 31, 2011 (PI2102). |
| PI2102_DP | 2021-05-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage on 2010-2011 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter engines, manufactured from February 24, 2009 through May 31, 2011 (PI2102). |
| TSB_CHA084_R7 | 2021-04-06. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. |
| PS443 | 2020-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device |
| TSB_CHA084_R6 | 2020-12-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. |
| TSB_CHA084_R5 | 2020-12-02. Service bulletin. STEERING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. |
| PS675 | 2020-09-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER. PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly. |
| TSB_TRA046_R1 | 2020-05-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures. |
| TSB_ELE148 | 2020-02-04. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connector concern. To correct this concern, replace the connector with a new and improved part. |
| TSBCHA084_R4 | 2019-12-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. Follow the MDPS Flowchart (page 2) along with the MDPS DTC Table (page 3) procedure outlined in this bulletin before replacing the C-MDPS Motor, ECU or Steering Column Housing. |
| TSBCHA084_R3 | 2019-11-07. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. |
| TSBBOD079_CLOSED | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION THROUGH PROTECTIVE SEALING (SA085) - CLOSED |
| PS067_R1 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP: CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding the inspection and installation of the steel sealing ball on: * 3.3L & 3.8L Lambda engines for 2007-2008MY Sorento (BL), * 2.0L Nu engines for 2010-2019MY Soul (AM, PS), and * 1.8L & 2.0L Nu engines for 2010-2018MY Forte (TD, YD/YDm), 2019MY~ Forte (BDm). When replacing the cylinder heads on these engines, inspect the lubrication ports for installation of the steel sealing balls. Current replacement cylinder heads may not be equipped with the required steel balls. Identify and locate the nine (9) lubricant passages on 3.3L and 3.8L engines and three (3) on 1.8L and 2.0L engines and verify a steel ball is installed in each. |
| PS539 | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| TSBTRA047_R2 | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT. TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. |
| TSBELE091R3 | 2017-12-22. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. |
| TSB-ELE091R1 | 2017-08-31. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the Direct Exchange Program (see Parts Bulletin 91-961-0005). |
| PS474 | 2017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS. |
| SC141QA | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC141 ? UNDERBODY ? ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT |
| SC141DPSM | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. |
| SC141DP | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento, 2011-2014 MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014 MY Sportage, and 2010-2013 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally retailed or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. |
| TSB-SC141 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV. |
| PS493 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication. |
| TSB-SC141R1 | 2017-08-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS. TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid, 2011-2014MY Sportage, and 2010-2013MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. The 28 states where heavy amounts of road salt are used are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.