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Service bulletins for the 2012 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.

72 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
CS2311_TSB_R32024-10-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY; STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
CS2311_TSB_R22024-03-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING; STRUCTURE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
CS2311A_OWNRTD2024-01-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification consists of a theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and will be available to you free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter.
CS2311_TSB_R12024-01-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS; STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM; STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
CS2311_TSB2024-01-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM; STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE; STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 13, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
PS4432020-12-03. 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_R62020-12-02. 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_R52020-12-02. 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.
TSBELE091R32017-12-22. 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-ELE091R12017-08-31. 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).
PS4742017-08-25. 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.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
PS365R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: BLUETOOTH® ISSUES AFTER IPHONE® IOS 8 SOFTWARE UPDATE - THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO POSSIBLE BLUETOOTH CONCERNS WHEN USING AN IPHONE® WITH IOS 8.X (IOS 8, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, ETC.) WHILE PAIRED TO A HEAD UNIT.
PS2232017-01-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP: FORTE LOCK CONFIRMATION INOP WITH REMOTE START ACCESSORY - SOME REMOTE START EQUIPPED FORTE’S MAY NOT INDICATE THAT THE DOORS HAVE BEEN LOCKED. THE CUSTOMER MAY STATE THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT FLASH THE HAZARD LIGHTS OR SOUND THE HORN WHEN LOCKING THE DOORS WITH THE TRANSMITTER. AS DESIGNED, THE VEHICLE SHOULD FLASH THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND SOUND THE HORN AFTER PRESSING THE LOCK BUTTON TWO (2) TIMES WITHIN FIVE (5) SECONDS. IF THIS CONCERN IS OCCURRING, VERIFY IF IT IS RELATED TO THE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE BY CHECKING THE POSITION OF THE OVERHEAD INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH. IF THE SWITCH IS IN THE “OFF” POSITION, MOVE THE SWITCH TO THE “DOOR” POSITION AND RETEST THE SYSTEM.
TSBELE0912017-01-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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. THIS PROCEDURE WILL NOW BE REQUIRED WHEN ORDERING HEAD UNITS THROUGH THE DIRECT EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
TSBSST0412017-01-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: KDS - AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) - THE GDS AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) WAS INTRODUCED IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2013. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) WAS DEVELOPED TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF UPDATING 2010MY, AND LATER, KIA AUDIO HEAD UNITS USING A GDS, AND NOW, THE SAME FUNCTIONALITY IS AVAILABLE ON KDS. SOME TECHNICIANS MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE BENEFITS THE AUM TOOL HAS TO OFFER. THE AUM ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR MULTIPLE USB FLASH DRIVES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS AND APPLICATIONS WHICH, IF MISAPPLIED, MAY RESULT IN AN IMPROPER AUDIO SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE AND/OR LOCKED UP HEAD UNIT. ADDITIONALLY, FIELD REPORTS HAVE INDICATED THAT USB DRIVES FOR AUDIO UPDATES ARE EASILY LOST OR MISPLACED.
PS2742016-03-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
PS2672016-03-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; ENGINE. SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-0232011-12-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES. KIA: INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE NEGATIVE (-) AND THE POSITIVE (+) BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL FOR SOME VEHICLES. *PE

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.