Segment:
Compact Sedan/Coupe
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, stylish design (especially Koup), decent feature set for the price.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories, Safety Systems (SRS, ABS)
Body And Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, glass, seals, exterior body panels, paint repair guidance.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan operation, coolant flush procedures.
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system diagnosis and repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and component-level repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Extensive troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostic flowcharts for all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Engine Displacement:
2.4 Liters
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (Theta II G4KC)
Horsepower Output:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Output:
168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic Shifting
Automatic Features:
Lock-up Torque Converter, Sequential Manual Shift (Sportmatic)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (Check manual for exact specification and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent meeting SP-IV specification, check manual for capacity)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 Stars (2011 Forte Sedan - check specific test details)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Front Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional upgraded audio systems available with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB port.
Display:
Optional touchscreen navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system, optional push-button start on some trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity available on some trims.
Oil Change Interval:
5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for severe vs. normal conditions)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles (Iridium type)
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 (check manual for exact viscosity grade and capacity)
Coolant Type:
G11/G12/G13 compatible, ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant (pre-mixed 50/50, check manual for specific Kia specification and capacity)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation and capacity)
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor oil leaks, potential for premature wear on certain suspension components (control arms, sway bar links), HVAC blower motor issues.
Technical Bulletins:
Manual will detail any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Kia for this model year.
