Recall 16V070 affects 10,240 2011 Kia Forte vehicles for a transmission cooler hose leak. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 10,240 2011 Forte vehicles under recall 16V070 because an improperly manufactured transmission fluid cooler hose can leak. If enough fluid leaks out, the transmission can stop functioning properly and the vehicle can stop moving, increasing crash risk; Kia dealers will replace the hose free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission fluid cooler hose on the 2011 Kia Forte with automatic transaxle is a flexible line that moves transmission fluid between the transmission and the cooler. The fluid carries heat away and helps the automatic transmission apply the right pressure for smooth gear changes. The hose has to stay sealed while the fluid is hot and under pressure.
On affected Fortes, the cooler hose was improperly manufactured. Kia's replacement hose was properly cured during manufacturing, which points to the original hose not having the durability it needed. As the hose weakens, transmission fluid leaks out. With less fluid in the system, the transmission can shift poorly, make noise, or trigger a warning light.
Owners can notice leaking transmission fluid under the vehicle, abnormal shifts with noise, or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the dash. Those signs mean the hose and fluid level need dealer attention.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Kia Forte | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 10,240 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission can stop working properly and the vehicle can stop moving, increasing crash risk. Watch for leaking fluid, abnormal shifts with noise, or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp. If you notice these signs, stop in a safe place and call a Kia dealer before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Kia Forte is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free transmission cooler hose replacement that fixes the transmission fluid leak.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. Reference recall number 16V070 when you call.
- Watch for transmission fluid leaks before the repair. Stop driving and contact the dealer if the vehicle stops moving or the transmission does not function properly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the transmission fluid cooler hose with a new hose. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you paid out of pocket for this hose repair before the recall notice, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Contact Kia customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit your paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 5, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| March 24, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 30, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 30, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V070?
Recall 16V070 covers 10,240 2011 Kia Forte vehicles with a transmission fluid cooler hose that was improperly manufactured. The hose can leak transmission fluid. If enough fluid leaks out, the transmission can stop working properly and the vehicle can stop moving, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2011 Kia Forte is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Forte is included in recall 16V070. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the transmission cooler hose replacement. Reference recall number 16V070 or Kia recall number SC129 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Kia dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose free of charge, with parts and labor covered under recall 16V070.
Is it safe to drive my 2011 Kia Forte before the recall repair?
Recall 16V070 does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect involves a transmission fluid leak. If the vehicle leaks fluid, shifts abnormally, or stops moving as expected, stop driving and contact a Kia dealer. Ask the service desk whether towing is needed.
What if I bought my Kia Forte used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Forte is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall 16V070 or Kia recall number SC129.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V070000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V070 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V070000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →