Engine Oil
5W-20
Conventional or Synthetic
Capacity
4.2 qt
with filter
3.8 qt without filter
Oil Filter
26300-35503
Kia (OEM)
OEM spec: API SN
The 2012 Kia Forte takes 5W-20 Conventional or Synthetic with a total capacity of 4.2 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 17mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 35 Nm. The OEM oil filter is the Kia 26300-35503, with 2 compatible alternatives listed below. Note: this vehicle has 4 active recalls — check the recalls section below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.
⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2012 KIA FORTE
Torque your drain plug to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads. Using the OEM filter (Kia 26300-35503) is recommended for warranty compliance. Always use 5W-20 Conventional or Synthetic as specified by Kia — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty. Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval. Viscosity 5W-20
Oil type Conventional or Synthetic
Capacity (with filter) 4.2 qt
Capacity (w/o filter) 3.8 qt
OEM spec API SN
Filter Options
Spin-on oil filter
Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size 17 mm
Thread M14x1.5
Torque spec 35 Nm
Gasket Crush washer
1st gen TD (2.0L/2.4L I4)
Type SP-IV
Capacity 3.5 qt
Change interval 60,000 mi
DOT type DOT 3
Change interval 45,000 mi
Type Long Life
Color Green
Capacity 6.5 qt
Change interval 100,000 mi
Spark Plugs
Type Iridium
Gap 0.044
Quantity 4
Change interval 100,000 mi
Tires
Size 215/55R17
Front pressure 33 PSI
Rear pressure 33 PSI
Brake Pads
Kia 58101-S9A00 OEM front
Buy Wiper Blades
Bosch 18A passenger, 18"
Buy Rain-X 18-1 passenger, 18"
Buy 5k mi 7.5k mi 10k mi 15k mi 20k mi 30k mi 50k mi 60k mi 90k mi 100k mi
≈ every 6 months
▸ Change Engine Oil & Filterspark plug
14mm thread, aluminum head
18 ft-lb · 24.4 Nm
17V773000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
18V363000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
20V750000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Show all 4 recalls All categories STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE POWER TRAIN STEERING POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL VISIBILITY POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM EXTERIOR LIGHTING STRUCTURE STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS STRUCTURE:BODY EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
SC141OWNERTD STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS 2017-01-10
SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER LETTER - Advises Owners of certain 2011-2013 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used of a service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to underbody components of vehicle.
TSB-023 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES 2011-11-01
KIA: INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE NEGATIVE (-) AND THE POSITIVE (+) BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL FOR SOME VEHICLES. *PE
112 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2012-01-01
KIA: VCM ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT AND ECM UPGRADE-TD/SL 2.0/2.4L MIL ON WITH DTC P200A. *KB
Show all 67 TSBs(+64) Private Party
$4,037–$4,462
Dealer Retail
$4,675–$5,312
Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.
Source: estimated
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