2010 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 232 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 21 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 14 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
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.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
232 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 29, 2026
My car wasnt getting enough power and it just died while driving it on the interstate to go home.
Service brakes, Apr 21, 2026
My check engine light came on and I got it checked out and had a c1053 code show up. The repair shop told me I had a recall but my car is 2010 so it’s not falling within the recall year range.
Power train, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer for several recall repairs, and repair under Manufacturer Recall Number: SC165A. After the recall repairs were performed, while driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway with the clutch engaged and the vehicle in gear, the vehicle started jerking and unexpectedly decelerated. The contact moved over to the side of the road, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was first towed to the residence and then to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was due to normal wear and tear. However, the contact believed that the failure was caused by the recall repair under Manufacturer Recall Number: SC165A. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte with a five-speed transmission. The contact received notifications for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000(Air Bags) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulics), as well as other manufacturer recalls. The contact made an appointment at a dealer and had the vehicle serviced for the recalls. The contact had to make a second appointment as not all parts were available for the initial appointment. After the contact's second appointment, all recall services were performed, and she was informed that a five-point inspection was also performed on the vehicle. Upon leaving the dealer, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle's clutch failed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to downshift the vehicle and was forced to use her emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact sustained severe emotional distress as a result of the failure, as it nearly resulted in an accident. With the assistance of a fellow motorist, the vehicle was towed to her home since the dealer was closed. The contact later called the dealer and had the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Once the vehicle was inspected, the contact was informed that the cabin filter and two front tires needed to be replaced; the contact was also informed that she would need a wheel alignment. The contact declined the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the dealer's possession. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2026
Never received a notice on vehicle having a recall
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 25, 2025
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
Air bags, Sep 25, 2025, crash
On August 22nd 2025 my daughter was driving this vehicle and was in a car accident and her front air bags did not deploy. Her passenger side airbags deployed with no passenger but nothing in the front and it was a front collision. Upon receipt of the Paperwork from Copart we learned there was an active recall from 2018 for the front airbags possibly not deploying and resulting in injury during a collision, which is what happened. Her knee and ribs were injured from hitting the steering wheel. The car was declared a total loss from insurance.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 19, 2025
the air bag light is on, the cruise control stop working around the same time, the light came on.
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2025
No Accident just routine maintenance finds that are concerning me . The car is 15 yrs old but over the years have had to replace the brake light bulb harness several times The brake light bulbs get too hot thus melting the bulb receptacle causing the brake lights not to illuminate. Have had vehicles come up behind me several times way too close for comfort because brake lights not working .
Air bags, Aug 7, 2025
Air bag light turned on June 2025. Could not be reset. Had local shop read the code. Driver's side air bag, likely clock spring. Brought it to the dealership after a month wait for appointment. It was confirmed that it was the Clock Spring and replaced. This is not a wear part. Research shows a very common issue with other kia and hyundai makes and models of a similar age that were actively recalled.. Kia declined and will not reimburse due to not having a recall for my specific make, model, and year.
Power train, Jul 21, 2025
Car won't not shift out ot drive when driving to Any other gears. Will not go into reverse or park.. shifting cable broke. Needs replacement
Air bags, Jun 24, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while stopped at the traffic light, a tractor-trailer crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained back pain. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was still drivable at the scene. Prior to the crash, the dealer was contacted on several occasions to schedule an appointment for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer would reschedule each appointment attempt. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,100.
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
I got a car from coparts and they told me nothing was wrong! I recently bought the car
Engine, Mar 14, 2025
Known engine problem with bottom end knocking sounds. Potential risk of fire or wreck caused by engine failure. Engine condition is an ongoing issue. Dealerships and manufacture refuse to honor recall because last recall hasn't been addressed and the title is rebuilt.
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2025
Headlights have become very yellow and cracking formed on them. This effects evening /night time driving and you see ads to purchase cleaners that I have tried and it has done nothing. Not sure why this has not been remedied or made a recall to replace these as defective materials or what one can do to solve this with positive results or recommendations people can do with out equipment. This seems to be a big problem with a lot of vehicles mine included. Thx you for listening and thought I would report this issue as another safety concern
Engine, Mar 4, 2025
Unknown. Vehicle serviced since 2010. Oil changes based on recommend miles. Only 80,000 miles. Wife [XXX] only uses it mostly for store runs. Since recently inspection and oil change motor has a loud knocking at start up and gets quiet shortly after but while idling you can here a ticking noise. We have all paper work to maintenance. Fear if my wife is stranded or worse and thought I would report this. I will take it in to see what is said. Doesn't seem normal for only 80,000 and well maintained INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Jan 5, 2025
Brake light switch outage keeps happening
Power train, Engine, Aug 13, 2024
Was driving at slow rate of speed <30 MPH, the car started having a really loud knocking sound coming from the engine and then lost all power. Had car towed to local garage and was informed that the rod bearing had been broken and the engine needed to be replaced.
Service brakes, Jul 24, 2024
My car was sitting in the driveway went out of park. I was able to get it stopped and pull emergency brake before any crash occurred. I seen that the brake switch was on recall and thought I should see if I can get it fixed.
Exterior lighting, May 4, 2024
Brake lights are consistently blowing out especially the right brake light. I have replaced the bulb at least a dozen times in the past 2 years. Also the signal lights are going out as well. There is something faulty going on with the connection that I think needs to be recalled. After a quick search on YouTube I realized that I’m not the only person this has happened to. Kia needs to have a recall to fix this issue because I can’t keep spending money on bulb replacements. Today on May 4, 2024 the brake lights weren’t working and when I went replace them they were blown on both sides. And the one on the right the actual bulb glass came off and I noticed that the plastic where the bulb connection locks in at was melted a little and the connector had slight burn marks. The bulb itself won’t stay on without me pushing the bulb in when I connect it.
Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over on the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod bearing was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Exterior lighting, Feb 27, 2024
Low beam headlights are so dim, driving at night is extremely dangerous. There is not enough illumination to detect more than 3 feet in front of the vehicle nor adequately see any potential hazards. After doing some research, it appears that this is a common problem that Kia is aware of, however, they refuse to remedy the situation. It is a manufacturer defect with the chrome that surrounds the bulb in the headlamps. The headlight bulbs burn the chrome that surrounds the cup and leads to severely unsafe visibility, while driving at night time or in the rain.
Power train, Engine, Feb 25, 2024
On January 20, th 2024 my Connecting (Rod Bearings In cylinder # 1 failed ! My 2010 Kia Forte Started making a loud rattling noise from inside the Engine! I immediately parked my car. On February 13th, Kia Of Carson ca. Excepted my Kia for service check ! They tried to charge me $235.00 (see service check receipt! Then they later retracted the bill ! Today is February 25th and my Vehicle in still at the dealership unrepaired ! My complaint is that the Kia Dealership and cooperation has tried to Mislead me in every aspect of the rules and regulations of a recall , in order to not repair this (significant Vehical Safety issue! They even tried to get me to pick up the vehicle sand drive it away in the condition it's in ! My insurance company said they will not be liable if something happens to me while operating this vehicle while it's under Recall ! Kia is alleging that my vehical is not under (Warrenty any more! (1).If the recall was not a significant issue why would they recall the 2010 Thru 2013 Kia Forte ! It's Clear " that a 14 year old model would not still be under warranty! However...the rules of recall states that if the conditions are found to exist in any vehical subject to recall it Must be repaired!
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
Engine knocks really bad
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
kia already has a recall on the 2.0 litre Theta engines due to rod bearing failures due to improper machining of the engine blocks, resulting in metal filings blocking oil passages in the bottom end of the engine resulting in the significant risk of a fire or catastrophic engine failure usually at highway speed which can cause accidents. They also have a recall for possible engine fires and instruct owners to park their vehicles outside, with a significant risk of burning occupants. YouTube mechanics have been complaining of all these Kia engines' early failures such as: Scotty Kilmer Exotic Car Play Place The Car Wizard Calls to Kia Motors USA have resulted in their refusal to replace these 2.0 non-direct injection engines.