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: air bags
42 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
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.
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.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 28, 2023
Airbag light will not turn off after 6 seconds. Stays on even when driving. Cruise control turns on sporadically when trying to turn off, it will not respond stays on. Car will be inspected on 10/03/2023 by Earnhardt Peoria KIA Peoria Az.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2022
The air bag is on for over 3 years and not included in the recall. This is a fearful safety issue. The serpentine belt has been replaced three times a year.
Air bags, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 27, 2021
Engine and air bag
Air bags, Nov 11, 2021
In June 2021 my air bag light came on. Called the dealership to have them check it out. Said they would get back with me to have it checked. 2-3 days later I was driving and hit a pothole air bags deployed while driving busted windshield driver and passenger side airbags deployed. Busted windshield and broke both seatbelts cannot pull out or be safe driving it Kia of America.
Air bags, Seats, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 19, 2021, crash
THE 2010 KIA WAS TRAVELING ON A RURAL STATE HIGHWAY WITH AT A SPEED THAT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. WHEN COMING OVER A HILL THE CAR LEAVES THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD WAY, THE DRIVER OVER CORRECTS SPINNING THE CAR, IT TRAVELS 180-200'FEET BACKWARDS, LEAVES THE ROAD WAY SND SIDE IMPACT A TREE. MY 14'YEAR OLD WAS WEARING A SAFETY DEVICE AT THE TIME SHE WAS ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHICH IS WHERE THE IMPACT OCCURRED SHE WAS FOUND . SHE WAS PRONOUNED AT THE SCENE . SHE WAS FOUND STILL IN THE SAFETY DEVICE HER BOTTOM HALF WAS SOMEWHAT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE DASH AND HER TOP HALF STILL BUCKLED IN WAS FOUND OVER INTO THE DRIVER SEAT/FLOORBOARD. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL CONCERNING THE SEATBELTS ON THIS PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER THE CRASH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION HOWEVER I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN ANY INFORMATION ON WHETHER HER SEATBELT ACTUALLY LOCKED AS IT SHOULD HAVE AS I STATED SHE WAS STILL BUCKLED IN WHEN I FOUND HER THEY CUT THE SEATBELT OFF OF HER BUT I THINK THAT'S JUST A STANDARD PRACTICE I WILL BE RECEIVING CRASH REPORTS HOWEVER THOSE ARE NOT FINISHED YET.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2020
MY 2010 KIA FORTE HAS 62,751 MILES ON IT AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING. I WAS PARKED IN MY CARPORT AND STARTED THE CAR TO GO TO THE POST OFFICE TO PICK UP MY MAIL. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AS USUAL BUT THIS TIME IT STAYED ON (SOLID) AND REMAINS THAT WAY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR AIR BAGS FOR 2010 KIA FORTES BUT MINE WAS NOT INCLUDED. I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN LIVING ALONE WITH LIMITED FUNDS AND HAVE NO CHOICE, I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND AM CONSTANTLY IN FEAR OF LOSING MY LIFE OR BEING SEVERELY INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THAT ALONE IS A MAJOR DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND IF OTHER 2010 KIA FORTE'S WERE INCLUDED, WHY MINE WAS NOT. I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SO THE REPAIR CAN BE MADE BY THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT A CHARGE TO ME, WHICH WILL ALLOW ME TO QUIT LIVING IN FEAR AND BE ABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY.
Air bags, Feb 5, 2020
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON; THEREFORE, IT HAS ME CONCERNED IF I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION.
Air bags, Dec 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA STORE RAINBOW CITY GADSDEN (950 W GRAND AVE, RAINBOW CITY, AL 35906, (256) 442-3232) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATED COST OF $400. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. *DT*JB
Air bags, Nov 15, 2019
MY LOCAL KIA STORE DIAGNOSED MY CAR WITH HAVING A BROKEN CLOCK SPRING IN MY DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIR BAG AND I WOULD LIKE A RECALL ON IT DUE TO THE FACT IF I WAS IN A WRECK IT WOULD KILL BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT DEPLOY TO KEEP ME SAFE.
Air bags, Jun 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUFFINES KIA MCKINNEY (1201 N CENTRAL EXPY, MCKINNEY, TX 75070, (469) 525-4400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 12, 2019
MY AIRBAG HAS BEEN ON FOR OVR A YR. TOOK IT TO A DEALER TO GET REPAIRED. THE LIGHT WAS OFF FOR 4 DAYS AND CANE BACK ON AND STAYS ON. BACK AGAIN. AND STILL HAD TO PAY ANOTHER DIAG. FEE. BUT THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED. NOW MY CAR SOUNDS REALLY LOUD...KNOCKING THATS ANNOYING. EVERYTIME I START MY CAR AND DRIVE IT MAKES THAT NOISE. JUST FOUND OUT. ITS AN AIRBAG MODULE THAT WASNT COVERED IN THE RECALL. WHY CLDNT THEY FIND THAT AT 1ST. SMH. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN KIA. GOING TO A DIFFERENT MFG...LIKE TOYOTA
Air bags, Jan 7, 2019
I RECENTLY TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE MOST RECENT RECALL WITH THE AIR BAG FIXED. AFTER THE REPAIR OCCURRED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF A MALFUNCTION OCCURRED DURING THE REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THE AIR BAG MODULE AND CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2018, crash
WHILE COASTING INTO A PARKING SPOT MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A RETAINING WALL. KIA IS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM CURRENTLY AWAITING WORD FROM MY BODY SHOP AS TO IF THE CAR WILL BE TOTALED OR NOT. IF IT IS FIXABLE I AM VERY FRIGHTENED TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. I AM SEEING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO- KIA SIOUX CITY, 3701 SINGING HILLS BLVD, SIOUX CITY, IA 51106, 712-560-7599) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER (DENNIS EAKIN KIA, LOCATED AT 5200 EAST CENTRAL TEXAS EXPY, KILLEEN, TEXAS 76543, (254) 699-2909) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS) ON JUNE 20, 2018. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Air bags, Sep 25, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. CORAL SPRINGS KIA (LOCATED AT 9330 W ATLANTIC BLVD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33071, (954) 603-7952) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 22, 2018
THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO REMEDY A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 18V-363 AND MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: SC165) IN A TIMELY MANNER. NO INTERIM LETTER WAS SENT AFTER THE SAFETY RECALL WAS MAILED ON JULY 27, 2018. THE RECALL IS RELATED TO A DEFECT IN THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT IN CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 3, 2018
TAKATA RECALL MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 90 DAYS NOW AND THEY WILL NOT TELL ME WHEN THERE IS GOING TO BE A FIX FOR MY CAR. I CALL KIA CUSTOMER SUPPORT 3 TIMES NOW AND THEY SAY THAT A MEMBER OF THERE UPPER MANAGEMENT WILL BE CALLING ME TO DISCUSS MY OPTIONS BUT NO ONE EVER CALLS I HAVE TOLD THEM L WANT MY CAR REPLACED .CAN YOU PLEASE GET THEM TO DO THERE JOB BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT HELPING ME AT ALL.THANKS OFFICER [XXX] DOC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Aug 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DES MOINES (4475 MERLE HAY RD, DES MOINES, IA 50310, 515-270-0706) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Aug 7, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (NAPLETON RIVER OAKS KIA, 1951 RIVER OAKS, DR., CALUMET CITY, IL 60409, 888-711-0920) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,458. *TT UPDATED 10/2/18*JB
Air bags, Jun 13, 2018, crash
KIA AIRBAG RECALLGOOD DAY, MY VEHICLE (2010 KIA, FORTE) WHICH WAS TOTALED IN REAR-ENDED CAR ACCIDENT (WHILE WAITING AT STOP-LIGHT ON A CITY STREET) FROM A DISTRACTED DRIVER THAT TOOK PLACE ON 11/1/2011. MY NECK WAS SEVERELY INJURED, WHICH REQUIRED SURGERY IN MARCH, 2012. IN FACT, I OBTAINED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSDI) IN 2013 BASED ON THAT NECK INJURY. BY THE WAY, AFTER RECEIVING RETRO SSDI, I PURCHASED A 2012 KIA FORTE AND PRESENTLY WAITING FOR MY RECALL-NOTIFICATION FOR REPAIR/FIX. I'M WRITING IN REGARDS TO THE RECENT KIA AIRBAG RECALL. THE AIRBAG IN MY 2010 KIA FORTE DID NOT DEPOLY IN THE 2011 CAR ACCIDENT. PLEASE VIEW SUBMITTED PHOTOS IMAGES. THE PAST PHOTOS SUBMITTED SHOWED THE DRIVER'S WHEEL AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AS I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AFTER BEING REAR-ENDED. IN MY OPINION, KIA CORPORATION SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR AIRBAG FAILURE IN MY PAST CAR ACCIDENT CASE. AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, I RECEIVE SSDI DUE TO MY INJURY FROM THAT CAR ACCIDENT. PLEASE ADVISE.