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: exterior lighting
16 reports, newest first. Show all
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 .
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
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.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving and while at a complete stop, she noticed an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light assembly had melted. The mechanic replaced the third brake light assembly; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the valve cover gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The dealer diagnosed that the belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The part was replaced by AAA. The contact stated that the rattling sounds were reduced; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 28, 2023
As I am driving my car losses speed slows to almost stop. I keep my foot on the gas pedal very lightly pressing acceleration to keep it going.
Exterior lighting, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear brake lights would not properly illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. After replacing the brake light bulbs, the failure recurred. The contact indicated that while depressing the brake pedal the passenger’s side brake light would not illuminate however, after releasing the brake pedal, the driver’s side brake light would turn off and the passenger’s side brake light would illuminate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2020
MY CAR INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING OUT INTERMITTENTLY FOR OVER A YEAR NOW, AND MY STEREO BLUETOOTH SYSTEM IS TOTALLY OUT AS WELL. MY SIGNAL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT. SIGNALING IS A BIG ISSUE BECAUSE IF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW I AM COMING OVER IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, AS A RESULT OF MY HANDS FREE CAPABILITIES BEING GONE I AM FORCED TO WAIT FOR IMPORTANT COMMUNICATIONS AT TIMES BECAUSE MY COMMUTE IS LONG.
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK UP AND BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED JENKINS KIA OF GAINESVILLE AT 855-764-9404 (LOCATED AT 3345 N MAIN ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32609) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Apr 27, 2018
MY SEAT BELT DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE WHICH MAKES IT HARD NOT BE PULLED OVER AND VERY UNSAFE. AS WELL AS, MY LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR DO NOT TURN OFF THEY ARE ALWAYS ILLUMINATED ONCE STARTING THE CAR. MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT EVERY SO OFTEN, AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ALSO MY BRAKES SOMETIMES WON'T COME UP OFF THE FLOOR OR WILL STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION EVEN WHILE BEING PRESSED. THIS IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Nov 29, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE BULB FAILED, WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED WITHIN THE HOLSTER, AND HAD FALLEN INTO THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP SWITCH HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MADE THE CONTACT AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MANEUVER FROM THE PARK POSITION. A TOW COMPANY WAS CALLED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE TOW DRIVER SHOWED THE CONTACT A TRICK TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED UNIVERSAL KIA HICKORY HOLLOW (5406 TARGET DR, ANTIOCH, TN, 37013) AND UNIVERSAL KIA RIVERGATE (1536 GALLATIN PIKE N, MADISON, TN, 37115) OF THE FAILURES. THE DEALERS CONFIRMED THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 27, 2015
FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULBS KEEP QUIT WORKING, THIS APPEARS TO BE A POOR DESIGN ON THE BULB SOCKET TO HEADLAMP HOUSING CONNECTION, BOTH SIDES HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE MULTIPLE TIMES, IF YOU REMOVE THE SOCKET AND REINSTALL IT THEY START WORKING AGAIN, THERE IS NO CORROSION PRESENT. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS IT CREATES A SERIOUS DANGER TO OCCUPANTS AS OTHER VEHICLES ARE UNAWARE OF THE VEHICLES INTENDED DIRECTION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2014
STARTING ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY CAR (LOW BEAM) STARTED TO REGULARLY BURN OUT ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR TWO. I FINALLY BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A GROUND PROBLEM IN BOTH THE WIRING HARNESSES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. (THE SAME ISSUE IN BOTH ?? ) THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY DEFECT AS IT HAS CAUSED ME TO BE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN BOTH OF THEM BURNED OUT AT THE SAME TIME. WITH THE SAME DEFECT BEING IN TWO DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE SAME CAR, I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS IS NOT A GENERAL PROBLEM ESPECIALLY AFTER TALKING TO PEOPLE IN THE DEALERSHIP HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS.. *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 14, 2013
ESC LIGHT STAYS ON, BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK, AND CRUISE CONTROL WORKS SPORADICALLY, ALL FUSES ARE WORKING, A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH REFLECTS THAT THE A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MIGHT BE THE CAUSE, WHICH IN FACT IT WAS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 31, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND A MAN FLAGGED ME DOWN AT A RED LIGHT TO LET ME KNOW THAT NONE OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL AS TRACTION CONTROL BUTTONS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY ISSUE WITH THE FUSES. IF I CAN NOT FIND A FIX TO THIS PROBLEM IT MAY RESULT IN MYSELF GETTING REAR ENDED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,400.