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.
Engine, Nov 6, 2023
179000 miles owner was driving and heard a knocking sound. He is an independent mechanic and put it in the shop to diagnose. While inspecting oil was within normal operating range and not yet due for an oil change. Low end rod knock. Changed oil to inspect for debris and found light flakes of bearing material. Diagnosed as rod knock and needs bearing replaced.
Engine, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving or while idling, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings were faulty. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned for his safety while operating the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Oct 13, 2023
Car repeatedly has leaks and knocking engine sound, 5 repairs no resolve. Told different solutions paid for repairs. Engine noise still continues. Took in at 149,000. Why isnt there a recall on the engine?
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. On two other occasions, the vehicle shut off and the driver was able to steer the vehicle off the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was no oil in the engine. The independent mechanic informed the contact to check the oil level while refueling. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal rattling sound detected. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2023
There is an ongoing issue with the MAP sensor that triggers a check engine light as well as the RPMS to fluctuate. This can happen when disconnecting the battery and/or replacing the MAP sensor. I replaced the MAP sensor and still get this ongoing issue. This is a safety concern because due to the RPMs constantly fluctuating, the car jolts forward when driving which could possibly result to the car hitting another vehicle in front of it. But the only way to get it to stop / get the check engine light to turn off, is to drive it for x amount of miles until it fixes itself. This problem has been inspected by Kia themselves and they did not give any information to me about the issue. This issue seems to happen any time I get the vehicle serviced.
Power train, Engine, Jul 26, 2023
I had oil changed on my 2010 Kia forte 2.0 motor and afterwards the oil light came on on the way home from the shop and it died and engine started making a loud noise they have an engine recall on these motors for going bad I need them to replace my engine I can't afford to put new motor in my car when it's not my fault it has a defect in the motor
Power train, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
Engine failure on 2010.kia forte due to faulty oil pump causing car to come to a stop while in trafficc could cause safety problem for everyone on roadway
Engine, May 21, 2023
In March 2023, my 2010 kia forte ex began to make a ticking noise, similar to the noise it had made before its first engine had failed. I had just had my car inspected the week prior and had my oil changed. I took my car back to the mechanic, where they confirmed there was an issue with my "new" engine. The engine was "knocking." I took my kia to the dealership where I had gotten the first engine replaced to see if my warranty still covered the new engine as it was not even 3 years old, but was told it was not under warranty. I took my car to another mechanic to get a second opinion after being quoted over $3000 for a new engine. The mechanic said that there were metal shavings in my oil, which was only a week or two old at that time. He said the issue was likely the rod baring's. I learned kia had several lawsuits going on about premature engine failure in kia fortes, but was told by kia that my car was not going to be part of that lawsuit. No warning messages showed up prior to the failure. The only symptom of the failure that was noticeable to me was the knocking, and would not be as noticable to someone who doesnt know much about cars. Driving my car for the last time, I noticed a burning smell when I turned on the ac. I shut it off and looked for signs of a fire, knowing kias have been catching fire recently. These cars arent safe on the roads and Kia should be held accountable before more people get hurt.
Engine, May 21, 2023
Premature engine failure in 2010 kia forte ex in April 2020 resulted in a vehicle that was unsafe to drive. The problem was confirmed by a mechanic and later the dealership. No warning messages or lamps were displayed. The problem was identified after I spoke with my mechanic about a ticking noise that I was hearing upon starting my vehicle. The noises first appeared a few weeks before my cars engine was diagnosed as failing.
Engine, May 20, 2023
Engine piston knock getting ready to fail and lock up which could cause a crash and loss of control of car.
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.
Engine, Feb 26, 2023
My Engine died at 114,000 miles. It developed engine knock. I now have to replace the engine. Kia refuses to help with this and is asking for 8,000 to replace the engine.
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.
Engine, Jan 2, 2023
Unknown, 2010 Kia Forte engines have an active and open recall in Canada for a ticking noise that leads to vehicle fires and cause death it is not being addressed here in the United States even though the problems are exactly the same there's a smell of gas burning there are ticking and knocking noises coming from an engine and Kia is refusing to replace it here in the United States but they are actively replacing it in Canada
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2022
Automatic transmission frequently disengages while driving at any speed. It stops functioning suddenly and vehicle slows down even if still depressing gas pedal. It happened a few times while in heavy traffic almost causing to get rear ended by cars. No warning lights or messages appears when it malfunctions. It happened on day I purchased the vehicle and owner said it needed a flush according to her mechanic but never had it done. Ever since then it is happening more often. Is there a recall for this? If so, please notify. I'm sure other owners are having this problem.
Engine, Jun 15, 2022
Very loud knocking noise coming from engine. No check engine light or oil light has come on at all. It's been doing this for over a year now.. Ive taken it to several place and no one can figure it out. The knocking gets so bad it makes my steering wheel shake.
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, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2022
hi, i have a standing issue with my 2010 kia forte sx 2.4l the engine developed this knock that has totally incapacitated the car so it cannot be driven. every mechanic ive been to says that the engine is done and needs to be replaced. ive checked for recalls and i found hundreds of consumers with the same exact problem where these 2.4l engines developed a crippling knock. Has this establishment recieved any complaints and if so what is being done to relieve the consumer who has no where to turn and is stuck with a car they cant use and is being ignored by KIA COORPORATION and every one else. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thank You
Engine, Jan 1, 2022
I have 2 Kia Forte I was a 4dr my current is a 2 dr Koup . The engine makes noises the motor actually blew on my way to work with the 4dr then purchased a 2dr it’s doing the same the guy says it’s a cylinder but why do I feel like I’m getting ripped off by Kia bc this is an ongoing issue
Seat belts, Dec 31, 2021
Driver’s seatbelt buckle will no longer accept the seatbelt. The sensor for the seatbelt thinks the seatbelt is buckled as well.
Air bags, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 27, 2021
Engine and air bag
Engine, Nov 25, 2021
Engine is knocking very loudly. Concerned it is going to fail while driving it and cause an accident. I have noticed many other people have this issue with this 2.0 engine Kia has.
Power train, Engine, Nov 22, 2021
While the vehicle was operating the engine had a noticeable amount of power reduction and there were multiple knocking sounds occurring simultaneously. The vehicle was being operated in the right-most furthest lane of a busy freeway in the middle of traffic and at freeway speeds of approximately 65 mph. The issue seemed to originate from the engine causing engine malfunction without engine light indication. There was no engine light prior, during, or post-incident. The vehicle has been professionally inspected, but not thoroughly diagnosed. Altogether, the motor has had a major unidentifiable malfunction and now I have no transportation from the once-reliable vehicle I was using.