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.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 20, 2013
UPON PARKING MY VEHICLE, I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE OR NEUTRAL, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND REMOVE MY KEYS. AS I WAS UNABLE TO DO THIS, I COULD NOT LEAVE MY VEHICLE AND FEARED IT COULD ROLL FROM ITS PARKING SPOT. AT THIS TIME, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT COMING ON WHEN I WOULD PRESS THE BRAKES. ALSO, MY ESC CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING THIS FUNCTION WAS NO LONGER WORKING. WHEN TALKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP, I LEARNED THERE IS AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH OTHER MODELS THAT HAS RESULTED IN A RECALL. HOWEVER, MY FORTE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO RESTART MY VEHICLE OVER FIFTEEN MINUTES, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. HOWEVER, MY ESC LIGHT REMAINED ON AFTER THIS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 26, 2013
ODOR OF GASOLINE IN PASSENGER AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
Air bags, Apr 22, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING TO HER LEFT FOOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. *TR
Air bags, Tires, Apr 10, 2013, crash
I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE PASSING AN 18 WHEELER. MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE CAUSED ME TO MAKE A SHARP RIGHT HAND TURN WHICH THREW ME UNDER THE 18 WHEELER. THE TRUCK WENT OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS THEN THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THEN INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED - THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 20, 2013, crash
WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR TRAVELING 60 MPH, PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AND PASSENGER SUFFERED WHIPLASH, CONCUSSION AND BACK PAIN FROM IMPACT AND SEATBELT NOT LOCKING TO HOLD THEM IN PLACE. CAR WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Mar 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACTS STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TPMS UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS, INVOLVING THE REAR DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRES BEING AFFECTED BY THE TPMS LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,298 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,200. *TR
Power train, Mar 17, 2013
THREE TIMES I'VE NOTICED THIS. I PARK THE KIA IN MY DRIVE AT NIGHT AND IN THE MORNING IT HAS SLIPPED 4 OR 5 FEET DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVE IS ON A SLOPE, BUT NOTHING EXTREME. THE KIA HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Feb 27, 2013
THE WINDSHIELD FAILED WITHOUT BEING HIT BY ANY OBJECTS OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY. A SMALL CRACK CAME FROM THE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND SPREAD COMPROMISING WINDSHIELD STRENGTH. KIA REFUSED TO REPAIR SAYING THAT THE THEIR WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER FAULTS TO THE WINDSHIELD PAST 24 MONTHS REGARDLESS OF POOR WORKMANSHIP. *TR
Service brakes, Dec 12, 2012
WHILE DRIVING FROM MY KIDS PEDIATRICIAN OFFICE. I NOTICED THE TRACTION CONTROL STAYED OFF AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. THAT AFFECTED MY BRAKE LIGHTS. I NOTICED THAT SAME PART IS PUT AS A RECALL FOR THE SORENTO AND SOUL BUT NOT FOR THE FORTE. IF IT IS THE SAME RECALL THE FORTE SHOULD BE INCLUDED. FOR THE VEHICLE BEING ONLY TWO YEARS OLD IT SHOULD BE COVERED AS A RECALL AND DUE TO THE SAFETY IMPACT THAT IT MAY CAUSE REAR END COLLISION DUE TO THE DRIVER NOT NOTICING THAT THE TCS AFFECTS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Seats, Sep 4, 2012
THE HEADREST PUSHES MY HEAD SO FAR FORWARD IT MAKES MY NECK HURT. I AM BETWEEN 5' 3" AND 5' 4" AND HAD TO TURN IT AROUND BACKWARDS. OTHERWISE, I LITERALLY HAVE TO HUNCH MY SHOULDERS TO LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD. IT ISN'T SAFE. *TR
Engine, Aug 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE CONTACT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Tires, Aug 22, 2012
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2010 KIA FORTE WHICH CAME WITH GOODYEAR LS2 TIRES, SIZE 215-45 17. IN THE THREE YEARS AND 25,000 MILES WE HAVE USED THE CAR, FOUR OF THE GOODYEAR TIRES HAVE DEVELOPED BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALL. THIS HAS RESULTED IN HAVING TO REPLACE THE FOUR TIRES. AT THE TIME THE THIRD ONE NEEDED REPLACEMENT, I REPLACED IT WITH A DIFFERENT TIRE BY ANOTHER MANUFACTURER. THIS TIRE HAS PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY ON THE CAR WITH NO BUBBLES WHATSOEVER. RECENTLY, I NOTICED A NEW BUBBLE ON ONE OF THE GOODYEARS STILL ON THE CAR. THIS TIRE HAPPENS TO BE ONE THE SAME SIDE AS THE REPLACEMENT TIRE FROM ANOTHER MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THAT THE GOODYEAR LS2 TIRES MAY HAVE A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION. RESULTING IN SIDEWALL FAILURE (BUBBLES) WITH NORMAL USE. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE THREE REMAINING GOODYEAR TIRES ON THE KIA WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRE. *TR
Wheels, Jun 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW PRESSURE TIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED AIR TO TIRES AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE SIDE PASSENGER REAR TIRE WAS CONSTANTLY LOOSING AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER HOWEVER THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE EXPLODED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE NEW TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,920.
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.
Tires, Nov 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE STEMS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND REAR HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INSISTED THAT THE CONTACT BROKE THEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,400. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ THE VALVE STEM WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/23/11
Tires, Oct 12, 2011
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM PROBLEMS *LN *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 3, 2011
THE VEHICLE WILL SPORADICALLY JERK HARD WHEN CHANGING GEARS. I HAVE ONLY EVER EXPERIENCED THIS SAME FEELING WHEN A TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW ON 06/24/11 FROM A DEALERS LOT, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN USED AS A DEMO. THE VEHICLE HARD JERKED WHEN CHANGING GEARS, FOUR SEPARATE TIMES BETWEEN 06/25/11 AND 07/05/11. PER THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/KIA-FORTE-CERATO-TD-KOUP-DISCUSSION/55002-SX-2-4L-W-AUTO-TRANS-2.HTML I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Equipment, Jul 19, 2011
PURCHASED A 2010 KIA FORTE KOUPE IN FEBRUARY 2011. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO KIA MOTORS, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT KIA DOES NOT PROVIDE A DRIVER'S FLOORMAT THAT LOCKS INTO THE TWO CARPET-MOUNTED STUDS THAT ARE DESIGNED INTO THE CAR. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER'S MAT ONLY LOCKS INTO ONE STUD, WHICH ALLOWS THE MAT TO PIVOT AND SWING LEFT TO RIGHT UNDER THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. *KB
Air bags, Jun 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED HE PURCHASED HIS VEHICLE WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A COSMETIC FAILURE TO REPAIR WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIRS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER AND HAD BEEN THERE FOR THREE WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE ARRIVING FROM KOREA AND WOULD TAKE SOME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Structure, May 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AS THE FRONT HOOD FLEW OPEN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER REGARDING THE HOOD AND THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DID NOT INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,800.
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 30, 2011, crash
MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN OUR 2010 KIA FORTE KOUP, SHE WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A DOG IN THE ROADWAY WHEN SHE OVER CORRECTED AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A DITCH, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED "TOTALED", DURING THIS ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HER, MY WIFE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER FOREHEAD, NOSE, AND UPPER CHEST. *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2011
MY 2010 KIA FORTE EX SEDAN, 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC HAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT COULD DEFINITELY LEAD TO INJURIES OR DEATH. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME, BUT MOSTLY OCCURS DURING OR AFTER GOING UP A SIGNIFICANT HILL, BUT MAY HAPPEN ON LEVEL GROUND. THERE'S 23,000 MILES ON MY KIA AND IT'S UNDER FULL WARRANTY. I TOOK THIS TO THE DEALER, THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM OR DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM; THEY SUGGESTED FLUSHING THE TRANSMISSION FOR $150, SO I DID THAT. IT DID NOT HELP. IT STOPPED FOR ABOUT A WEEK, THEN IT STARTED SEIZING UP AGAIN, TODAY (3/10/2011) IT SEIZED TWICE ON MY WIFE. WHAT IT DOES IS NOT ACTUALLY STOP THE CAR, BUT "FREEZE" YOU AT ONE SPEED, TYPICALLY EITHER 20MPH OR 45-50MPH IT TAKES UP TO 30 SECONDS TO SHIFT, AND IF YOU ARE PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC AND IT SEIZES AND WON'T LET YOU GO BEYOND 10-20MPH IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. THE DEALER SAYS THEY WON'T HAVE A REPLACEMENT LOANER UNTIL NEXT WEEK, SO WE'LL WAIT. I'M IN NORTHERN UT. IT'S HAPPENING IN DRY WARM (50-60 DEGREE) WEATHER. WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SEVERELY, THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT HAPPEN. THE KIA OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS TO INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AT 40,000 AND ONLY CHANGE THEN IF NEEDED, SO THE VERY EXPENSIVE FLUID SHOULD BE GOOD. THIS IS SOME UNIQUE FLUID YOU HAVE TO BUY FROM THE DEALER, NORMAL AUTO PARTS STORES DON'T HAVE IT. OTHER DRIVERS ARE REPORTING THIS WITH THE KIA FORTE EX ALSO ( HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/KIA-FORTE-CERATO-TD-KOUP-DISCUSSION/56086-NEW-TRANSMISSION-NEEDED-6900-MILES.HTML). I AM CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING A CAR I CAN'T PREDICT WHEN IT WILL SEIZE UP AND NOT SHIFT. LETTING YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS DOES NOT HELP. IT DOES HAVE TO BE WELL WARMED UP TO HAVE THIS DIFFICULTY, AT LEAST 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! *TR
Tires, Mar 6, 2011
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH AND PASSENGER FRONT TIRE SIDEWALL COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM TIRE. ORIGINAL TIRES WHEN VEHICLE PURCHASED. ONLY 11,000 MILES ON TIRE; GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 2. *TR
Power train, Feb 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE SEDAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY SHIFTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR WOULD SWITCH FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER AND THE TIRES WOULD SKID. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER FIVE MINUTES OF DRIVING, HE COULD SMELL RUBBER BURNING. ALSO, THE SPEEDODOMETER WORKED ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.
Steering, Suspension, Tires, Jan 5, 2011
FRONT TIRES ON 2010 KIA FORTE KOUP WAS WORN SO SEVERELY ON THE INSIDE EDGE THE CORDS WAS SHOWING. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE ALIGNMENT CHECKED. DEALER ADVISED ALIGNMENT WAS WITHIN SPECS. YOU CAN NOT SEE THE TIRE WEARING UNLESS YOU GET UNDER THE CAR AND LOOK AT THE INSIDE EDGE. THE REST OF THE TIRES STILL LOOK IN GOOD CONDITION. *TR