2010 Kia Forte
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 221
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2010
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 221 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 153 |
| 2012 | 291 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 443 |
| 2015 | 260 |
| 2016 | 136 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 77 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 63 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
33% · 74 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Kia Forte. While driving approximately 50 MPH, smoke was present coming from the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, it was discovered that flames and smoke were coming from under the front of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-11
Air bags
19% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-25
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-24
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-13
Tires
11% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems and valve.
Power train
10% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte with a five-speed transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-20
Electrical system
10% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2010Complaint volume 221 complaints filed for this model year.
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2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 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…
Remedy: 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.…
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2018-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-08-30 Air bags may be disabled during crash
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2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2010 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 74 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 24 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Kia Forte is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Forte?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Forte have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.