2010 KIA FORTE

4 recalls — 310 complaints

23V652000 Sep 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Description
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... Read more
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2... Read more
1,730,192 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
23V652000 Sep 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Description
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... Read more
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2... Read more
1,730,192 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
18V363000 Jun 1, 2018
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Defect Description
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 deploy... Read more
Consequence
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.
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. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to in... Read more
507,587 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
13V114000 Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
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 201... Read more
Consequence
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... Read more
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. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
980,377 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

Complaint Statistics

310 total complaints 35 crashes 4 fires 19 injuries 3 deaths

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE72
AIR BAGS40
POWER TRAIN19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
TIRES18
WHEELS17
SERVICE BRAKES16
EXTERIOR LIGHTING14
STEERING11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 10, 2026
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
Never received a notice on vehicle having a recall
SUSPENSION Oct 25, 2025
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Oct 25, 2025
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
ENGINE Oct 25, 2025
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
AIR BAGS Sep 25, 2025
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
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 act... Read more
Crash 1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Aug 19, 2025
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
the air bag light is on, the cruise control stop working around the same time, the light came on.
AIR BAGS Aug 19, 2025
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
the air bag light is on, the cruise control stop working around the same time, the light came on.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 10, 2025
Incident date: Aug 9, 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 vehicl... Read more
AIR BAGS Aug 7, 2025
Incident date: Jun 11, 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 ve... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jul 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Car won't not shift out ot drive when driving to Any other gears. Will not go into reverse or park.. shifting cable broke. Needs replacement
AIR BAGS Jun 24, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
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 ... Read more
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE Mar 17, 2025
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
I got a car from coparts and they told me nothing was wrong! I recently bought the car
ENGINE Mar 14, 2025
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Known engine problem with bottom end knocking sounds. Potential risk of fire or wreck caused by engine failure. Engine condition is an ongoing issue. Dealerships and manufacture refuse to honor recall because last recall hasn't been addressed and the title is rebuilt.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 3, 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... Read more
ENGINE Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Unknown. Vehicle serviced since 2010. Oil changes based on recommend miles. Only 80,000 miles. Wife [XXX] only uses it mostly for store runs. Since recently inspection and oil change motor has a loud knocking at start up and gets quiet shortly after but while idling you can here a ticking noise. We... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jan 5, 2025
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Brake light switch outage keeps happening
POWER TRAIN Aug 13, 2024
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Was driving at slow rate of speed <30 MPH, the car started having a really loud knocking sound coming from the engine and then lost all power. Had car towed to local garage and was informed that the rod bearing had been broken and the engine needed to be replaced.
ENGINE Aug 13, 2024
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Was driving at slow rate of speed <30 MPH, the car started having a really loud knocking sound coming from the engine and then lost all power. Had car towed to local garage and was informed that the rod bearing had been broken and the engine needed to be replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 24, 2024
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
My car was sitting in the driveway went out of park. I was able to get it stopped and pull emergency brake before any crash occurred. I seen that the brake switch was on recall and thought I should see if I can get it fixed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 4, 2024
Incident date: 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 searc... Read more
ENGINE Mar 1, 2024
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over on the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer where it was diagnosed an... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Feb 27, 2024
Incident date: Feb 26, 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, th... Read more
ENGINE Feb 25, 2024
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
On January 20, th 2024 my Connecting (Rod Bearings In cylinder # 1 failed ! My 2010 Kia Forte Started making a loud rattling noise from inside the Engine! I immediately parked my car. On February 13th, Kia Of Carson ca. Excepted my Kia for service check ! They tried to charge me $235.00 (see servic... Read more
POWER TRAIN Feb 25, 2024
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
On January 20, th 2024 my Connecting (Rod Bearings In cylinder # 1 failed ! My 2010 Kia Forte Started making a loud rattling noise from inside the Engine! I immediately parked my car. On February 13th, Kia Of Carson ca. Excepted my Kia for service check ! They tried to charge me $235.00 (see servic... Read more
ENGINE Jan 10, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Engine knocks really bad
ENGINE Nov 14, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
kia already has a recall on the 2.0 litre Theta engines due to rod bearing failures due to improper machining of the engine blocks, resulting in metal filings blocking oil passages in the bottom end of the engine resulting in the significant risk of a fire or catastrophic engine failure usually at h... Read more
ENGINE Nov 6, 2023
Incident date: 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 bearin... Read more
ENGINE Oct 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 26, 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.... Read more
ENGINE Oct 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 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 Sep 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 24, 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Sep 28, 2023
Incident date: Sep 24, 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 Sep 12, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 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 independe... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 12, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 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 independe... Read more
ENGINE Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Jul 21, 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 R... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Jul 21, 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 R... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Jul 21, 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 R... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jul 26, 2023
Incident date: 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 w... Read more
ENGINE Jul 26, 2023
Incident date: 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 w... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: 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 Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: 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
Incident date: Mar 16, 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" eng... Read more
ENGINE May 21, 2023
Incident date: Apr 13, 2020
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 t... Read more
ENGINE May 20, 2023
Incident date: 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 May 11, 2023
Incident date: May 11, 2022
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... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 11, 2023
Incident date: May 11, 2022
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... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING May 11, 2023
Incident date: May 11, 2022
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... Read more
ENGINE Feb 26, 2023
Incident date: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 28, 2023
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
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 Jan 28, 2023
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
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 28, 2023
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
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.

Showing 50 of 310 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2010 KIA FORTE

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 27.0 36.0 30.0 Regular $2,000
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 25.0 34.0 28.0 Regular $2,150
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 25.0 34.0 28.0 Regular $2,150
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 23.0 31.0 26.0 Regular $2,300
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 32.0 26.0 Regular $2,300

CO2 Emissions: 296.2 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA FORTE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE18003 Opened: Mar 16, 2018 — Closed: Aug 30, 2019
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2010
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2... Read more

KIA FORTE — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA FORTE across all model years (2010–2023).

56 Total Recalls
3,494 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
371 Reported Crashes
197 Reported Fires
24 Reported Deaths

KIA FORTE — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2024 0 37 View
2023 3 90 View
2022 1 37 View
2021 7 92 View
2020 0 88 View
2019 2 202 View
2018 9 187 View
2017 9 422 View
2016 2 192 View
2015 1 320 View
2014 3 634 View
2013 6 271 View
2012 5 398 View
2011 4 213 View
2010 (current) 4 310
2009 0 1 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SORENTO 188 13,593 View
SPORTAGE 165 6,601 View
SEDONA 118 3,350 View
OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View