What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2010 KIA Forte

Typical pattern

3.2% of complaints about the 2010 KIA Forte came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2010 vehicle — around the middle of the 203 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 8.5 yr in service. The most-reported system is engine (74 complaints), typically at 11.0 yr or about 100,000 miles.

Complaints
315
Median age at failure
8.5 yr
Median mileage
70,130 n=216
Crash / fire / tow
13.3% of reports
Safety recalls
3 1 do not drive

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Engine
74 reports · 100,000 mi
11.0 yr
6.8%
Air bags
41 reports · 80,702 mi
8.8 yr
41.5%
Tires
24 reports · 35,000 mi
3.8 yr
4.2%
Power train
23 reports · 55,000 mi
7.6 yr
8.7%
Electrical system
21 reports · 70,000 mi
7.4 yr
19%
Wheels
17 reports · 61,000 mi
4.1 yr
0%
Service brakes
17 reports · 65,555 mi
8.5 yr
17.6%
Exterior lighting
15 reports · 77,000 mi
8.9 yr
0%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

23V652000 2023-09-25 Do not drive
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

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.

18V363000 2018-06-01
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

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.

13V114000 2013-04-01
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

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

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.

In owners’ own words

Power train 800 mi 1.3 yr in service
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.
Power train 1,500 mi 1.8 yr in service
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
Power train 38,200 mi 3.5 yr in service
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
Tires 60 mi 3 mo in service
OWNED CAR FOR 1 DAY ON DAY 2 DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND TIRE BLOWS OUT. GARAGE REFUSED TO WARRANTY TIRE W/O COMPLETELY INSPECTING TIRE. *TR

Other Forte model years

202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

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