2010 KIA FORTE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2010 Kia Forte. This model year has 231 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2010 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Considering a 2010 Kia Forte?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2010 Kia Forte. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 87 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 42 | 17 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 19 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 11 | 5 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 231 most recent complaints
My check engine light came on and I got it checked out and had a c1053 code show up. The repair shop told me I had a recall but my car is 2010 so it’s not falling within the recall year range.
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte with a five-speed transmission. The contact received notifications for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000(Air Bags) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulics), as well as other manufacturer recalls. The contact made an appoint…
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer for several recall repairs, and repair under Manufacturer Recall Number: SC165A. After the recall repairs were performed, while driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway with the clutch enga…
Never received a notice on vehicle having a recall
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
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 lear…
the air bag light is on, the cruise control stop working around the same time, the light came on.
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 illumin…
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. …
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
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 me…
I got a car from coparts and they told me nothing was wrong! I recently bought the car
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.
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…
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 material…
Brake light switch outage keeps happening
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.
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.
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.…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Kia Forte.
Recalls for 2010 Kia Forte
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Kia Forte. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2010 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2010 Kia Forte reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2010 Kia Forte has 231 NHTSA owner complaints, 21 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (87 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Forte?▾
#1: Engine Problems (87 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (42 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Kia Forte?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Kia Forte?▾
The 2010 Kia Forte has 21 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 231 total NHTSA complaints. 14 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Kia Forte have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Kia Forte. The largest issue: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 Kia Forte?▾
The 2010 Kia Forte has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2010 Kia Forte
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.