2010 Kia Forte: raw data

Every record we hold for this vehicle, as plain tables, with nothing added. The consumer page shows the same records with the maintenance schedule, price ranges and nearby shops around them.

vehicle	2010 / kia / forte
known issues	6 clusters (reviewed 2026-09-07)
complaints	232 on file (2009-08-03 → 2026-06-29)
recalls	3
investigations	3
fars	111 occupant deaths, crash years 2010-2024 (legacy-code)
indexed	yes
license	CC BY 4.0 (derived)

Known Issues clusters all years →

TPMS valve stem cracking and rapid tire deflationTIRES, WHEELS20 complaints2013-06 → 2021-05kia-forte-2010-tpms-valve-stem-failure

10521292 THE TIRE DEFLATE RAPIDLY WHEN DRIVING AT 70MPH ON FREEWAY. WHEN IN THE TIRE SHOP TECHNICIAN REVELED THERE WAS NO PUNCTURE BUT THE STEM WAS MISSING. AFTER REMOVING THE TIRE THE STEM WAS FOUND INSIDE THE TIRE WITH VISIBLE CORROSION SIGNS. BY INSPECTING THE REST OF THE STEM, WAS
10560692 ON JANUARY 19TH, 2014, WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE SUDDENLY WENT FLAT. UPON INSPECTION, THE HOLE WHERE THE VALVE STEM SHOULD RESIDE WAS EMPTY. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THIS TYPE. PREVIOUSLY, ON FEBRUARY 28TH, 2013, WHILE
11416288 PULLING OUT DRIVE WAY GOING TO THE LEFT FELT LIKE PASSENGER WHEEL WAS LOCKING UP AND DOES IT QUITE A BIT. ALSO NTB IN CLEVELAND, TN SAID THERE WAS LOTS WRONG WITH UNDER NEATH , ALSO IT STILL FEELS LIKE IT'S RUNNING AFTER BEING CUT OFF. AND IT HAS A RIM THAT IS CRACKED AND WHEN I

Steering coupling clicking noiseSTEERING10 complaints2013-05 → 2021-03kia-forte-2010-steering-coupling-click

11353077 WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED STEERING WOULD MAKE A CLICKING NOISE AND GET STUCK FOR SEVERAL SECONDS WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT.I FELT VERY UNSAFE ON THE INTERSTATE AS I WOULD JERK THE WHEEL TO GET THE WHEEL TO UNSTICK.I PUT MY HAND UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AND GOT
11139092 WHEN THE STEERING TURNS EVERY TIME, IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE. AFTER THE CLICKING NOISE STARTED HAPPENING, I OFTEN HEAR METAL TO METAL CONTACT NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I DRIVE ON BUMPY ROADS. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE FAULTY STEERING COUPLING INSIDE OF THE STEERING
10897325 STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE COUPLER OR BUSHING. KIA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT NO RECALL THAT I'M AWARE OF. BEING TOLD THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE $600-$1400 REPAIR ACCORDING TO FORUMS. IT DOES THIS DRIVING OR SITTING

Brake light and headlight bulb failureEXTERIOR LIGHTING15 complaints2013-07 → 2025-08kia-forte-2010-lighting-bulb-failure

11586990 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
11574368 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
11121028 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK UP AND BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED JENKINS KIA OF GAINESVILLE AT 855-764-9404 (LOCATED AT 3345 N MAIN

Service brake seizure and switch failureSERVICE BRAKES14 complaints2013-12 → 2026-04kia-forte-2010-service-brake-seizure

10641531 I RECENTLY HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS ON MY 2010 KIA FORTE. IT WAS NOT DUE TO BRAKE WEAR OR ANY OF THE NORMAL BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM WAS ALL MY BRAKES SEIZED UP AND THE REAR ONES IN PARTICULAR HEATED UP TO THE POINT WHERE THEY WERE CLOSE TO FAILING. THE DEALER SAID IT MAY HAVE NOT
10555413 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE
11634184 Brake light switch outage keeps happening

Engine rod-bearing knock and premature failureENGINE77 complaints2013-10 → 2026-06kia-forte-2010-rod-bearing-engine-knock

11648317 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
11553838 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
10574780 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOAD KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A ROD KNOCK AND RECOMMENDED HAVING THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE

Air bag warning light and non-deployment in crashesAIR BAGS37 complaints2013-06 → 2025-09kia-forte-2010-airbag-warning-nondeploy

11689708 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
11440099 In June 2021 my air bag light came on. Called the dealership to have them check it out. Said they would get back with me to have it checked. 2-3 days later I was driving and hit a pothole air bags deployed while driving busted windshield driver and passenger side airbags
11290829 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA STORE

NHTSA complaints (summary) all years →

count	earliest_date	latest_date	crash_flagged	fire_flagged	top_components
232	2009-08-03	2026-06-29	21	5	ENGINE:80; AIR BAGS:42; POWER TRAIN:23; TIRES:23; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:20

Recalls all years →

campaign_number	report_received_date	component	summary	consequence	remedy
18V363000	01/06/2018	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.	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.
13V114000	01/04/2013	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 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.
23V652000	25/09/2023	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.	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.

Investigations all years →

action_number	status	subject	components	opened	closed	recall_campaign	summary
AQ23002	open	Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE	2023-11-17	·	·	The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003	closed	Loss of Motive Power	ENGINE	2022-09-12	2023-12-12	·	The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain
PE18003	closed	Air bags may be disabled during crash	AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE	2018-03-16	2019-08-30	18E043000	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) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. ODI also evaluated data from the automotive air bag system supplier, ZF-TRW (ZF), to review vehicles that may contain the same air bag control unit (ACU) used in the subject vehicles. Hyundai Motor America (HMA) issued recall No. 18

FARS occupant deaths all years →

crash_years	occupant_deaths	match_type	vpic_recovered
2010-2024	111	legacy-code	0

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road.

Cite this

Derived data is CC BY 4.0. Link back to the page you used. Text and BibTeX below.

Wrench.Pro (2026). 2010 Kia Forte vehicle data [dataset]. https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2010/kia/forte

@misc{wrenchpro_2010_kia_forte_2026,
  author = {Wrench.Pro},
  title = {Wrench.Pro vehicle data: 2010 Kia Forte},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2010/kia/forte}},
  note = {Derived from NHTSA public records. CC BY 4.0.}
}

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