2010 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 80 1 crash 4 fire 1 injury

“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 appointment at a dealer and had the vehicle serviced for the recalls. The contact had to make a second appointment as not all parts were available for the initial appointment. After the contact's second appointment, all recall services were performed, and she was informed that a five-point inspection was also performed on the…”
NHTSA complaint #11732338, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“ENGINE BURNED IN FRONT YARD HUSBAND DROVE CAR TO POST OFFICE RETURNED WITH CAR AND ENGINE WAS ON FIRE, FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT FIRE OUT. HUSBAND MADE IT HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AT FRONT DOOR HUSBAND THOUGHT CAR WAS STEAMING BUT CAR WAS ON FIRE”
NHTSA complaint #11307586, 2019 · fire

“🚗 CAR CAUGHT ON 🔥 FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON I 285..”
NHTSA complaint #11230422, 2019 · fire

Air Bags 42 17 crash 12 injury 1 death

“THE 2010 KIA WAS TRAVELING ON A RURAL STATE HIGHWAY WITH AT A SPEED THAT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. WHEN COMING OVER A HILL THE CAR LEAVES THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD WAY, THE DRIVER OVER CORRECTS SPINNING THE CAR, IT TRAVELS 180-200'FEET BACKWARDS, LEAVES THE ROAD WAY SND SIDE IMPACT A TREE. MY 14'YEAR OLD WAS WEARING A SAFETY DEVICE AT THE TIME SHE WAS ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHICH IS WHERE THE IMPACT OCCURRED SHE WAS FOUND . SHE WAS PRONOUNED AT THE SCENE . SHE WAS FOUND STILL IN THE SAFETY DEVICE HER BOTTOM HALF WAS SOMEWHAT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE DASH AND HER TOP HALF S…”
NHTSA complaint #11388774, 2020 · crash · 1 death(s)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING TO HER LEFT FOOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10509078, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 active recall from 2018 for the front airbags possibly not deploying and resulting in injury during a collision, which is what happened. Her knee and ribs were injured from hitting the steering wheel. The car was declared a total loss from insurance.”
NHTSA complaint #11689708, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 23 1 injury

“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 appointment at a dealer and had the vehicle serviced for the recalls. The contact had to make a second appointment as not all parts were available for the initial appointment. After the contact's second appointment, all recall services were performed, and she was informed that a five-point inspection was also performed on the…”
NHTSA complaint #11732338, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 engaged and the vehicle in gear, the vehicle started jerking and unexpectedly decelerated. The contact moved over to the side of the road, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was first towed to the residence and then to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact w…”
NHTSA complaint #11732354, 2026

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11674999, 2025

Tires 23 1 crash

“I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE PASSING AN 18 WHEELER. MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE CAUSED ME TO MAKE A SHARP RIGHT HAND TURN WHICH THREW ME UNDER THE 18 WHEELER. THE TRUCK WENT OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS THEN THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THEN INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED - THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10505875, 2013 · crash

“EXTREME DRY ROT TO A 3.5 YEAR OLD TIRE. TIRE LEAKS AIR. YOKOHAMA ALSO REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING.”
NHTSA complaint #11253714, 2019

“I HAVE HAD 3 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR STEMS CRACK AND DISAPPEAR INTO THE TIRE CAUSING A FLAT AT 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT 38,000 MILES, THE LAST 2 WERE AT 76,000 AND WITHIN A WEEK OF EACH OTHER. I CALLED KIA BUT THEY STATED I HAVE TO HAVE KIA EXAMINE THEM. THE FIRST TIME KIA TOLD ME THAT THIS JUST HAPPENS AND CHARGED ME $200. I WENT TO MAVIS TIRE THE 2ND TIME AND THEY REPLACED IT FOR $83. I CALLED KIA TODAY AFTER THE 3RD TIME AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO THE DEALER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10694968, 2015

Electrical System 20 2 crash 1 fire

“CAR WAS IDLING IN PARKING LOT WHEN A BURNING SMELL WAS NOTICED. THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING OUTSIDE UNTIL NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM TOP OF HOOD. SHUT CAR OFF AND RELEASED HOOD. GOT OUT OF CAR TO LOOK AND FLAMES AND BLACK SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT, WINDSHIELD MELTED, FRONT BUMPER AND RADIATOR GONE. HEADLINER IN CAR STARTED BURNING. 911 WAS CALLED TO PUT OUT FIRE. CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10671199, 2015 · fire

“MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK. ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT DOESN'T WORK/ASIC IS DAMAGED. TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSE KEEPS LEAKING FLUID THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING A CRASH.”
NHTSA complaint #11378094, 2020 · crash

“HORN DID NOT WORK WHEN I TRIED HONKING TO THE OTHER DRIVER. WE GOT BACKED INTO BECAUSE THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK THEREFORE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT WHENEVER THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK, THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. I TRIED HAVING A MECHANIC LOOK INTO BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10604621, 2014 · crash

Service Brakes 20 3 crash 1 injury

“I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT VERTICALLY WHEN I NEEDED TO GIVE THE CAR SOME GAS RATHER THAN JUST LIFT FOOT OFF BRAKE TO GET OUT OF SPOT. THE CAR DELAYED--WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TRIED AGAIN AND IT SHOT OUT RAPIDLY UNCONTROLLABLY OUT OF THE SPOT, SIDE SWIPING THE CAR NEXT TO ME AND GOING INTO A REVERSE FIGURE EIGHT SWERVING OVER PARKING LOT AND WOULD NOT BRAKE. THE CAR ENDED UP SWERVING INTO THE BACK OF A PARKED RANGE ROVER AS I THREW MY CAR INTO PARK SINCE IT WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WAS ANOTHER COMPLAINT LIKE MINE ON LINE ABOUT SOMEONE WITH THE SAME MODEL AND ABOUT 38 K ON CAR WHOSE CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10745799, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK. ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT DOESN'T WORK/ASIC IS DAMAGED. TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSE KEEPS LEAKING FLUID THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING A CRASH.”
NHTSA complaint #11378094, 2020 · crash

“AFTER BRAKING TO STOP AT RED LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY ON A HILL, KIA FORTE 2010 KEPT MOVING UPHILL AT LOW SPEED (5MPH OR LESS). BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. CAR STOPPED AFTER HITTING BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY AFTER THAT, BUT CAR SOMETIMES ROCKS AFTER BEING PUT IN PARK.”
NHTSA complaint #11280490, 2019 · crash

Wheels 18

“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 GOT IT I THOUGHT IT NEEDED TIRES CAUSE I HAD TO AIR TIRE EVERY DAY OR SO BUT NOW IT'S MORE THAN A FEW TIMES DAILY AND I JUST LEARNED HOW UNSAFE THAT IS TO BE DRIVING FOR MY KIDS AND I BUT FOR OTHERS AS WELL”
NHTSA complaint #11416288, 2020

“I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 77 IN CHARLOTTE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. WHILE DRIVING, MY WHEEL HAD A STRUCTURAL FAILURE. I RETRACED MY ROUTE AND DO NOT SEE ANYTHING ON THE ROUTE (I.E. MAJOR OBSTACLE). REGARDLESS, THIS FAILURE IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS IN THE PAST AND HAVE RUN OVER SUBSTANTIAL ROAD DEBRIS AND NEVER HAD THE WHEEL ALMOST COME OFF OF THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11205683, 2019

“I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL ON 03/01/2019, THEY CHANGED TIRE VALVE STEMS AND ACU EXTENSION. WHEN THEY FINALLY FINISHED WORKING ON MY CAR. I LEFT AND WAS DRIVING HOME SO I TOOK THE 60 FREEWAY AND WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND A CAR ALMOST HIT ME BECAUSE OF THAT. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED TO MY CAR. THE MANAGER LATER COMES TO ME AND TELLS ME THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO CRACKED TIRES AND THAT'S WHY MY TIRE WENT FLAT BUT I TOLD THE MANAGER THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE SINCE MY TIRES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND A…”
NHTSA complaint #11184491, 2019

Exterior Lighting 16

“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 vehicles come up behind me several times way too close for comfort because brake lights not working .”
NHTSA complaint #11679697, 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 to solve this with positive results or recommendations people can do with out equipment. This seems to be a big problem with a lot of vehicles mine included. Thx you for listening and thought I would report this issue as another safety concern”
NHTSA complaint #11646303, 2025

“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 search on YouTube I realized that I’m not the only person this has happened to. Kia needs to have a recall to fix this issue because I can’t keep spending money on bulb replacements. Today on May 4, 2024 the brake lights weren’t working and when I went replace them they were blown on both sides. And the…”
NHTSA complaint #11586990, 2024

Seat Belts 11 5 crash 3 injury

“2010 KIA FORTE REAR ENDED A 2012 TOYOTA VENZA WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON WET ASPHALT PAVEMENT. UPON COLLISION, THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SEAL BELT RESTRAINT FAILED TO HOLD BACK DRIVER OF THE KIA. DRIVERS FOREHEAD HIT AND BENT STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSED MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE KIA AND CONSIDERABLY LESS DAMAGE TO THE TOYOTA VENZA. KIA WAS NOT DRIVABLE, SO IT WAS TAKEN TO A SALVAGE YARD OF A FLAT BED TRUCK. DRIVER OF KIA WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS AND EVALUATION. DRIVER OF KIA SUFFER NECK\BACK PAIN, BRUISED FOREHEAD AND HEAD ACHE AND WAS PRESCRIBED PAIN PILLS &…”
NHTSA complaint #10681719, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID CRASHING INTO AN ANIMAL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD TRAUMA AND INJURIES TO THE KNEE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO SECURE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10555788, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN OUR 2010 KIA FORTE KOUP, SHE WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A DOG IN THE ROADWAY WHEN SHE OVER CORRECTED AND WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A DITCH, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED "TOTALED", DURING THIS ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HER, MY WIFE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER FOREHEAD, NOSE, AND UPPER CHEST. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10398385, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 11

“MY KIA WAS JUS FINE DRIVING DOWN TO MY DAUGHTERS HOUSE WHICH IS AN HOUR N HALF WHERE I LIVE. WHERE ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A KNOCKING SOUND CAME ON SLIGHT NOISE. I KEPT AN EYE ON THE NOISE AND VEHICLE. WHEN WE STOPPED I CHECKED ALL THE LIQUIDS AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. WE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF SOME THINGS THEN ON OUR WAY HOME IT WAS SOUNDING HORRIBLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, OIL LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT. SO I PULLED OVER AND CALLED TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME. I DID NOT WANT TO RISK ANYTHING WORSE, BUT HONESTLY I THINK IT IS THE WORSE FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11405501, 2021

“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 BROWN OIL ON MY HAND.I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AS I WAS TRAVELING OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WAS THE COUPLING IN THE STEERING BOX .THEY SAID IT COULD BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THE STEERING COULD LOCK UP IF THE MOTOR SHOULD FAIL .”
NHTSA complaint #11353077, 2020

“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 MOTOR. ALTHOUGH THE 2010 ELANTRA WHICH SHARES THE SAME PLATFORM AND THE STEERING MOTOR WITH 2010 KIA FORTE WAS RECALLED DUE TO SAME ISSUE, 2010 KIA FORTE WAS NOT RECALLED.”
NHTSA complaint #11139092, 2018

Unknown Or Other 11 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT VERTICALLY WHEN I NEEDED TO GIVE THE CAR SOME GAS RATHER THAN JUST LIFT FOOT OFF BRAKE TO GET OUT OF SPOT. THE CAR DELAYED--WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I TRIED AGAIN AND IT SHOT OUT RAPIDLY UNCONTROLLABLY OUT OF THE SPOT, SIDE SWIPING THE CAR NEXT TO ME AND GOING INTO A REVERSE FIGURE EIGHT SWERVING OVER PARKING LOT AND WOULD NOT BRAKE. THE CAR ENDED UP SWERVING INTO THE BACK OF A PARKED RANGE ROVER AS I THREW MY CAR INTO PARK SINCE IT WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WAS ANOTHER COMPLAINT LIKE MINE ON LINE ABOUT SOMEONE WITH THE SAME MODEL AND ABOUT 38 K ON CAR WHOSE CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10745799, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Never received a notice on vehicle having a recall”
NHTSA complaint #11716928, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11504162, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 10 1 crash

“WHILE COASTING INTO A PARKING SPOT MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A RETAINING WALL. KIA IS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM CURRENTLY AWAITING WORD FROM MY BODY SHOP AS TO IF THE CAR WILL BE TOTALED OR NOT. IF IT IS FIXABLE I AM VERY FRIGHTENED TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. I AM SEEING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11152475, 2018 · crash

“Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing”
NHTSA complaint #11695571, 2025

“UPDATE TO CLAIM 11277949 KIA DEALER CLAIMS SHIFTER BUSHING AND THE TRANSMISSION SWITCH. STRANGE THAT SUCH A DANGEROUS WAS TREATED WITH MORE CONCERN. 5 MORE SECONDS OF THAT MALFUNCTION AND I WOULD HAVE WOUNDED OR KILLED A INNOCENT PEDESTRIAN”
NHTSA complaint #11278140, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 8

“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 independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was no oil in the engine. The independent mechanic informed the contact to check the oil level while refueling. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal rattling sound detected. The local dealer was not contacte…”
NHTSA complaint #11543996, 2023

“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 mechanic replaced the third brake light assembly; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the valve cover gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling…”
NHTSA complaint #11521569, 2022

“THE AC CONDENSER FROZE UP THEREFORE I COULD NOT START VEHICLE . IT WAS SNOWING AND FREEZING AND I WAS STRANDED FOR 2 HOURS. THE AC SHOULD NOT BE GOING BAD ON A 2010 VEHICLE . I READ MANY REPORTS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THE KIA FORTES ALL YEARS. WELL SOMEONE COULD GET HURT WHEN THERE VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY!!! THIS IS A PROBLEM!!! MECHANIC TOLD ME I COULD OF BEEN DRIVING FAST AND THIS COULD OF HAPPENED!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT!! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10556507, 2013

Fuel/Propulsion System 7

“My car wasnt getting enough power and it just died while driving it on the interstate to go home.”
NHTSA complaint #11747096, 2026

“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 RPMs constantly fluctuating, the car jolts forward when driving which could possibly result to the car hitting another vehicle in front of it. But the only way to get it to stop / get the check engine light to turn off, is to drive it for x amount of miles until it fixes itself. This problem has been…”
NHTSA complaint #11543029, 2023

“hi, i have a standing issue with my 2010 kia forte sx 2.4l the engine developed this knock that has totally incapacitated the car so it cannot be driven. every mechanic ive been to says that the engine is done and needs to be replaced. ive checked for recalls and i found hundreds of consumers with the same exact problem where these 2.4l engines developed a crippling knock. Has this establishment recieved any complaints and if so what is being done to relieve the consumer who has no where to turn and is stuck with a car they cant use and is being ignored by KIA COORPORATION and every one else.…”
NHTSA complaint #11456943, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE IS FAILING, CAUSING TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS TO TURN OFF. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS IS THAT MOISTURE PROBABLY GOT IN IT CAUSING THE ISSUE AND THE UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. KIA HAS RECALLS IN PLACE FOR THIS SAME UNIT ON THEIR 2006-2010 SEDONA AND 2007-2009 SORENTO VEHICLES (RECALL NUMBER 20V088000, RECALL DATE 02/14/2020), BUT NOT FOR THE 2010 KIA FORTE. SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME ISSUE. LUCKILY WE ARE GETTING IT REPLACED BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT OTHERS MAY NOT BE AS FORTUNATE. NEW REPLACEMENT PART IS CURRENTLY N…”
NHTSA complaint #11364353, 2020

“WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MY VEHICLE STALLS AND HESITATES TO INCREASE SPEED. BEFORE PICKING UP SPEED, IT JERKS FORWARD BEFORE GRADUALLY GETTING FASTER.”
NHTSA complaint #11341508, 2020

“ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY TRACTION CONTROL IS SHOWING TO BE OFF AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATING EVEN WHEN MY CAR IS OFF. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE DRIVING ANY DIFFERENTLY OR BRAKING ANY DIFFERENTLY. HOWEVER, MY 2 YEAR OLD WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND SHIFT IT INTO REVERSE WITHOUT HAVING TO USE THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN HE GOT IN THE CAR WHILE I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF BECAUSE IT IS KILLING MY BATTERY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. I SEE THAT THERE IS RECALL 17V773000 ON 2012 MODELS WHICH SEEMS TO EXPLAIN MY ISSUE EXACTLY. WHY IS MY 2010 NOT INCLUDED?”
NHTSA complaint #11257136, 2019

Structure 6 1 crash

“WHILE COASTING INTO A PARKING SPOT MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A RETAINING WALL. KIA IS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM CURRENTLY AWAITING WORD FROM MY BODY SHOP AS TO IF THE CAR WILL BE TOTALED OR NOT. IF IT IS FIXABLE I AM VERY FRIGHTENED TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. I AM SEEING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11152475, 2018 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DOING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A VERY LOUD BOOM. NO OTHER CARS WERE NEAR ME WHEN THE BOOM HAPPENED AND I THOUGHT I JUST RAN OVER SOMETHING. A FEW MINUTES LATER MY WIFE OPENED UP THE SUNROOF SLIDING COVER AND WE SAW THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. THE WHOLE SUNROOF GLASS LOOKED LIKE A SPIDERWEB AND THERE WAS NOT ANY IMPACT MARKS WHERE SOMETHING COULD HAVE HIT THE GLASS.”
NHTSA complaint #11096819, 2018

“ONE DAY, DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN 2017. MY HUSBAND ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. WHILE GOING 60MPH, THE DOOR OPENED. AFTER THAT, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.. WE TOOK IT UPON OURSELVES TO TRY TO FIX IT, AND WERE ABLE TO FIX THE MECHANISM THAT ALLOWS US TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, BUT IT STILL WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.”
NHTSA complaint #11352798, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 1 crash 1 injury 1 death

“THE 2010 KIA WAS TRAVELING ON A RURAL STATE HIGHWAY WITH AT A SPEED THAT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. WHEN COMING OVER A HILL THE CAR LEAVES THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD WAY, THE DRIVER OVER CORRECTS SPINNING THE CAR, IT TRAVELS 180-200'FEET BACKWARDS, LEAVES THE ROAD WAY SND SIDE IMPACT A TREE. MY 14'YEAR OLD WAS WEARING A SAFETY DEVICE AT THE TIME SHE WAS ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHICH IS WHERE THE IMPACT OCCURRED SHE WAS FOUND . SHE WAS PRONOUNED AT THE SCENE . SHE WAS FOUND STILL IN THE SAFETY DEVICE HER BOTTOM HALF WAS SOMEWHAT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE DASH AND HER TOP HALF S…”
NHTSA complaint #11388774, 2020 · crash · 1 death(s)

“the air bag light is on, the cruise control stop working around the same time, the light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11681624, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11547120, 2023

Suspension 4

“Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing”
NHTSA complaint #11695571, 2025

“MY KIA WAS JUS FINE DRIVING DOWN TO MY DAUGHTERS HOUSE WHICH IS AN HOUR N HALF WHERE I LIVE. WHERE ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A KNOCKING SOUND CAME ON SLIGHT NOISE. I KEPT AN EYE ON THE NOISE AND VEHICLE. WHEN WE STOPPED I CHECKED ALL THE LIQUIDS AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. WE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF SOME THINGS THEN ON OUR WAY HOME IT WAS SOUNDING HORRIBLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, OIL LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT. SO I PULLED OVER AND CALLED TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME. I DID NOT WANT TO RISK ANYTHING WORSE, BUT HONESTLY I THINK IT IS THE WORSE FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11405501, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STUCK IN SNOW, THE CV JOINT FRACTURED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE V JOINT FRACTURED IN TWO LOCATIONS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10667293, 2014

Fuel System 3

“TURNED VEHICLE ON, PUT IN REVERSE, AS I PRESSED GAS TO BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND FIRST STARTED MOVING, THE VEHICLE DIED. I WAS HALF IN ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START, ENGINE WONT RUN. HAD TO PUSH CAR TO SIDE OF ROADWAY FOR SAFETY. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THROUGH MY INSURANCE TO TOW CAR TO MY FATHERS GARAGE. THE CAR IS NOT PUMPING FUEL TO THE ENGINE. IT IS NOT THE FUEL PUMP, BUT A FAULTY FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND THE WHOLE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IS A BAD CONNECTION CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE TERMINAL. CALLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10587379, 2014

“OUR 2010 KIA FORTE EX LOST 90% OF POWER REPEATEDLY (RPMS DROP TO IDLE, REGARDLESS OF THROTTLE POSITION) AT SPEEDS FROM 0-35MPH. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, BUT I THINK IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND YOU LOSE ACCELERATION, YOU CAN BE IN THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC BY LOSING POWER. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO (25,000 MILES OR SO) THE TPS (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR) WENT OUT. KIA COULD NOT DIAGNOSE IT UNTIL IT THREW A CODE (LAME). NOW WE GET THE SAME ISSUE, THE VEHICLE IS STALLING, OR "STUMBLING" WHEN THE SPEED SHOULD BE CONSTANT OR ACCELERAT…”
NHTSA complaint #10549856, 2013

“ODOR OF GASOLINE IN PASSENGER AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10509660, 2013

Seats 3 1 crash 1 injury 1 death

“THE 2010 KIA WAS TRAVELING ON A RURAL STATE HIGHWAY WITH AT A SPEED THAT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. WHEN COMING OVER A HILL THE CAR LEAVES THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD WAY, THE DRIVER OVER CORRECTS SPINNING THE CAR, IT TRAVELS 180-200'FEET BACKWARDS, LEAVES THE ROAD WAY SND SIDE IMPACT A TREE. MY 14'YEAR OLD WAS WEARING A SAFETY DEVICE AT THE TIME SHE WAS ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHICH IS WHERE THE IMPACT OCCURRED SHE WAS FOUND . SHE WAS PRONOUNED AT THE SCENE . SHE WAS FOUND STILL IN THE SAFETY DEVICE HER BOTTOM HALF WAS SOMEWHAT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE DASH AND HER TOP HALF S…”
NHTSA complaint #11388774, 2020 · crash · 1 death(s)

“PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BOTTOM HAS TO BE REPLACED FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER WHEN AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ILLUMINATED. THERE HAS BEEN NO ALTERATION OF THE SEATS OR INVOLVEMENT IN ANY SITUATION THAT WOULD CAUSE DAMAGE, SO IT SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS REQUIRES A $1350 REPAIR.”
NHTSA complaint #11209946, 2019

“THE HEADREST PUSHES MY HEAD SO FAR FORWARD IT MAKES MY NECK HURT. I AM BETWEEN 5' 3" AND 5' 4" AND HAD TO TURN IT AROUND BACKWARDS. OTHERWISE, I LITERALLY HAVE TO HUNCH MY SHOULDERS TO LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD. IT ISN'T SAFE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10473853, 2011

Equipment 1

“PURCHASED A 2010 KIA FORTE KOUPE IN FEBRUARY 2011. AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO KIA MOTORS, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT KIA DOES NOT PROVIDE A DRIVER'S FLOORMAT THAT LOCKS INTO THE TWO CARPET-MOUNTED STUDS THAT ARE DESIGNED INTO THE CAR. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER'S MAT ONLY LOCKS INTO ONE STUD, WHICH ALLOWS THE MAT TO PIVOT AND SWING LEFT TO RIGHT UNDER THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10413506, 2011

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“THE AC CONDENSER FROZE UP THEREFORE I COULD NOT START VEHICLE . IT WAS SNOWING AND FREEZING AND I WAS STRANDED FOR 2 HOURS. THE AC SHOULD NOT BE GOING BAD ON A 2010 VEHICLE . I READ MANY REPORTS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THE KIA FORTES ALL YEARS. WELL SOMEONE COULD GET HURT WHEN THERE VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY!!! THIS IS A PROBLEM!!! MECHANIC TOLD ME I COULD OF BEEN DRIVING FAST AND THIS COULD OF HAPPENED!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT!! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10556507, 2013

Visibility 1

“MYSELF AND THE STATE PATROL OF LONG BEACH WA, WERE STANDING NEXT TO MY CAR AND HIS POLICE CAR WAS RIGHT BEHIND MY CAR THE KIA. WE BOTH HEARD A POP SOUND AND THEN LOOK AT MY BACK WINDOW AND IT BEGAN TO SPIDER THEN THE WHOLE WINDOW SHATTERED INTO PIECES. NO RESIN FOR THIS. RECALL ON WINDOW OR THE WAY KIA PUTS THEM IN/"? I OWE $0 ON MY CAR AND ITS UNDER WARRANTY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10715137, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 1

“THE WINDSHIELD FAILED WITHOUT BEING HIT BY ANY OBJECTS OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY. A SMALL CRACK CAME FROM THE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND SPREAD COMPROMISING WINDSHIELD STRENGTH. KIA REFUSED TO REPAIR SAYING THAT THE THEIR WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER FAULTS TO THE WINDSHIELD PAST 24 MONTHS REGARDLESS OF POOR WORKMANSHIP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10500591, 2013