NHTSA vehicle safety data

2010 Kia Forte Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2010 Kia Forte has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 221 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2010 Kia Forte, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2010 Kia Forte owner complaints

Owners have filed 221 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Kia Forte, describing incidents dated August 1, 2009 to June 18, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 81 complaints
Air Bags 41 complaints
Power Train 23 complaints
Tires 23 complaints
Electrical System 19 complaints
Service Brakes 19 complaints

Of the 221 complaints on file, 21 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 221 complaints, owners report 14 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11747096 · Filed June 29, 2026
My car wasnt getting enough power and it just died while driving it on the interstate to go home.
ODI #11732807 · Filed April 21, 2026
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.
ODI #11732354 · Filed April 20, 2026
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…

Read all 221 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2010 Kia Forte in 3 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ23-002: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Open since November 17, 2023
Defect Petition DP22-003: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 12, 2023
Preliminary Evaluation PE18-003: Air bags may be disabled during crash
Closed August 30, 2019

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire

NHTSA #23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,730,192 vehicles

Repair completion: 32.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC284 · Owners notified March 29, 2024

Recall group: Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

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 experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

NHTSA #18V363000 · Air Bags — Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 507,587 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC165 · Owners notified September 28, 2018 · Vehicles built February 24, 2009 – August 31, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

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 deploying.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Stop Lamp Switch may Function Intermittently

NHTSA #13V114000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported April 1, 2013 · Kia Motors Corporation

Potentially affected: 980,377 vehicles

Kia campaign SC098 · Owners notified April 19, 2013 · Vehicles built February 24, 2009 – September 6, 2010 (per NHTSA)

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 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.

Safety 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 to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2010 Kia Forte 2-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

2010 Kia Forte 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release)

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

221 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Forte.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11747096

Incident: June 18, 2026 · Filed: June 29, 2026

My car wasnt getting enough power and it just died while driving it on the interstate to go home.

Service Brakes

ODI #11732807

Incident: April 21, 2026 · Filed: April 21, 2026

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.

Power Train

ODI #11732354

Incident: April 16, 2026 · Filed: April 20, 2026

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 was advised by the dealer that the failure was due to normal wear and tear. However, the contact believed that the failure was caused by the recall repair under Manufacturer Recall Number: SC165A. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11732338

1 injury

Incident: April 16, 2026 · Filed: April 20, 2026

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 vehicle. Upon leaving the dealer, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle's clutch failed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to downshift the vehicle and was forced to use her emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact sustained severe emotional distress as a result of the failure, as it nearly resulted in an accident. With the assistance of a fellow motorist, the vehicle was towed to her home since the dealer was closed. The contact later called the dealer and had the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Once the vehicle was inspected, the contact was informed that the cabin filter and two front tires needed to be replaced; the contact was also informed that she would need a wheel alignment. The contact declined the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the dealer's possession. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11716928

Incident: February 10, 2026 · Filed: February 10, 2026

Never received a notice on vehicle having a recall

Suspension; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11695571

Incident: October 24, 2025 · Filed: October 25, 2025

Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing

Air Bags

ODI #11689708

Crash 1 injury

Incident: August 22, 2025 · Filed: September 25, 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 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.

Air Bags; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11681624

Incident: June 15, 2025 · Filed: August 19, 2025

the air bag light is on, the cruise control stop working around the same time, the light came on.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11679697

Incident: August 9, 2025 · Filed: August 10, 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 vehicles come up behind me several times way too close for comfort because brake lights not working .

Air Bags

ODI #11679089

Incident: June 11, 2025 · Filed: August 7, 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 very common issue with other kia and hyundai makes and models of a similar age that were actively recalled.. Kia declined and will not reimburse due to not having a recall for my specific make, model, and year.

Other Kia Forte model years

Check your 2010 Kia Forte VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Forte at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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