2010 Kia Forte problems

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The Kia Forte, known as the K3 in Asia, the Forte K3 or Shuma in China and Cerato in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, is a compact car manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia since mid-2008, replacing the Kia Spectra. It is available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It is not available in Europe, where the similar sized Kia Ceed is offered (except for Russia and Ukraine, where the Ceed and the Forte are both available).

In some markets, such as Costa Rica, Australia and Brazil, the Forte is marketed as Kia Cerato, replacing its predecessor of the same name. In Colombia and Singapore, the name Cerato Forte was used for the second generation, while Naza Automotive Manufacturing of Malaysia has assembled the vehicle since 2009, selling it there under the name Naza Forte.

First generation (TD; 2008)

The first generation Forte was introduced in 2008. In North America, the Forte replaced the Kia Spectra, while the Forte retained the Cerato name in numerous markets. It shares the same platform as the Hyundai Avante/Elantra (HD), though employing a torsion-beam rear suspension in place of the Elantra's multilink design. Kia has stated that the Forte was specifically designed to target younger buyers attracted to sharper auto designs.

Succeeding the first generation Cerato or second generation Spectra, several elements of the interior and suspension were changed. The car received a wider (4 cm) and longer (3 cm) body, a longer (4 cm) wheelbase and a wider (7 cm) gauge. However, ground clearance was reduced by a centimeter, thereby reducing the height by a centimeter. At the same time, the design of the rear suspension was simplified, which instead of independent multilink thrust became semi-dependent double-lever, with an elastic beam, which made it more reliable and easy to repair and maintain.

Three body styles, which are compact 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and a new 2-door coupe body style was introduced.

2010 Kia Forte

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Common 2010 Kia Forte problems

The Kia Forte, a compact car produced by the South Korean automaker Kia, has been a popular choice for many drivers due to its spacious interior and standard features. However, like any vehicle, the Kia Forte has its fair share of common problems, particularly in the 2010 model year.

One of the most common issues reported by owners of the 2010 Kia Forte is engine knocking sounds.

Another common problem reported by owners of the 2010 Kia Forte is overheating exterior lights/bulbs.

Airbag light issues have also been reported by owners of the 2010 Kia Forte.

Rough engine operation is another common problem reported by owners of the 2010 Kia Forte.

In addition to these common problems, the 2010 Kia Forte has also been affected by a recall related to the Theta II engine, which is known for having oil flow issues that can eventually cause catastrophic failures.

Overall, the 2010 Kia Forte has a number of common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues range from engine knocking sounds to airbag light issues and can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty ignition coils and other engine components, electrical overstress, and a lack of proper maintenance. If you are considering purchasing a used 2010 Kia Forte, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure that these common problems have been addressed.

2010 Kia Forte engine

Is 2010 Kia Forte a good car?

As a small sedan, this version of the Forte is a good notch below the best in the class, though it handles responsively and comes with standard electronic stability control. The interior feels airy, controls are simple, and rear-seat space is quite good. Fuel economy is competitive as well.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte?

With proper maintenance and good driving habits, you'll have no trouble getting this car to over 200,000 miles. There are, however, some issues surrounding the Forte across various model years. Some of these include defective speakers, faulty ignition coils, lighting issues, and leaky interiors, among others.

Is there a recall on 2010 Kia Forte engine?

This class action seeks to compensate all buyers or leasers of a Kia Forte 2010 to 2015 for their engine problems caused by a design defect. These problems come from scrapes on the cylinders in the engine that are caused by a design defect and a fluttering of the pistons.

How many miles will a 2010 Kia Forte last?

A 2010 Kia Forte has an average expected life span of between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. That means, depending on how well it is maintained and how much You drive, Your vehicle could last as long as 15 to 20 years. This is a good life span for an affordable, compact vehicle.

2010 Kia Forte car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Forte problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Tires problems
  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Kia Forte vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2010 Kia Forte

The NHTSA has received 215 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Kia Forte. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2010 Kia Forte vehicles.

2024-08-13

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
  • VIN: KNAFU4A29A5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2024-07-24

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
  • VIN: KNAFW4A32A5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
2024-05-04

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-04
  • VIN: KNAFT4A27A5
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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 one on the right the actual bulb glass came off and I noticed that the plastic where the bulb connection locks in at was melted a little and the connector had slight burn marks. The bulb itself won’t stay on without me pushing the bulb in when I connect it.
2024-03-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-19
  • VIN: KNAFU4A27A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 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 it was diagnosed and determined that the rod bearing was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
2024-02-27

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-26
  • VIN: KNAFW4A39A5
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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 aware of, however, they refuse to remedy the situation. It is a manufacturer defect with the chrome that surrounds the bulb in the headlamps. The headlight bulbs burn the chrome that surrounds the cup and leads to severely unsafe visibility, while driving at night time or in the rain.
2024-02-25

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-20
  • VIN: KNAFU4A27A5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: On January 20, th 2024 my Connecting (Rod Bearings In cylinder # 1 failed ! My 2010 Kia Forte Started making a loud rattling noise from inside the Engine! I immediately parked my car. On February 13th, Kia Of Carson ca. Excepted my Kia for service check ! They tried to charge me $235.00 (see service check receipt! Then they later retracted the bill ! Today is February 25th and my Vehicle in still at the dealership unrepaired ! My complaint is that the Kia Dealership and cooperation has tried to Mislead me in every aspect of the rules and regulations of a recall , in order to not repair this (significant Vehical Safety issue! They even tried to get me to pick up the vehicle sand drive it away in the condition it's in ! My insurance company said they will not be liable if something happens to me while operating this vehicle while it's under Recall ! Kia is alleging that my vehical is not under (Warrenty any more! (1).If the recall was not a significant issue why would they recall the 2010 Thru 2013 Kia Forte ! It's Clear " that a 14 year old model would not still be under warranty! However...the rules of recall states that if the conditions are found to exist in any vehical subject to recall it Must be repaired!
2024-01-10

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
  • VIN: KNAFU4A25A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine knocks really bad
2023-11-14

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
  • VIN: KNAFU4A27A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: kia already has a recall on the 2.0 litre Theta engines due to rod bearing failures due to improper machining of the engine blocks, resulting in metal filings blocking oil passages in the bottom end of the engine resulting in the significant risk of a fire or catastrophic engine failure usually at highway speed which can cause accidents. They also have a recall for possible engine fires and instruct owners to park their vehicles outside, with a significant risk of burning occupants. YouTube mechanics have been complaining of all these Kia engines' early failures such as: Scotty Kilmer Exotic Car Play Place The Car Wizard Calls to Kia Motors USA have resulted in their refusal to replace these 2.0 non-direct injection engines.
2023-11-06

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-06
  • VIN: KNAFW4A37A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 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 light flakes of bearing material. Diagnosed as rod knock and needs bearing replaced.
2023-10-27

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-26
  • VIN: KNAFU4A2XA5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving or while idling, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings were faulty. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned for his safety while operating the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
2023-10-13

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
  • VIN: KNAFU4A23A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Car repeatedly has leaks and knocking engine sound, 5 repairs no resolve. Told different solutions paid for repairs. Engine noise still continues. Took in at 149,000. Why isnt there a recall on the engine?
2023-09-28

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-24
  • VIN: KNAFU4A27A5
  • Components: AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: 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.
2023-09-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-01
  • VIN: KNAFT4A26A5
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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 contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
2023-09-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-21
  • VIN: KNAFU4A29A5
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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 inspected by Kia themselves and they did not give any information to me about the issue. This issue seems to happen any time I get the vehicle serviced.
2023-07-26

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-26
  • VIN: KNAFU4A28A5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: I had oil changed on my 2010 Kia forte 2.0 motor and afterwards the oil light came on on the way home from the shop and it died and engine started making a loud noise they have an engine recall on these motors for going bad I need them to replace my engine I can't afford to put new motor in my car when it's not my fault it has a defect in the motor
2023-07-25

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-25
  • VIN: KNAFU4A28A5
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine failure on 2010.kia forte due to faulty oil pump causing car to come to a stop while in trafficc could cause safety problem for everyone on roadway
2023-05-21

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-04-13
  • VIN: KNAFU4A21A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Premature engine failure in 2010 kia forte ex in April 2020 resulted in a vehicle that was unsafe to drive. The problem was confirmed by a mechanic and later the dealership. No warning messages or lamps were displayed. The problem was identified after I spoke with my mechanic about a ticking noise that I was hearing upon starting my vehicle. The noises first appeared a few weeks before my cars engine was diagnosed as failing.
2023-05-21

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-16
  • VIN: KNAFU4A21A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: In March 2023, my 2010 kia forte ex began to make a ticking noise, similar to the noise it had made before its first engine had failed. I had just had my car inspected the week prior and had my oil changed. I took my car back to the mechanic, where they confirmed there was an issue with my "new" engine. The engine was "knocking." I took my kia to the dealership where I had gotten the first engine replaced to see if my warranty still covered the new engine as it was not even 3 years old, but was told it was not under warranty. I took my car to another mechanic to get a second opinion after being quoted over $3000 for a new engine. The mechanic said that there were metal shavings in my oil, which was only a week or two old at that time. He said the issue was likely the rod baring's. I learned kia had several lawsuits going on about premature engine failure in kia fortes, but was told by kia that my car was not going to be part of that lawsuit. No warning messages showed up prior to the failure. The only symptom of the failure that was noticeable to me was the knocking, and would not be as noticable to someone who doesnt know much about cars. Driving my car for the last time, I noticed a burning smell when I turned on the ac. I shut it off and looked for signs of a fire, knowing kias have been catching fire recently. These cars arent safe on the roads and Kia should be held accountable before more people get hurt.
2023-05-20

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-05-20
  • VIN: KNAFU4A23A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine piston knock getting ready to fail and lock up which could cause a crash and loss of control of car.
2023-05-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-05-11
  • VIN: KNAFU4A25A5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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 sounds. The dealer diagnosed that the belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The part was replaced by AAA. The contact stated that the rattling sounds were reduced; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
2023-02-26

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-26
  • VIN: KNAFU4A26A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: My Engine died at 114,000 miles. It developed engine knock. I now have to replace the engine. Kia refuses to help with this and is asking for 8,000 to replace the engine.
2023-01-28

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-21
  • VIN: KNAFU4A2XA5
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2023-01-02

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-02
  • VIN: KNAFU4A20A5
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Unknown, 2010 Kia Forte engines have an active and open recall in Canada for a ticking noise that leads to vehicle fires and cause death it is not being addressed here in the United States even though the problems are exactly the same there's a smell of gas burning there are ticking and knocking noises coming from an engine and Kia is refusing to replace it here in the United States but they are actively replacing it in Canada
2022-11-17

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-17
  • VIN: knafw6a36a5
  • Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The air bag is on for over 3 years and not included in the recall. This is a fearful safety issue. The serpentine belt has been replaced three times a year.
2022-11-11

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-25
  • VIN: KNAFU4A2XA5
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Automatic transmission frequently disengages while driving at any speed. It stops functioning suddenly and vehicle slows down even if still depressing gas pedal. It happened a few times while in heavy traffic almost causing to get rear ended by cars. No warning lights or messages appears when it malfunctions. It happened on day I purchased the vehicle and owner said it needed a flush according to her mechanic but never had it done. Ever since then it is happening more often. Is there a recall for this? If so, please notify. I'm sure other owners are having this problem.

2010 Kia Forte recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2010 Kia Forte.

2023-09-25
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
  • 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.
2018-06-01
  • Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
  • Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
  • Summary: 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
2013-04-01
  • Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
  • Summary: 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Negative 2010 Kia Forte car reviews

  1. Haskell Schmeler 2024-08-13

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my new Kia. I had been waiting for a triple black 2 door koup and finally picked it up 2 weeks ago. I was a bit skeptical at first, having previously owned a Volvo S60 turbo, but I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised! The car handles really well and has a great speed. I've already put on 1000 miles and it's been a smooth ride so far. I'm hoping that over time, Kia will continue to make improvements to the brand. The service guys I spoke with have all said that the car is really reliable, so fingers crossed! Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it to others.

  2. Dillan Veum 2024-01-29

    This car is so much fun to drive! It really lives up to all the hype and more. We started with the 2.0L EX 5 speed for better fuel mileage and liked it, but then we tried the 2.4L with a 6 speed SX model loaded with options and we absolutely fell in love. The gears are a bit close together, so it took some getting used to, but once we did, it had a lot of get up and go. In this price range, we would definitely choose this car over any other. We couldn't be happier!

Positive 2010 Kia Forte car reviews

  1. Dallas Auer 2025-01-07

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that this car is an amazing value! I've been the only owner for 6 years and it has 220k miles on it, but it still runs like a dream. It handles curvy roads like a pro, and while the traction control can be a bit of a pain in those situations, it's a small price to pay for such a great ride. The acceleration is fantastic and it's really comfortable for 4 adults. Plus, the gas mileage is really impressive - I average 27-29 MPG, and in the city it was up to 32 MPG! And let's not forget how easy it is to park this compact car anywhere. The trunk has plenty of space too, even with 2- 12' Rockford's. Overall, I've been really happy with the maintenance - it's been just as good as my mom's Honda CRV. Thanks for considering this amazing car!

  2. Nelson Ritchie 2024-10-26

    I recently owned a 2010 Kia Forte Koup EX manual, which was an amazing car to drive. It had a quality feel throughout and I loved everything about it. It was the first car I ever loved and I kept it until 110k miles. The best part was that it was never in the shop for anything wrong with it, not even one rattle. I only sold it because I wanted a 6th generation Camaro with more power. However, the Camaro has been in the shop 5 times within a year, which is quite frustrating. The Forte was easier to drive at high speeds and felt like I could drive any type of way. I liked the Forte so much that I even started working for Kia as a salesman in 2015. The dealership has not had any repairs on the Koup ever, which shows what an amazing car it is. Kia has truly changed their game from crap to perfection. After my friends and family saw how much I liked mine, they got different Kia's, 15 of them to be exact since 2011 and not one of them has been in the shop. If you're thinking about buying one, just get it. You'll be so happy you did!

  3. Saige Stoltenberg 2024-09-20

    I've owned a Camry, Jetta, Civic, and out of all four cars, the Forte has had the worst MPG. However, I do warm up my car in the winter and only average 18 MPG in the city. I'm hoping to get 22 MPG in the spring. Other than that, the car has been a dream! It feels and still feels like quality, from its sleek exterior and interior design to its amazing warranty. Although it's rough on bumps, the seats are comfy and the bumps just make it feel tough! I love the AUX/USB iPod hookup and there's plenty of storage. Traction control is great in the winter! The downside to buying the LX is that there's no cruise control, but an aftermarket one can be installed for $399. I've only driven 1260 miles, but I'm very satisfied!

  4. Lucas Collins 2024-09-15

    My car was unfortunately totaled after 95,000 miles, but during my ownership of 30,000 miles, and the previous owner's 65,000 miles, it never experienced any mechanical issues. Despite taking an impressive amount of abuse, including a tree falling on it, a blown out tire on the interstate, and being pushed a car's length by a truck, the car still drove the same. The only minor issue I experienced was with some of the cabin electronics, such as the volume and cruise control switches being unreliable, and the aux port going out. However, this should not deter anyone from purchasing the vehicle, as an after-market radio was easy to install and more than made up for the minor issues. For those considering purchasing the manual version, it is important to take some time to really get used to it, especially in hilly areas, as the clutch/throttle interaction can be difficult for those not used to it. Even after two years of daily driving, I still had trouble driving as economically as I would have liked.

  5. Nicholaus Sporer 2024-08-12

    I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with the performance, styling, and creature comforts of your new car! I noticed that you mentioned not seeing the engine temperature/charge/oil pressure gauge, but overall it seems like you made a great choice. As someone who has owned Chevys their whole life, it's great to see you branching out and considering other options. After looking at American makes, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Hyundai, it's fantastic that you found that Kia offered the most car, features, performance, economy, safety, and warranty for the dollar. And upgrading to a 10 yr/100K mi Bumper-To-Bumper warranty for less than the cost of one repair bill is a smart move. Plus, the total price tag was less than any other new car and many 1-8 yr used cars. Congratulations on your new car and I hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2010 Kia Forte problems:

Kia forte 2010 engine problems? | Kia Forte Forum
Kia forte 2010 engine problems? | Kia Forte Forum
https://www.forteforums.com/threads/kia-forte-2010-engine-problems.27034/

Jun 23, 2013 ... most warranty declines of that nature usually derive from either abuse/lack of maintenance/lack of proof of maintenance. if you still feel you' ...

2010 kia Forte just bought, any common issues?? Chain issues ...
2010 kia Forte just bought, any common issues?? Chain issues ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/11oiltx/2010_kia_forte_just_bought_any_common_issues/

Mar 11, 2023 ... Brake pedal stoppers and linkage. For some reason these go bad on those vehicles all the time and your brake lights stay on and/or the service ...

A Full Rundown Of The Most Common Kia Forte Problems ...
A Full Rundown Of The Most Common Kia Forte Problems ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/a-full-rundown-of-the-most-common-kia-forte-problems

Jan 22, 2021 ... Engine knocking sounds; Overheating exterior lights/bulbs; Airbag light issues; Rough engine operation. red 2021 Kia Forte From Front-Passenger ...

1st Generation (2010-2014) Forte Problems
1st Generation (2010-2014) Forte Problems
http://www.kiacomplaints.com/models/forte/generations/1/

Common 2010-2014 Kia Forte Problems · TRW Crash Sensor Defect · Kia Theta II Engine Seizing and Stalling · Rodents Chew Kia's Soy Wiring.

2010 Kia Forte Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2010 Kia Forte Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/kia/forte/2010/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2010 Kia Forte? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Other years of Kia Forte

kia forte 2011 photo
Forte 2011
Kia

150

3

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia forte 2012 photo
Forte 2012
Kia

266

4

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia forte 2013 photo
Forte 2013
Kia

183

5

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia forte 2014 photo
Forte 2014
Kia

394

3

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia forte 2015 photo
Forte 2015
Kia

223

1

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia forte 2016 photo
Forte 2016
Kia

0

1

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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