2010 Kia Forte Koup: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Wheels · May 2019
“I recently took my car to have the most recent recall with the air bag fixed. After the repair occurred, the air bag light came on. I took the car back to the dealership to see if a malfunction occurred during the repair. The dealership service department told me the air bag module and clock spring needed to be replaced at my expense.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2019
“The seat belts will not automatically roll back into the door frame of the car after taking them off. You have to jerk the belt up and down close to twenty times to get them to retract. Also, I've noticed that the cruise control doesn't function like normal. It only works once in a while. I have to try to set my speed many times if it ever gets it to work. These issues have been going on for months now.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2018
Show 6 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · May 2018
“My seat belt driver side will not click into the buckle which makes it hard not be pulled over and very unsafe. As well as, my lights on the inside of the car do not turn off they are always illuminated once starting the car. My brake lights go out every so often, as well as a few other electrical problems. Also my brakes sometimes won't come up off the floor or will stay in the upright position even while being pressed. This is incredibly unsafe.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2018
“Engine failure due to metal flakes in engine (same as recent recall on other models). No lights or indicators present, engine was making abnormal noises and took care in before a catastrophic indecent.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2018
“Engine knock possibly related to hyundai, kia theta ii motor recall. Dealership denies any information regarding engine safety or any fix for this issue. My car is having issues driving. It is concerning me because of this massive recall. This car uses a variant of the 'theta ii' engine that is being recalled for metal shavings that cause internal engine damage. I believe my car dealership is holding out information regarding this safety issue.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2018
“Engine has been acting up. Knocking. Tapping. Less power. Mpg in the 20s. Get gas 127000 miles on it. Has been well maintained. Overall defective engine. I hope they recall this engine soon before lots of people get hurt when their engine craps out on them doing 70 on the freeway.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2017
“Throttle body original and replacement part defective. Intermittent no start. Vehicle stationary. Will just crank and not start after sitting for awhile. Once it starts usually good until vehicle sits for awhile then it's difficult to start again.. Original item replaced mar 24 2016. Same problem occurring now in feb 17 with new part. Was told that throttle body has been a recurring problem with other customers by the service technician at carsmart automotive repair in logan utah.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2017
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forte Koup by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2010 Kia Forte Koup reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Kia Forte Koup. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2010 Kia Forte Koup have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.