Most common 2010 Kia Forte Koup problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Forte Koup complaints by model year
Best Forte Koup years: 2014, 2011. Years to avoid: 2013. Compare all years →
2010 Kia Forte Koup recalls (2)
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.
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.
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.
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2010 Kia Forte Koup:
Air bags may be disabled during crash
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.
Loss of Motive Power
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.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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.
What 2010 Kia Forte Koup owners say
Engine & cooling
I had a 2010 Kia Forte Koup that caught on fire 5/29/18 while going down a highway approximately 55 miles/hr. Before the fire began, there was some knocking in the engine and all power went out, including power steering and brakes. I was able to get it to the side of the road and popped the hood to see flames coming out of the engine. I immediately called the fire department. They didn't make it in time, and the whole car was a complete loss. I have always kept up with the oil changes and having all fluids checked and filled as needed. I have had all recalls done as they became available. The fire was in the front of the car and gave no warning before the power steering and brakes went out. All we could do is evacuate the car, get as far away from it as possible, and call 911. It was devoured within minutes with flames, and is now a complete loss. …
These vehicles are absolutely dangerous! I've been in the automotive business my entire career for 15 years with a level certifications and ase's. I stopped driving the vehicle due to the simple matter of any acceleration over 2900 RPM it starts knocking. I will not put my family or myself in the danger of driving this vehicle any longer. If something were to break while making a left turn the results could be devastating! I've contacted Kia many times regarding this matter yet I've been told that knocking his normal they call it a ping. I told them I use 91 octane every time I fill so there's no way of pinging from pre detonation. The vehicle is always maintained and oil changes are always done early. After being told many times that the Kia 2010 is not a part of the recall I have taken my own action to fixing the problem. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Kia Forte Koup a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Forte Koup rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Forte Koup at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Kia Forte Koup?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seat belts (2) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Forte Koup have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, the most recent from September 25, 2023 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Forte Koup?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013. See the full Kia Forte Koup years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Kia Forte Koup problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 125,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.