Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Kia Forte owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 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.
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 ! …
While the vehicle was operating the engine had a noticeable amount of power reduction and there were multiple knocking sounds occurring simultaneously. The vehicle was being operated in the right-most furthest lane of a busy freeway in the middle of traffic and at freeway speeds of approximately 65 mph. The issue seemed to originate from the engine causing engine malfunction without engine light indication. There was no engine light prior, during, or post-incident. The vehicle has been professionally inspected, but not thoroughly diagnosed. Altogether, the motor has had a major unidentifiable malfunction and now I have no transportation from the once-reliable vehicle I was using.
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
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.
Vehicle failed to start. Had vehicle towed to garage who stated that it was a problem with timing chain and should be covered under warranty. Had vehicle re-towed to dealership who stated that it was a bad timing chain and that it was not covered under warranty. This is not a belt, but a chain. The timing chain should be covered under the powertrain warranty. It's a necessary part for the powertrain to function properly. At the very least, the power train warranty should have covered this. Ten days to repair - $1200 out of pocket because it is not an easy replacement.
Car did not stop when placed in park , shifters gets stuck. When placing the car in reverse park , the car moved forward instead of reverse , not stoping ,had to push the brake pedal and the emergency brake as the car was moving forward ( while on reverse) kept moving FWD at approximately 5 miles without pressing the fas pedal . Had to stop by using emergency brake. Turned off the car took it to the dealer. When placing the car in reverse the car kept moving dangerously forward
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
At a stop light or stop sign. It will quit for no reason. I have to put it in park or neutral to start and continue. Plus, driving along the transmission will kick out gear for a second and then go again.
Transmission complaints in other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Kia Forte, 10% of the model year's 221 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Kia Forte transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 Kia Forte, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Kia Forte transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.