2010 Kia Forte engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

48 owners have reported engine problems with the 2010 Kia Forte, 61% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 120,704 mi.

Engine complaints
48
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
120,704 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine47
Engine and engine cooling2

Engine complaints across Kia Forte years

4820102720111142012682013168201414420155320161412017572018392019232020222021620229202382024
Engine complaints by model year. The 2010 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k560k–100k8100k–150k6150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 20, 2026167,000 miDE1 injuredTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11732338 · source
  2. Filed Mar 14, 2025ILEngine
    Known engine problem with bottom end knocking sounds. Potential risk of fire or wreck caused by engine failure. Engine condition is an ongoing issue. Dealerships and manufacture refuse to honor recall because last recall hasn't been addressed and the title is rebuilt.
    NHTSA complaint #11648317 · source
  3. Filed Mar 4, 2025VAEngine
    Unknown. Vehicle serviced since 2010. Oil changes based on recommend miles. Only 80,000 miles. Wife [XXX] only uses it mostly for store runs. Since recently inspection and oil change motor has a loud knocking at start up and gets quiet shortly after but while idling you can here a ticking noise. We have all paper work to maintenance. Fear if my wife is stranded or worse and thought I would report this. I will take it in to see what is said. Doesn't seem normal for only…
    NHTSA complaint #11646292 · source
  4. Filed Aug 13, 2024TNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11608141 · source
  5. Filed Mar 1, 2024110,000 miCAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11574929 · source
  6. Filed Feb 25, 2024CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11573838 · source
  7. Filed Nov 14, 2023OHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11555019 · source
  8. Filed Nov 6, 2023ILEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11553838 · source
  9. Filed Oct 27, 202370,000 miOHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11552284 · source
  10. Filed Oct 13, 2023NJEngine
    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?
    NHTSA complaint #11549729 · source
  11. Filed Sep 12, 2023130,000 miDEEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11543996 · source
  12. Filed Sep 6, 2023AZElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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 /…
    NHTSA complaint #11543029 · source

Other 2010 Kia Forte problem areas

  • Airbags (11)
  • Lighting (8)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (8)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Brakes (6)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (6)
  • Electrical System (6)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (3)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Steering (2)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)

Back to all 2010 Kia Forte problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology