2010 Kia Forte Koup recalls and problems

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup has 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-652 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
11
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Kia Forte Koup vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Kia Forte Koup recalls

Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-363: Air Bags

Reported Jun 1, 2018 · 507,587 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2010 Kia Forte Koup problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine6
Seat Belts2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown or Other1
Electrical System1
Exterior Lighting1
Structure1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Air Bags1
Wheels1
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 125,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Kia Forte Koup complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 70 miles · reported May 2, 2021
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…
Wheels · at 125,000 miles · reported May 6, 2019
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.
Air Bags · reported Jan 7, 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.
Engine · at 131,000 miles · reported Nov 13, 2018
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…
Seat Belts · at 102,000 miles · reported Jul 2, 2018
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.

Other Kia Forte Koup years

Compare all Kia Forte Koup years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Kia Forte Koup have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 Kia Forte Koup: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-363 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Kia Forte Koup?

Owners report engine problems most often (6 reports), followed by seat belts (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 125,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.