How many airbag complaints does the 2010 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA lists 41 airbag-related complaints for the 2010 Kia Forte, which is 19% of all 221 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2010 Kia Forte?

Yes. Recall 18V363000, reported in June 2018, covers 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles where the air bag control unit may short circuit in a crash.

What do owners report about the airbags failing?

Owners most often report that front airbags did not deploy during frontal or head-on crashes at 35 to 60 mph, sometimes along with seatbelt retractor failures, resulting in head injuries.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2010 Kia Forte is 78,000 miles, though the recall itself is not mileage-dependent.

Were there injuries linked to airbag failures on the 2010 Forte?

NHTSA data shows 12 injuries and 17 crashes associated with airbag complaints on the 2010 Kia Forte.

2010 Kia Forte Airbags Problems

Airbags account for 41 of 221 complaints (19%) filed on the 2010 Kia Forte, tied to 17 crashes and 12 injuries. Kia's recall 18V363000 covers a short-circuit risk in the air bag control unit for this model year. Median mileage at failure was 78,000.

Airbags complaints: 41; 19% of 221 complaints
All complaints this year: 221
Crashes reported: 17
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 12
Median mileage: 78,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners describe front airbags failing to deploy during moderate-to-severe frontal or head-on collisions at speeds around 35 to 60 mph.
Multiple complaints report airbags not deploying even after the vehicle was declared a total loss.
Several owners say seatbelts failed to lock or retract properly at the same time airbags failed, allowing occupants to strike the steering wheel or window.
Some reports describe airbag non-deployment in side-impact or rear-end crashes, not just frontal collisions.
A few owners link their non-deployment incidents to the later-issued air bag control unit recall.

When 2010 Kia Forte airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 30, 2011, latest Sep 25, 2025.

41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2011 to Sep 2025; peak Sep 2018 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2010 Kia Forte

NHTSA 18V363000Jun 1, 2018Airbags507,587 vehicles
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.
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.
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.

Airbags complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20090 (0%)
201041 (19%)
201135 (23%)
201237 (13%)
201316 (8%)
201463 (14%)
201523 (9%)
201613 (10%)
201718 (6%)
201816 (12%)
20196 (4%)
20205 (7%)
20217 (10%)
20222 (7%)
20235 (8%)
20247 (28%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does the 2010 Kia Forte have?: NHTSA lists 41 airbag-related complaints for the 2010 Kia Forte, which is 19% of all 221 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2010 Kia Forte?: Yes. Recall 18V363000, reported in June 2018, covers 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles where the air bag control unit may short circuit in a crash.
What do owners report about the airbags failing?: Owners most often report that front airbags did not deploy during frontal or head-on crashes at 35 to 60 mph, sometimes along with seatbelt retractor failures, resulting in head injuries.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2010 Kia Forte is 78,000 miles, though the recall itself is not mileage-dependent.
Were there injuries linked to airbag failures on the 2010 Forte?: NHTSA data shows 12 injuries and 17 crashes associated with airbag complaints on the 2010 Kia Forte.