2010 Kia Forte Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 86 complaints on the 2010 Kia Forte, 39% of its 221 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 92,000 miles. NHTSA has no related recall on file for this engine issue, despite 3 fires and 2 crashes reported.
- Engine complaints
- 86
- 39% of 221 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 221
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 92,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine stalling at low speeds, sometimes at stops or during hard braking, with the dashboard lights staying on while the engine cuts out.
- Several complaints describe smoke and fire coming from under the front of the vehicle, in some cases destroying the car.
- Some drivers report the engine surging or revving high without pressing the gas pedal, including a case where the throttle appeared stuck.
- One owner described the vehicle lurching forward unexpectedly while coasting at low speed, resulting in a crash into a wall.
- Early owners reported repeated check engine lights tied to a misfire code that dealerships said required a computer update.
- A steering wheel lock combined with a stall was reported at highway-adjacent speed, with the dealer unable to reproduce the failure.
When 2010 Kia Forte engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 13, 2009, latest Jun 29, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2010 Kia Forte
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Forte model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2010 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA lists 86 engine complaints for the 2010 Forte, which is 39% of all 221 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Kia Forte engine?
- No. NHTSA shows no related recalls listed for this engine problem area on the 2010 Forte.
- At what mileage do 2010 Kia Forte engines typically fail?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 92,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Are engine fires a concern on the 2010 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA complaint data for this engine area includes 3 fire reports, 2 crashes, and 1 injury among the 86 complaints.
- How does the 2010 Forte's engine complaint rate compare to other years?
- The 39% share for 2010 is lower than several later years, such as 2015 at 63% and 2012 at 58%, though 2010 still logged 86 raw engine complaints.