Problems · by component

2010 Kia Forte engine problems

80 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Kia Forte cite engine, 34% of all 232 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
80
34% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 sustained severe emotional distress as a result of the failure, as it nearly resulted in an accident. With the assistance of a fellow motorist, the vehicle was towed to her home since the dealer was closed. The contact later called the dealer and had the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Once the vehicle…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11732338
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 14, 2025EngineODI 11648317
“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 80,000 and well maintained”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2025EngineODI 11646292
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11608141
“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 failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2024EngineODI 11574929
“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 ! Kia is alleging that my vehical is not under (Warrenty any more! (1).If the recall was not a significant issue why would they recall the 2010 Thru 2013 Kia Forte ! It's Clear " that a 14 year old model would not still be under warranty! However...the rules of recall states that if the conditions are found to exist in…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2024Power train, EngineODI 11573838

Showing 6 of 80 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2010 Forte problem areas