Kia Forte 2010–2013 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (TD)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026911 complaints, 593 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2010 Kia Forte
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 232
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2010
- Engine80 reports · median 101,000 mi
- Airbag system42 reports
- Transmission and driveline23 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Kia Forte
Close- Median failure report
- 78,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 162
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine48 reports
- Airbag system36 reports
- Transmission and driveline19 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Forte
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 306
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine174 reports · median 95,000 mi
- Airbag system38 reports
- Electrical system33 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Air bags — air bag/restraint control module
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Kia Forte
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 211
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine119 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Electrical system27 reports
- Brakes24 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Air bags — air bag/restraint control module
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2012; earliest: the 2010, and the 2010 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2010–2013 Kia Forte reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 80,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 143,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 593
- Recalls
- 7
Most reported
- Engine46.2% of complaints · median 93,000 mi
- Airbag system14.7% of complaints · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system10.5% of complaints · median 74,000 mi
Owners filed 911 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010–2013 Kia Forte; the engine leads with 46.2% of them, and half of the 593 that record an odometer reading came by 80,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 43,000 to 112,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2010–2013 Kia Forte last?
On the 2010–2013 Kia Forte, half of the 593 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 80,000 miles and 90% by 143,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
53 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 13 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Forte reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Kia Forte 2010–2013 · 593 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 54 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 13 complaints (2.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 12,000
- 25%
- 43,000
- Median
- 80,000
- 75%
- 112,000
- 90%
- 143,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 54 | 9.1% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 29 | 4.9% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 28 | 4.7% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 25 | 4.2% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 36 | 6.1% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 32 | 5.4% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 48 | 8.1% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 44 | 7.4% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 53 | 8.9% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 42 | 7.1% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 46 | 7.8% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 36 | 6.1% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 26 | 4.4% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 29 | 4.9% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 12 | 2.0% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 17 | 2.9% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 8 | 1.3% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 9 | 1.5% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 4 | 0.7% |
| 200,000+ | 13 | 2.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Forte problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Kia Forte 2010–2013
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline64 reportsmedian 62,000middle half 24,000–100,000
- Exterior lighting62 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 46,000–90,000
- Brakes83 reportsmedian 66,000middle half 30,000–93,000
- Electrical system96 reportsmedian 74,000middle half 49,000–100,000
- Problems owners could not categorise57 reportsmedian 77,000middle half 24,000–115,000
- Airbag system134 reportsmedian 78,000middle half 32,000–108,000
- Engine421 reportsmedian 93,000middle half 67,000–120,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 421 | 46.2% | 93,000 | 67,000–120,000 |
| Airbag system | 134 | 14.7% | 78,000 | 32,000–108,000 |
| Electrical system | 96 | 10.5% | 74,000 | 49,000–100,000 |
| Brakes | 83 | 9.1% | 66,000 | 30,000–93,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 64 | 7.0% | 62,000 | 24,000–100,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 62 | 6.8% | 65,000 | 46,000–90,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 57 | 6.3% | 77,000 | 24,000–115,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 55 | 6.0% | 130,000 | 77,000–173,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 39 | 4.3% | 45,000 | 15,000–75,000 |
| Steering | 38 | 4.2% | 69,000 | 28,000–94,000 |
Known problems with the 2010–2013 Forte
Anti-theft/Security 2011–2013
No engine immobilizer on keyed-ignition trims. Vehicles started with a steel key can be hot-wired via the steering column ignition cylinder, the basis of the widely publicized 'Kia Challenge' theft wave. Kia's remedy is a dealer-installed anti-theft software upgrade or, for ineligible vehicles, a physical theft deterrent device. Immobilizers became standard from MY2022.
Engine 2010–2013
Theta II engine connecting rod bearing wear leading to knock and seizure is the family-level defect for Kia's Theta II engines and is covered by the Kia engine class settlement; the Forte and Forte Koup 2.4L Theta II MPI applications fall within that settlement's scope.
Before you buy a 2010–2013 Forte: the 3-minute check
Generated from 593 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check Anti-theft/Security on 2011–2013 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2010–2013 cars.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Forte problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi34% below | At 90k mi59% below | At 120k mi80% below | At 150k mi91% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 67,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 32,000–108,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 49,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 30,000–93,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 24,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 46,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 24,000–115,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Kia Forte 2010–2013 · 593 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 34% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 59% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 80% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2010–2013 Kia Forte recalls (7)
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the hydraulic brake circuit (2), the engine (1), the airbag system (1) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2023 · 2010–2013 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free 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…
Dec 2020 · 2012–2013 · EngineAn engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
What can happen. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free…
Jun 2018 · 2010–2013 · Air BagsIf the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free 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…
Dec 2017 · 2012–2013 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed…
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to…
What can happen. If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following…
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
May 2016 · 2013 · Seat BeltsIf a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk…
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the…
What can happen. If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall began…
Feb 2016 · 2011 · Power TrainIf enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop…
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a…
What can happen. If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number…
Apr 2013 · 2010 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009…
What can happen. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the…
The free fix. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 911 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 86 (9.4%)
- Fires
- 55
- Injury reports
- 63
- Fatality reports
- 6
Forte problems by model year
The 2012 drew the most complaints of this generation, 306, most of them about the engine, and the 2011 the fewest, 162. A typical year drew about 222.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 232 | 160 | 75,000 | Engine (80) | 3 |
| 2011 | 162 | 105 | 78,000 | Engine (48) | 3 |
| 2012 | 306 | 192 | 82,000† | Engine (174) | 4 |
| 2013 | 211 | 136 | 80,000† | Engine (119) | 5 |
What Forte owners reported
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning.…
2011 · 130,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an abnormal sound for approximately five minutes, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then became aware of a fire underneath the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and extinguished the…
2012 · 135,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were…
2011 · 300,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer for several recall repairs, and repair under Manufacturer Recall Number: SC165A. After the recall repairs were performed, while driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway with the clutch engaged and the vehicle in gear, the…
2010 · 157,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 593 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Forte generations
- Forte 2014–2018 661 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Forte 2019–2024 114 reports with mileage, most about the engine