Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2010 KIA Forte Koup with NHTSA between 2017 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the KIA Forte Koup. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2010 KIA Forte Koup
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
635.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 108,000 mi
Seat Belts
211.8%
Median failure at 126,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
15.9%
Wheels
15.9%
Median failure at 125,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
15.9%
Median failure at 54,798 miles
Lights
15.9%
Median failure at 150,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.9%
Median failure at 102,000 miles
Body & Structure
15.9%
Median failure at 150,000 miles
Brakes
15.9%
Median failure at 70 miles
Airbags
15.9%
Electrical System
15.9%
Median failure at 150,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
214.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
214.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
642.9%
150,000+ miles
428.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2017peak 3May 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 KIA Forte Koup
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
PE18003Opened 16 Mar 2018Closed 30 Aug 2019AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. ODI also evaluated data from the automotive air bag system supplier, ZF-TRW (ZF), to review vehicles that may contain the same air bag control unit (ACU) used in the subject vehicles. Hyundai Motor America (HMA) issued recall No. 18...
Recalls on the 2010 KIA Forte Koup
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201830165,548 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain gasoline and hybrid engine vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control unit may become damaged. This could cause the airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in certain collisions where deployment is warranted, which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install a wire harness kit between the ACU connector and vehicle harness connector as necessary. Note: This recall does not affect the 2013 model year Optima Hybrid.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 131,000 milesMurphysboro, ILFire
ENGINE
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 FIRE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND GAVE NO WARNING BEFORE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WENT OUT. ALL WE COULD DO IS EVACUATE THE CAR, GET AS FAR AWAY FROM IT AS POSSIBLE, AND CALL 911. IT WAS DEVOURED WITHIN MINUTES WITH FLAMES, AND IS NOW A COMPLETE LOSS. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA INTERNATIONAL (CASE #12745414) WHO TOLD ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED, SO THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM CNA NATIONAL, BUT THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY WEREN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR MECHANICAL ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11151192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 70 milesDraper, UT
ENGINE
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 NO WAY OF PINGING FROM PRE DETONATION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS MAINTAINED AND OIL CHANGES ARE ALWAYS DONE EARLY. AFTER BEING TOLD MANY TIMES THAT THE KIA 2010 IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL I HAVE TAKEN MY OWN ACTION TO FIXING THE PROBLEM. UPON TEARDOWN I HAVE DISCOVERED ROD BEARING DAMAGE AND A OIL PAN FULL OF MINOR FLAKES FROM ROD MATERIAL. DUE TO ME KEEPING RPM SLOW I WILL HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE ROD BEARINGS WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS BUT WHO KNOWS ON THIS MOTOR. I JUST WORRY ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE THAT DRIVE NORMALLY AND COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE A MOTOR FAILURE AND POSSIBLE FIRE FROM A ROD BREAKING THROUGH THE BLOCK. I SURE HOPE KIA DOES SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!
NHTSA complaint #11414806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70 milesDraper, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
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 NO WAY OF PINGING FROM PRE DETONATION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS MAINTAINED AND OIL CHANGES ARE ALWAYS DONE EARLY. AFTER BEING TOLD MANY TIMES THAT THE KIA 2010 IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL I HAVE TAKEN MY OWN ACTION TO FIXING THE PROBLEM. UPON TEARDOWN I HAVE DISCOVERED ROD BEARING DAMAGE AND A OIL PAN FULL OF MINOR FLAKES FROM ROD MATERIAL. DUE TO ME KEEPING RPM SLOW I WILL HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE ROD BEARINGS WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS BUT WHO KNOWS ON THIS MOTOR. I JUST WORRY ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE THAT DRIVE NORMALLY AND COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE A MOTOR FAILURE AND POSSIBLE FIRE FROM A ROD BREAKING THROUGH THE BLOCK. I SURE HOPE KIA DOES SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!
NHTSA complaint #11414806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesDenver, NC
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11205683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, WI
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11165023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesMurphysboro, ILFire
ENGINE
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 FIRE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND GAVE NO WARNING BEFORE THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WENT OUT. ALL WE COULD DO IS EVACUATE THE CAR, GET AS FAR AWAY FROM IT AS POSSIBLE, AND CALL 911. IT WAS DEVOURED WITHIN MINUTES WITH FLAMES, AND IS NOW A COMPLETE LOSS. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA INTERNATIONAL (CASE #12745414) WHO TOLD ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED, SO THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM CNA NATIONAL, BUT THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY WEREN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR MECHANICAL ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11151192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesElizabethtown, KY
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11105081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesElizabethtown, KY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11105081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMemphis, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DOING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A VERY LOUD BOOM. NO OTHER CARS WERE NEAR ME WHEN THE BOOM HAPPENED AND I THOUGHT I JUST RAN OVER SOMETHING. A FEW MINUTES LATER MY WIFE OPENED UP THE SUNROOF SLIDING COVER AND WE SAW THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. THE WHOLE SUNROOF GLASS LOOKED LIKE A SPIDERWEB AND THERE WAS NOT ANY IMPACT MARKS WHERE SOMETHING COULD HAVE HIT THE GLASS.
NHTSA complaint #11096819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesTopeka, KS
SEAT BELTS
MY SEAT BELT DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE WHICH MAKES IT HARD NOT BE PULLED OVER AND VERY UNSAFE. AS WELL AS, MY LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR DO NOT TURN OFF THEY ARE ALWAYS ILLUMINATED ONCE STARTING THE CAR. MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT EVERY SO OFTEN, AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ALSO MY BRAKES SOMETIMES WON'T COME UP OFF THE FLOOR OR WILL STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION EVEN WHILE BEING PRESSED. THIS IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11090426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesTopeka, KS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY SEAT BELT DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE WHICH MAKES IT HARD NOT BE PULLED OVER AND VERY UNSAFE. AS WELL AS, MY LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR DO NOT TURN OFF THEY ARE ALWAYS ILLUMINATED ONCE STARTING THE CAR. MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT EVERY SO OFTEN, AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ALSO MY BRAKES SOMETIMES WON'T COME UP OFF THE FLOOR OR WILL STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION EVEN WHILE BEING PRESSED. THIS IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11090426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesTopeka, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY SEAT BELT DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE WHICH MAKES IT HARD NOT BE PULLED OVER AND VERY UNSAFE. AS WELL AS, MY LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR DO NOT TURN OFF THEY ARE ALWAYS ILLUMINATED ONCE STARTING THE CAR. MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT EVERY SO OFTEN, AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ALSO MY BRAKES SOMETIMES WON'T COME UP OFF THE FLOOR OR WILL STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION EVEN WHILE BEING PRESSED. THIS IS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11090426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesMalden, MA
ENGINE
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO METAL FLAKES IN ENGINE (SAME AS RECENT RECALL ON OTHER MODELS). NO LIGHTS OR INDICATORS PRESENT, ENGINE WAS MAKING ABNORMAL NOISES AND TOOK CARE IN BEFORE A CATASTROPHIC INDECENT.
NHTSA complaint #11080384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granbury, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE KNOCK POSSIBLY RELATED TO HYUNDAI, KIA THETA II MOTOR RECALL. DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE SAFETY OR ANY FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. MY CAR IS HAVING ISSUES DRIVING. IT IS CONCERNING ME BECAUSE OF THIS MASSIVE RECALL. THIS CAR USES A VARIANT OF THE 'THETA II' ENGINE THAT IS BEING RECALLED FOR METAL SHAVINGS THAT CAUSE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. I BELIEVE MY CAR DEALERSHIP IS HOLDING OUT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11074727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granbury, TX
ENGINE
ENGINE KNOCK POSSIBLY RELATED TO HYUNDAI, KIA THETA II MOTOR RECALL. DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE SAFETY OR ANY FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. MY CAR IS HAVING ISSUES DRIVING. IT IS CONCERNING ME BECAUSE OF THIS MASSIVE RECALL. THIS CAR USES A VARIANT OF THE 'THETA II' ENGINE THAT IS BEING RECALLED FOR METAL SHAVINGS THAT CAUSE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. I BELIEVE MY CAR DEALERSHIP IS HOLDING OUT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11074727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesElgin, TX
ENGINE
ENGINE HAS BEEN ACTING UP. KNOCKING. TAPPING. LESS POWER. MPG IN THE 20S. GET GAS 127000 MILES ON IT. HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. OVERALL DEFECTIVE ENGINE. I HOPE THEY RECALL THIS ENGINE SOON BEFORE LOTS OF PEOPLE GET HURT WHEN THEIR ENGINE CRAPS OUT ON THEM DOING 70 ON THE FREEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11051415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,798 milesGarden City, UT
ENGINE
THROTTLE BODY ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT PART DEFECTIVE. INTERMITTENT NO START. VEHICLE STATIONARY. WILL JUST CRANK AND NOT START AFTER SITTING FOR AWHILE. ONCE IT STARTS USUALLY GOOD UNTIL VEHICLE SITS FOR AWHILE THEN IT'S DIFFICULT TO START AGAIN.. ORIGINAL ITEM REPLACED MAR 24 2016. SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING NOW IN FEB 17 WITH NEW PART. WAS TOLD THAT THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT CARSMART AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IN LOGAN UTAH.
NHTSA complaint #10950294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,798 milesGarden City, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THROTTLE BODY ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT PART DEFECTIVE. INTERMITTENT NO START. VEHICLE STATIONARY. WILL JUST CRANK AND NOT START AFTER SITTING FOR AWHILE. ONCE IT STARTS USUALLY GOOD UNTIL VEHICLE SITS FOR AWHILE THEN IT'S DIFFICULT TO START AGAIN.. ORIGINAL ITEM REPLACED MAR 24 2016. SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING NOW IN FEB 17 WITH NEW PART. WAS TOLD THAT THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT CARSMART AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IN LOGAN UTAH.
NHTSA complaint #10950294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.