2010 Kia Forte is the first model year for this company. This model year was ranked as the worst model year, according to carcomplaints.com websites. On this website, vehicle owners can post complaints about any mechanical problems they face, and categories break these problems. It is expected for any car models to have the most complaints in early model years, and that is what happened with Kia Forte.
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According to carcomplaints.com, the 2010 Kia Forte received a total of 37 complaints from different owners. Carproblemzoo.com indicated 217 reported problems associated with the same vehicle. These complaints are either related to the engine, interior, suspension, brakes, or lights. Unfortunately, the most reported problem has to do with the vehicle's engine, which requires relatively high repair costs when compared to other mechanical problems.
The goal of this article is to help current 2010 Kia Forte owners predict the type of problems they will face during the period they own the vehicle. Knowing the different types of complaints reported, they can decide whether the problem is significant or requires high repair costs or not. This way, they can make a good decision about selling or keeping their 2013 Kia Forte.
Furthermore, the article helps new car buyers make an informed decision about buying a 2010 Kia Forte or think about other choices. Once these buyers know that most problems they will face in the future can be very critical, they might rethink buying the vehicle.
In this article, we start by reviewing the basic information about the 2010 Kia Forte, including the main pros and characteristics that were featured in several great online resources. Then, we summarize the most reported complaints about the car, including complaints categories, suggested repair options, repair costs, and the mileage at which we expect the problem to occur. This article is based on an intensive review of most online resources that collect customer reviews.
2010 Kia Forte Problems Description
According to cars.usnews.com, 2010, Kia Forte was ranked several times in many lists, including the 2010 Compact Cars, the 2010 Affordable Small Cars, and the Used Small Cars under $10K.
The five-passenger vehicle is featured many times for the great safety rating, very roomy cargo space, especially in the front seat, and the great standard features.
2010 Kia Forte comes with either a 2.0 L four-cylinder or a 2.4 L four-cylinder engine. This engine is associated with either a four and five-speed automatic transmission or five and six-speed manual transmission. It gets up to 25 miles per gallon on city roads and 34 miles per gallon on the highways.
The 2010 Kia Forte provides from 156 t o173 of horsepower and has a total curb weight ranging from 2,707 to 2,853 lbs.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Kia Forte starts around $14,500 and can get as high as $21,000 with higher trims.
2010 Kia Forte Problems
In this section, we summarize the main reported complaints about mechanical problems with the 2010 Kia Forte. These problems are grouped in categories and have information about repair options, repair costs, mileage at which the problem might occur, and problem ranking.
According to carcomplaints.com, 2010, Kia Forte received a total of 37 complaints that have to do with the engine, interior, suspension system, brakes, and others.
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2010 Kia Forte engine problems
Most reported 2010 Kia Forte engine problems are related to engine knocking, oil leak, weird smoke from the exhaust, and issues with the crankshaft.
A large group of owners reported hearing some knocking whenever they drive their vehicle. The problem was resolved by replacing the entire engine piece for about $2,350, and it was mostly reported by vehicles around 90,000 miles.
Other owners complained about seeing oil leaks suddenly and without any previous warning signs. This leak was resolved by installing a new gasket on vehicles around 90,000 miles as well.
Black smoke coming from the exhaust is another common problem associated with the 2020 Kia Forte engine. Furthermore, the engine might start revving up every time the smoke comes out. Owners of 23,000 miles vehicles mostly reported the problem.
The last problem we would like to highlight here has to do with the crankshaft of the 2010 Kia Forte. Several owners of a 110,000 miles vehicle complained about getting a P0017 code from a check engine light. The owner of this complaint mentioned that the problem was not resolved.
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2010 Kia Forte interior problems
2010 Kia Forte's internal problems were also reported frequently by many owners. Some of these problems were related to the horn, carpet, cruise control, and reverse lockout.
Horn problems were reported frequently about the 2010 Kia Forte. Several owners showed great frustration as the horn works whenever it wants to mostly in vehicles around 46,000 miles.
Other owners reported strange, smelly substance on their vehicle's carpets. This substance was a result of door seals not working properly. The problem occurred mostly at newer vehicles around 1,500 miles, and it was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
At least two owners reported an issue with the cruise control button. They mentioned that even if you press the button on the steering wheel, it might seem that the button is pressed, but the actual cruise control is not on. The problem was reported by vehicles around 55,000 miles and was ranked as “Definitely Annoying.”
The last interior problem we would like to highlight here has to do with reverse locking out. At least one owner mentioned that his 2010 Kia Forte could have the transmission on both reverse and first gear at the same time. This issue caused the transmission to lockout and made it hard to put it back to neutral. The problem was reported by a vehicle around 5,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Hardly Worth Mentioning.”
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2010 Kia Forte suspension problems
Suspension problems are also common in the 2010 Kia Forte, according to owners' complaints to different online reporting websites. The majority of reported suspension problems have to do with some front-end noise, broken rear spring, and some rubbing noise when driving the vehicle.
Several owners of 140,000 miles 2010 Kia Forte complained hearing weird noises coming from the front end of the vehicle. This noise was related to issues with the suspension system. While the owners did not include information about repair options or repair costs, the problem was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
Broken spring is a very common problem with the 2010 Kia Forte suspension. Even if the car was gently used and never driven off roads, the rear suspension spring could break on its own without any warning signs. this problem was reported several times by vehicles around 107,000 miles and was ranked as “Really Awful.”
Rubbing sound can come from 200,000 miles 2010 Kia Forte most likely that the issue is related to problems with the rod bearing, which prevents oil flowing through the connection. As a result, rubbing sound can be heard, which could eventually cause premature wearing and, thus, additional complicated issues with the suspension system. The problem was ranked as “Definitely Annoying.”
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2010 Kia Forte brakes problems
2010 Kia Forte brakes problem were also reported frequently. Most reported brakes problems are related to frozen calipers.
A couple of owners indicated seeing some rust on their brake rotor. When a mechanic checked the vehicle, it turned out to be a frozen caliper, which is causing the problem. To get it resolved, they had to disassemble and rebuild the entire system. The problem occurred mostly at vehicles around 65,000 miles and was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
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2010 Kia Forte lights problems
Lights problems were not as common as other problems in the 2010 Kia Forte vehicle. The majority of reported problems were related to broken brake light lens or flickering lights.
Excessive change in temperature might cause the brake center lens to brake, as reported by one owner of the 2010 Kia Forte. His vehicle was at about 21,000 miles, and the problem was ranked as “Definitely Annoying.”
Other owners reported issues with flickering lights. Once a mechanic checked these vehicles, he did not find a clear cause of the problem on vehicles around 55,000 miles. The problem is also very common in the 2012 model year.
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2010 Kia Forte wheels problems
Similar to the light's problems, 2010 Kia Forte did not receive a lot of complaints regarding the wheels.
A couple of owners reported problems with their TPMS sensor not working properly. Other complaints were reported regarding the valve stem nut falling off on its own without any previous warning signs. these problems were mostly reported by vehicles around 48,000 miles and were ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
The average reported repair cost for wheels problems was about $200 for replacing the TPMS sensor.
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2010 Kia Forte exterior problems
At least one owner reported that his 2010 Kia Forte's hood got unlatched and flew open when he was driving. This problem resulted in severe damages in the windshield and required about $3,900 to repair the windshield, latch, and the hood. The problem was reported by a vehicle around 146,000 miles and was ranked as “Really Awful.”
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2010 Kia Forte electrical system problems
Electrical system problems are not very common with the 2010 Kia Forte, with very few reported complaints.
The only one complaint reported indicated that the owner couldn't start his vehicle and whenever he inserts the key, all that he gets is a clicking sound. The vehicle was not super old; it was around 32,000 miles, and the problem was ranked as “Really Awful.”
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2010 Kia Forte fuel system problems
The last category we would like to highlight here has to do with the fuel system of the 2010 Kia Forte.
Like the electrical problems, very few complaints were reported regarding fuel system issues. One owner complained that his car doesn't state the correct mileage, and the vehicle doesn't get the mile per gallon promised by the dealership.
2010 Kia Forte Reviews – What do Kia Forte Owners Say About Their Car?
Based on the intensive review to owners' comments, here are some highlights from what do these owners think of their vehicles:
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2010 Kia Forte owner one
The first owner-reported issues with engine to carpoblemzoo.com and said “After an oil change my engine began to knock. Oil change was not overdue by more than a hundred miles. Oil light came on. Took it to be changed the next day. As I was driving home, oil light began to flicker and by the time I got home (10 miles) it was steady. I took it back to the oil place. They informed me my oil was overly sludgy and were worried it might be an engine issue. They also found metal shavings in the pan. This is the exact same issue happening with the 2011 recalls. My mechanic told me my car is dangerous to drive and I need an engine replacement. Kia told me it would be almost 6000 out of pocket. This engine needs to be inspected. I have never had any other issue with this car.”
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2010 Kia Forte owner two
The second owner reported an issue with the vehicle's engine to carcomplaints.com and said “The car is good but the engine is a nightmare. It starting making load noises from the engine and no the oil light came on. Losing power. Just park it. If someone can help with this matter, please do. Thanks.”
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2010 Kia Forte owner three
The third owner reported an issue with different issues with the vehicle to vehiclehistory.com and said “Since I have owned my Kia Forte I have had to replace the thermostat, radio, battery, both front tires, and the reservoir for the coolant, now I am having problems with my ac not working and my car overheating. Also have a rattling underneath my car. I would not recommend buying this car a all.”
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2010 Kia Forte owner four
The fourth owner reported a total engine failure problem to consumerreports.com and said “Internal engine failure”
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2010 Kia Forte owner five
The fifth owner reported a problem to repairpal.com that has to do with issues while idling and said “I am having rough idle problems and have replaced just about every component on my car but the problem still persists. I was told that my ECU will probably need an update”
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2010 Kia Forte owner six
The last owner reported a complaint to Edmunds.com saying “I am amazed they have not recalled this car! My engine has stalled on me 4 times now and no one knows how or why. According to other sites, I am not the only one! I drive only 4 miles away from my home daily to go to work on a very busy street. The last time it stalled, my lights were still on in my car, except my engine cut off, as well as my power steering, in drive,
and I had to throw on my emergency lights and use my entire body weight to pull into a lot. This is day 5 of having a rental car through Kia and they still can't “recreate the situation” or “fix it”. If you wouldn't put your loved one in it, don't buy it!”
Conclusion
2010 Kia Forte marks the worst model year as reported by several online resources like carcomplaints.com. With being the first model year for this vehicle, it is not surprising that earlier models receive the most complaints.
Most reported 2010 Kia Forte problems are related to the engine, interior accessories, suspension, brakes, and lights problems. Unfortunately, the most reported issues have to do with the engine and required high repair costs.
In this article, we intended to help current 2010 Kia Forte owners expect the type of problems they will face, the suggested repair options and repair costs, and the mileage at which they should expect the problem. Besides, we help new shoppers decide whether to buy this vehicle or not based on the level of effort needed to resolve the mechanical problems of this car.
According to the detailed review to reported 2010 Kia Forte's problems, new shoppers might need to rethink whether to buy this car of not. This is because it is clear that there are a lot of significant problems to come and to deal with.