Kia Forte Koup Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints across the 4 model years of the Kia Forte Koup (2010–2013) that have at least 5 complaints. 2013 has the most, with 16. Across all years, the part named most often is engine (34 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Forte Koup model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 | 80,000 | 4 | 33 | — | Stable |
| 2012 | 14 | 84,000 | 4 | 32 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 8 | 78,000 | 2 | 39 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 11 | 125,000 | 2 | 45 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine34 60%
- Air bags5 8.8%
- Vehicle speed control4 7.0%
- Seat belts4 7.0%
- Electrical system4 7.0%
- Wheels2 3.5%
- Transmission and drivetrain2 3.5%
- Body and structure2 3.5%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2010: “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, filed 2019-05, 125,000 miles2012: “While driving this car, I heard a knock coming from the engine!! I had it towed to a Kia dealer and was told that I needed a new engine! This is unacceptable for car that is only 6 years old and all maintenance kept up to date!! I did some checking and other Kia engines with similar or same engine types have been recalled. This make and model needs to included!!”
NHTSA complaint #11124222, filed 2018-09, 127,000 miles2013: “Driving on a busy highway going approximately 65 MPH when the rpms dropped to zero. I was able to get it on the shoulder without accident. The car was towed to a mechanic who informed me the engine seized up but the oil looked fine. The mechanic thought this was odd. The car had 101,000 miles in it.”
NHTSA complaint #11229662, filed 2019-07, 101,000 milesOther Kia models
10,226 complaintsKia Optima
7,532 complaintsKia Soul
5,582 complaintsKia Sportage
4,715 complaintsKia Forte
2,562 complaintsKia Sedona
2,415 complaintsKia Telluride
2,063 complaintsKia Sephia
1,701 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology