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EnginePart report

2010 Kia Forte Koup Engine Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
55%of 11 total for the year
Median mileage
108,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, 55% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11414806, filed 2021-05, 70 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11151192, filed 2018-11, 131,000 miles

“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, filed 2018-03, 108,000 miles

“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, filed 2018-02

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20131275%
20121393%
2011338%
2010655%

Other parts of the 2010 Kia Forte Koup

Seat belts
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2010 Kia Forte Koup

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology