2010 Kia Forte Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 221 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2010 Kia Forte, 7% of the 221 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,750 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving home from work and a man flagged me down at a red light to let me know that none of my brake lights were working. I have also noticed the cruise control as well as traction control buttons not working properly. There doesn't seem to be any issue with the fuses. If I can not find a fix to this problem it may result in myself getting rear ended.”
NHTSA complaint #10532871, filed 2013-07, 30,000 miles“Front turn signal bulbs keep quit working, this appears to be a poor design on the bulb socket to headlamp housing connection, both sides have had this issue multiple times, if you remove the socket and reinstall it they start working again, there is no corrosion present. This should be investigated as it creates a serious danger to occupants as other vehicles are unaware of the vehicles intended direction.”
NHTSA complaint #10702255, filed 2015-03, 58,500 miles“Esc light stays on, brake lights don't work, and cruise control works sporadically, all fuses are working, a quick google search reflects that the a faulty brake light switch might be the cause, which in fact it was.”
NHTSA complaint #10547867, filed 2013-10, 31,000 miles“No Accident just routine maintenance finds that are concerning me . The car is 15 yrs old but over the years have had to replace the brake light bulb harness several times The brake light bulbs get too hot thus melting the bulb receptacle causing the brake lights not to illuminate. Have had vehicles come up behind me several times way too close for comfort because brake lights not working .”
NHTSA complaint #11679697, filed 2025-08“My car interior lights have been going out intermittently for over a year now, and my stereo bluetooth system is totally out as well. My signal lights intermittently go out. Signaling is a big issue because if people don't know I am coming over it could cause an accident. Also, as a result of my hands free capabilities being gone I am forced to wait for important communications at times because my commute is long.”
NHTSA complaint #11306287, filed 2020-01Related recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Forte 2010, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10170778Jan 21, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on…
- 10092102Mar 19, 2015Pitstop: stop lamp switch identification matrix (sc098) - kma has received a number of incorrect warranty return parts related to campaign sc098 and has determined that at times…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 15 | 10% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 44 | 14% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 8% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 15 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2010 Kia Forte
74 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsTires
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsWheels
17 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Kia Forte
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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