Skip to content
SteeringPart report

2010 Kia Forte Steering Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
5%of 221 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Kia Forte, 5% of the 221 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.

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.

“When the steering turns every time, it makes a clicking noise. After the clicking noise started happening, I often hear metal to metal contact noise from the steering wheel when I drive on bumpy roads. The problem is caused by the faulty steering coupling inside of the steering motor. Although the 2010 elantra which shares the same platform and the steering motor with 2010 Kia Forte was recalled due to same issue, 2010 Kia Forte was not recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #11139092, filed 2018-10, 60,000 miles

“My Kia was jus fine driving down to my daughters house which is an hour n half where I live. Where all of a sudden engine light came on and a knocking sound came on slight noise. I kept an eye on the noise and vehicle. When we stopped I checked all the liquids and everything was fine. We had to take care of some things then on our way home it was sounding horrible and all of a sudden the check engine light was on, oil light and battery light. So I pulled over and called to have my car towed home. …”

NHTSA complaint #11405501, filed 2021-03, 145,000 miles

“When the steering turns every time, it makes a clicking noise. After the clicking noise started happening, I often hear metal to metal contact noise from the steering wheel when I drive on bumpy roads. The problem is caused by the faulty steering coupling inside of the steering motor. Although the 2010 elantra which shares the same platform and the steering motor with 2010 Kia Forte was recalled due to same issue, 2010 Kia Forte was not recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #11032096, filed 2017-10, 94,000 miles

“I bought the car brand new 7/30/2010 and the first incident happened on 8/12/10. The steering wheel locks up and I can't turn the key to start the car. Took it back to dealer and was told to wiggle steering wheel back and forth and it will break free. It happened 2-3x a yr. Up to 2014. Now it's happening quite often 6x from 6/01/14-6/13/14. On 6/15/14 it happened 2x and I was stranded both times and it took 50-60 min. For the steering wheel to unlock. I only have 3,200 miles on the car.”

NHTSA complaint #10599205, filed 2014-06, 50 miles

“Steering wheel makes a clunking sound when turning left or right. Was told it could be coupler or bushing. Kia is aware of the problem, but no recall that I'm aware of. Being told the car is not safe to drive $600-$1400 repair according to forums. It does this driving or sitting still.”

NHTSA complaint #10897325, filed 2016-08, 111,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202414%
20231523%
2022414%
2021913%
202034%
201996%
201854%
201793%
201654%
201542%
20146414%
2013137%
201293%
201153%
2010115%

Other parts of the 2010 Kia Forte

Engine
74 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsTires
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsWheels
17 complaintsExterior lighting
15 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 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