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Which year to buy
Best bet2022Fewest serious problems: 0.4× usual
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2013–2014, 2017Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2011–2012, 2015, 2018–2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2010GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly engine and air bags
179 serious complaints of 232, the most about engine (80) and air bags (42); per car on the road, 1.3× this model's usual year. 3 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving or while idling, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rod bearings were faulty.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Oct 2023
“The contact owns a 2010 kia forte. While driving 40 mph, the contact crashed into an unknown object. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained an injury to the head that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Jan 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Repair program DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento,… (SC141DP, Dec 2016)
- Repair program SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento,… (SC141DPSM, Dec 2016)
- Repair program SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid,… (TSB-SC141, Dec 2016)
- Repair program SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER LETTER - Advises Owners of certain 2011-2013 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used of a service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to underbody components of vehicle. (SC141OWNERTD, Jan 2017)
- Repair program Additional anti-corrosion treatment (SC141QA, Dec 2016)
- Repair program Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to replace the tire valve stem assemblies to prevent gradual loss of tire pressure in certain 2010 my forte, 2011 my sorento and 2010 my soul vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the 21 salt states where heavy amounts of road salt are… (SC119DEALERPSM, Apr 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
232 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26–30 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2010
First year we have trim data for.
2010 Forte trims
| EX | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $15,795 | $13,695 | $17,195 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 | 2.4L I4 |
| Horsepower | 156 hp | 156 hp | 173 hp |
| Torque | 144 lb-ft | 144 lb-ft | 168 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic: 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive 5-Speed Automatic (Fuel Economy Package): 5-speed automatic 5-Speed Manual: 5-speed manual overdrive | 4-Speed Automatic: 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive 5-Speed Manual: 5-speed manual overdrive | 5-Speed Automatic: 5-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic overdrive 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual overdrive |
| Gears | 4-Speed Automatic: 4 5-Speed Automatic (Fuel Economy Package): 5 5-Speed Manual: 5 | 4-Speed Automatic: 4 5-Speed Manual: 5 | 5-Speed Automatic: 5 6-Speed Manual: 6 |
| Drivetrain | 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Automatic (Fuel Economy Package) / 5-Speed Manual | 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in | 5.9 in | 5.9 in |
| Length | 178.3 in | 178.3 in | 178.3 in |
| Curb weight | 4-Speed Automatic: 2,740 lb 5-Speed Automatic (Fuel Economy Package): — 5-Speed Manual: 2,707 lb | 4-Speed Automatic: 2,740 lb 5-Speed Manual: 2,707 lb | 5-Speed Automatic: 2,868 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,853 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Speakers | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Cloth + option | Cloth | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | Optional | — | Optional |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | Optional | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 15 in + option | 15 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (20)
| EX | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EX Leather Package | Optional | — | — |
| Convenience Package $1,500 | — | Optional | — |
| Premium Package | Optional | — | — |
| SX Leather Package | — | — | Optional |
| Fuel Economy Package $600 | Optional | — | — |
| Power Sunroof with Tilt | Optional | — | Optional |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bronze | Optional | — | — |
| Clear White | Optional | Optional | — |
| Copperhead | — | — | Optional |
| Corsa Blue | — | — | Optional |
| Dark Cherry | Optional | — | — |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Spicy Red | Optional | — | Optional |
| Titanium | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Sport Cloth | — | — | Optional |
| Black Sport Leather | — | — | Optional |
| Coffee Cloth | Optional | Optional | — |
| Coffee Leather | Optional | — | — |
| Stone Cloth | Optional | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem press release, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–34 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 25 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–34 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 63 | Steering (14) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 27 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 28–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 68 | Engine (22) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 28–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 76 | Unknown or other (26) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 31–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 147 | Power train (47) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147–164 hp manual available | FWD | 25–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 136 | Engine (57) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147–164 hp manual available | FWD | 25–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 303 | Engine (145) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 137 | Engine (68) | No |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 260 | Engine (158) | No |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–29 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 443 | Engine (216) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 211 | Engine (119) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 306 | Engine (174) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 161 | Engine (48) | No |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 232 | Engine (80) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Forte 2017–2024 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 25 |
| 2023 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 63 |
| 2022 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 27 |
| 2021 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Standard | 2 | 68 |
| 2020 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard | No | 0 | 76 |
| 2019 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 147 |
| 2018 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 303 |
| 2017 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 3 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 135 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 137 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 442 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 442 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 443 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 195 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte 5 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 195 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 211 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 292 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 292 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 306 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 153 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte SW FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2010 | Kia Forte 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release) | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 221 |
| 2010 | Kia Forte 2-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 232 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2024 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 34 |
| 2023 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2023 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 34 |
| 2022 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–33 |
| 2022 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2021 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
28–33 |
| 2021 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2020 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
28–33 |
| 2020 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2019 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
31–34 |
| 2019 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2018 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–32 |
| 2018 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2017 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–32 |
| 2017 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2017 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2016 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–30 |
| 2016 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2016 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2015 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L |
29–30 |
| 2015 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2015 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2014 | Forte | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–29 |
| 2014 | Forte 5 | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2014 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 29 |
| 2014 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2013 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2013 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2013 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2012 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2012 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2012 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2011 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2011 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2011 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2010 | Forte | Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–30 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.