VehicleVerdict

2010 Kia Forte airbags problems

The 2010 Kia Forte has 42 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

42

Airbags complaints

13%

Share of year

17

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

18V363000AirbagsJune 1, 2018 · 507,587 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Consequence

If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

What owners report

I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE PASSING AN 18 WHEELER. MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE CAUSED ME TO MAKE A SHARP RIGHT HAND TURN WHICH THREW ME UNDER THE 18 WHEELER. THE TRUCK WENT OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE. I WAS THEN THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THEN INTO THE MEDIAN. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED - THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 31, 2013 · crash

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2010 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA has 42 complaints about the 2010 Kia Forte airbags — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2010 Kia Forte airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 18V363000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.