2011 Kia Forte

Rating applies to 2010-13 models

Tested vehicle: 2010 Kia Forte EX 4-door

The Kia Forte was introduced in the 2010 model year as a replacement for the Kia Spectra.

Two tests of a 2010 Kia Forte were conducted. In the first test, forces recorded on the dummy's head and neck were high, leading to a Marginal head/neck injury rating and a Marginal overall rating. In response, Kia modified the airbag control computer to deploy the side curtain airbag, in addition to the frontal airbag, in certain frontal crashes beginning with cars manufactured after January 2010. Kia initiated a service campaign to reprogram the airbag control computer on all 2010 models produced before the change was made on the production line.

In the second test of a car built after the modifications were in place, the driver side curtain airbag deployed during the crash, and forces on the neck were low. However, forces on the head were still elevated.

The evaluation of the Forte is based on the second test, except for the structural rating, which is based both tests.

Action shot taken during the second of two frontal offset crash tests.

The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well (second test shown).

In both tests, forces on the head were high when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the frontal airbag (second test shown).

Intrusion into the driver's space was minimal, and all leg and foot injury measures were low (second test shown).

Rating applies to 2011-13 models

Tested vehicle: 2010 Kia Forte EX 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags

The Kia Forte was introduced in the 2010 model year as a replacement for the Kia Spectra. Beginning with 2011 models, Kia made design changes to the side curtain airbags and side structure to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Kia. The car tested was a 2010 model that incorporated all the design changes included in the 2011 models.

Rating applies to 2010-13 models built after October 2009

Tested vehicle: 2010 Kia Forte SX 4-door

Seat type: Manual cloth seats AHR