2017 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 302 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 23 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bagsJan 25, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Campaign 22V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 9, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
Campaign 21V622000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubrication, pumpApr 13, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.
Campaign 21V260000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
49 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 6, 2026
The vehicle went into Tasca Kia for a cam shaft replacement, this did not fix the issue and the vehicle needed an entire engine replacement under power train warranty. Since then, the vehicle has continuously stalled. The vehicle is not indicating a reason for stalling, it is documented in video, and I have continued to inform the dealership where the vehicle is. This vehicle has shut off on me at rates of speed of 60 mph, comes to a complete stop, and is a HUGE safety concern. I have reported it to the dealer every time, I have provided video, and I have left the vehicle with them, they have continued to ask me to pick up the vehicle and return the rental because they cannot recreate the problem and cannot continue to lose money on the rental. There are no prior issues, there were no warning lights or lights remaining on the dash when the stall happens.
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2026
I am emailing i have an issue with a my vehicle i took it in to the dealership and got the recalls performed and they still have not updated in the system i am trying to rent out my car on turo and am not able to do i also contacted the dealership and they said its all electronic what can i do to clear this up or speed it up am sorry am trying to get forward any sort of way you guys can help
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2025
Had to replace a P0014 Exhaust camshaft position timing VCT solenoid - over advanced (Bank1) last year on October 1,2024. Now 2025 December 8,2025 need a nothing camshaft position timing VCT solenoid and also says I need replace my engine. I think something is not right about the engine or something on the engine. Not sure but something is definitely wrong. Never had this kind of problem before , but no cars i've ever had.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2025
About three years ago the clear paint on my car started to peel on the mirrors and car handles. It's progressively gotten worse and now the roof and side mirrors only have patches left and driver side door has started peeling.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2025, fire
My vehicle caught fire while driving also before fire vehicle started popping and stuttering rattling sound. I was on highway.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2025
I have 2 problems with my 2017 Kia Forte sedan: 1) They have put an "environmentally friendly" coating on the wire harnesses under the front hood of the engine which emits a vanilla scent when warm and attracts rats that eat the wire harness when the vehicle is parked. They need to revert back to the original jacket material on the wire harnesses that don't attract rodents. I've spent hundreds of dollars repairing the wire harness, and it's an ongoing problem on wires I haven't replaced. The ones I've already replaced were with "original" materials that don't have the environmentally-friendly coating. 2) Paint (or clear coat?) peeling on the roof and door handles in less than 100,000 miles. I'm told this could be due to a faulty primer, but Kia won't do anything about it, as they say their paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles, which is subpar.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2025
Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 8, 2025
I am writing to formally request reconsideration for including my 2017 Kia Forte in the existing recall (NHTSA Recall No. 21V-260, Manufacturer Recall No. SC210) affecting similar 2017-2018 Kia Forte models. Despite my vehicle not being initially included, I believe it should be reconsidered due to the following reasons: 1. Similar Engine Issues: The recall pertains to certain 2017-2018 Kia Forte models manufactured at the Kia Mexico plant between June 5, 2017, and July 24, 2017, equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. My vehicle, manufactured at the Kia Mexico plant, is equipped with the same 2.0L Nu MPI engine and has experienced similar issues as described in the recall, including abnormal engine noise and warning lamp illumination prior to engine failure . 2. Consistent Maintenance Record: I have maintained my vehicle consistently, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. The Carfax records demonstrate regular oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and other necessary maintenance performed both at authorized Kia service centers and independent shops. The most recent maintenance was conducted at 112,530 miles, just before the engine failure occurred . This demonstrates that the failure was not due to neglect or lack of proper maintenance. 3. Premature Engine Failure: My vehicle’s engine failed before reaching 116,000 miles, which is significantly premature for a well-maintained engine of this type. Given the similar defect characteristics — oil pressure issues caused by foreign particles in the oil pump variable relief plunger — I strongly believe that my vehicle’s failure aligns with the recall conditions described . 4. Safety Concerns: The defect described in the recall poses a significant safety risk due to the potential for loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. My experience aligns with this risk, as the engine failure occurred without sufficient warning, putting me and others at risk.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2025
I purchased a 2017 Kia Forte from a used car dealer. Two weeks after I picked up the car, the car stalled at intersections. I checked it out at a Midas and they found that oil was not getting to the engine and it needed a new engine. I towed it back to the dealer because it was within the Lemon law, under 75,000 miles. He said he fixed it, and replaced the engine, but after I picked it up, the same thing happened. I towed it back again and printed a list of mechanical things to check that was online. The second time, he said they cleaned the engine. I am concerned that there is a serious problem with the car and it is not safe to drive. I would have to restart the car and it would stall again. I have not picked up the car a third time again.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2025, crash
-Airbags did not deploy. -The car is available for inspection. -The driver was put at significant risk after the vehicle accidentally slid on ice while navigating a sharp curve, causing it to veer off the road and crash into trees. The impact resulted in the car being totaled from the front bumper to the back. Despite the severity of the crash, the airbags failed to deploy, making the driver's seatbelt the only factor that ultimately saved his life. -Insurance agent still needs to look at the car. Police office was present, along with tow driver. -No warnings
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Visibility/wiper, Nov 23, 2024, crash
On November 23, 2024, the brakes gave out on my 2017 Kia Forte5 EX. I found several recalls for my car regarding the brakes, trunk, engine and airbags. However, my son was in an accident and I was unaware of any recalls, as the car was purchased used. Would I still be able to get my car repaired under these recalls, or do I need to contact Kia?
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2024
The hood latch doesn't always work and the hood could fly up and obstruct vision and cause a wreck,the gas door sticks and won't open on the first try, engine is slow on excelleration some times. Not sure when it all started
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 7, 2024
The light that marks the low oil of the engine, never turned on and the engine’s time belt was damaged as a result of this, and one of the valves too, and the car just consumed the synthetic oil in just about 7 months, and this is a factory defect because the low oil light inside the car never turned on. And I need that the company replace my engine as a result of this manufacturing defect. My car after that incident has a code P0011.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 1, 2024
I have 2 complaints with my Kia Forte. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes it can be inspected. 1st complaint-The component or system that malfunctioned was the brakes, possibly caused from the entire braking system, the electronic parking brake software and any damaged intermediate shafts. The problem is like the Telluride SUV KIA. 2nd complaint is an intermittent burning smell mostly in the rear area after I get out of the car to park in the garage for the night. It does not occur all the time. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? After I was outside of the parked car on a level road, I saw my car rolling. I had to open the door and jump in to pull the emergency brake on with it moving. I was not able to get my left leg into the car with it moving so my left leg was dragging outside on the rough pavement and ruined my brand new shoes and hurt my left leg and big toe. I was shook up. Ever since, I always pull on my emergency brake when parked. 2nd issue- I am not sure of the safety issue with the burning smell. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, I did not know what to do. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning and no symptoms prior to the issues. The 1st issue with the brakes occurred this past Dec. 2023 and was then only occurrence. The 2nd issue has occurred several intermittent times in the past 2 years with the burning smell.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 8, 2024
My car started sounding like a diesel truck. The car didn’t want to changes gears right. It was shutting off randomly. I got on the freeway and it wouldn’t shift out of 3rd gear the way it was suppose to, the car speedometer was reading 60-70 mph but when I switched it to manual it was only in 3rd gear. I almost got rear ended by a diesel truck with a trailer due to it not wanting to shift. I had a mechanic look at it and put it in the code reader. It came up just the cam sensor which were replaced. Went to drive off and it sounded way worse than before. Reput it on the code reader and it said something about the oil pump. Got a second opinion and this mechanic said that it was the bearings in the motor. And now it’s going to be a problem and that’s I’m better off getting a new car.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 5, 2023
My engine shutoff/misfired while I was driving. The rest of my vehicle maintained power, dashboard headlights, radio. I took it to an autoshop where the issue was replicated. When my engine shut off the I had three check lights come on eps, oil, and battery. There was no warning prior to the engine shutting off.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2023
Headlights started to flicker off and on after using the blinkers. Just randomly. The alarm won't arm or disarm unless I put the key into the ignition, the alarm (and horn) is set off, I have to take the key out and disarm the alarm it with the remote. The car still starts, all the alarm does is make noise. The dashboard displays FUSE and the clock is always displayed at 1:00 when I start my car. They couldn't diagnose my car when I Took the car in for a recall software update, after the update hours later the headlights and dashboard lights turned off while I was on the freeway-no blinkers used when this happened. It happened several times after that. The dealer said they would need to keep my car and though it is under the extended warranty I pay for, there wouldn't be a rental car until it was diagnosed and if it is covered then they would reimburse me or my car rental. I had to wait several weeks until I could get an appointment, and my own car rental. Now the dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. They kept the car because they had not addressed the inside fuse display on dashboard, clock, or alarm issue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2023
My car was stolen on 4-17. They tore up the steering column . KIA knows what's going on with the TICK TICK challenge and is doing nothing about it. They quoted me $800 for labor only!!! This is unacceptable. I had to replace my window, my insurance won't cover, I had to purchase a club. I feel violated. I don't know if my car was used in the commission of a crime or will be stolen again. Why isn't KIA recalling or fixing these vehicles. I qualify for the starter immobilizer kit, but they should fix their problem first. I am livid!!!! Its all over the media in 17 states on the rise of these thefts. When is someone going to make them accountable, when someone has to die first.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2023
Unknown. My 2017 Kia Forte LX turns off while I’m driving. The entire car dies but the electric works. I have to put in park and sit a minute before my car will start again.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 25, 2022
The trunk seal is not functioning properly. Water gets into lighting and causes mold in truck.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 30, 2022
Ongoing acceleration and shaking issues. Lose power randomly and has stalled randomly. Now is frequent. I was told it is normal for cars to have some shaking however this is not normal. I try to accelorate and cannot, I had my own diagnostic test done and asked for the coil to be replaced. Kia said it was the spark plugs. Took the car back the next day because I again couldn't accelerate. Over a week later and no communication and I called and left a message. Now kia said it is the coil. Car now at approx 71K miles.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2022
Fuel door latch does not release properly preventing me from filling the vehicle and possibly running out of fuel while in traffic
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2022
MY 2017 KIA FORTE IS A EASY TARGET FOR THE " KIA BOYS" HERE IN COLUMBUS OHIO.. MY CAR WAS A VICTIM OF THEFT WHERE MY PASSENGER GLASS WAS SHATTERED AND MY STEERING COLUMN WAS TAKEN APART AND MY IGNITION WAS JAMED IN BY A SCREWDRIVER. KIA HAS MADE THIS CAR susceptible TO THEFT AND HAS NOTHING TO DO ABOUT IT. I WANT RELIEF FROM THIS HAZARD.
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2022, fire
The 2017 Kia was parked in the attached garage of a private residence when a fire broke out. The building was fully involved by the time first responders arrived shortly after midnight on May 19, 2022. Both residents of the home were deceased at the scene, in separate bedrooms. The point of origin of the fire was determined to be at the Kia, which was heavily damaged in the fire. The individual making this report is the attorney representing the estates of the decedents.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2021
The trunk of my 2017 Kia Forte wouldn’t open in the morning. I checked for a solution online and saw there was an active recall (SC216) on the latching mechanism of the trunk which was causing it to get stuck. Took it to the dealership to get it fixed. They fixed it but then told me I needed to pay for it. When I told them it was a recall issue they took the new part off and told me to leave. Now my trunk doesn’t close and it’s being held in place with a piece of string.