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
302 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2025
Rear combination lights (taillights) housing developed issue with condensation after developing cracks. This caused brake lights to burn out. This is a known issue with many Fortes and needs to be extended to additional production years.
Engine, Jan 29, 2025
My car's acceleration pedal stopped responding while driving, and the oil warning light turned on in the dashboard. Gradually, the check engine light came on, and the car stopped moving. After researching, I found that a common issue with the 2017 Kia Forte is a potential problem with the oil pump, where foreign particles can become trapped inside, leading to oil pump failure and possible engine damage.
Engine, Jan 26, 2025
Car is continuously running out of oil, after looking here it seems to be an ongoing issue yet no recall sent out.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a class-action lawsuit extended warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
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?
Power train, Oct 24, 2024
92,000 miles - check engine light flashing Dealership mechanic says “leaking oil” Oil level barely touching dipstick. Right at 5,000 miles since synthetic oil change. Have a concrete driveway and car has not leaked oil at all. Mechanic suggested replacing oil pan gasket. There is an oil pan recall on 2017 & 2018 Kia Forte but supposedly my car isn’t covered. Still under warranty but dealership claims it’s not covered under that either. I think all 2017 & 2018 Kia Fortes should be covered under the recall if we are also having the same issues. Having my lawyer friend look into this for me.
Engine, Oct 17, 2024
Was driving and vehicle started to stall and slow in traffic with no warning lights at all. Discovered that oil was empty after we had checked it before a trip. No oil warning lights came on to tell us that was no oil. In turn this damaged our vehicles timing chain and it needs repaired. I spoke with dealership and wanted them to do an oil consumption test because there was a problem and should not be using oil and not warning you of a low or no oil. They advised that was not an issue and could not do it. There are recalls on Kias for this exact thing but not my model. This is a safety issue because could case an accident without any warning.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 17, 2024
The engine failed. Transmission wouldn’t switch. No prior warning but oil lamp. Was on Freeway when it happened. Problem has been confirmed but not with my vin. Lamp didn’t come on until It started to fail
Exterior lighting, Oct 9, 2024
Both of my tail lights have the water leaking problem that other 2017 Fortes were recalled for. My VIN was not on the list, but both of them have to be fixed at my expense and are burning out my tail light and turn signal bulbs prematurely because of the water condensed in them.
Air bags, Sep 20, 2024
Once coming home, my airbag from steering wheel deployed. I did not get into an accident, just as i closed my door it went off. I worried about my safety especially because i have a baby. Any airbag could’ve gone off for no reason. I don’t feel safe in my car. After taking it to Viva Kia here in El Paso, they did not offer any inspections just a number to call. I was scared when they sent me off in a car like that with no diagnostics done. No lights were on prior to this incident so I definitely was not warned about it.
Engine, Aug 14, 2024
Unknown I dropped my car off at the Kia dealership for them to do some recalls kia say the only re calls they had seen were 22V031000 and 21V622000.That they couldn’t do it cause it don’t show on the computer at the Hutchinson Kia of Albany
Air bags, Aug 13, 2024
Error code B1620 is registering on my 2017 KIA Forte. The current recall for this issue only covers some 2017 KIA Forte vehicles.
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
Engine, Jun 26, 2024
I was driving on a road, then the car just died out of know where after driving for about a hour. I got the car to the side of the road to be somewhat more safe. I started the car back up then started hearing a knocking. then had it towed to the dealer. they said they cant do anything.
Engine, Jun 21, 2024
The vehicle consumes excessive oil, requiring to top-off oil every ~1k miles to prevent engine damage and seizing. The owner of the vehicle first observed oil consumption at 90k miles oil change. Dealership performed oil consumption test, measured 0.5qt oil burned in 1k miles. At 95k mile oil change, owner requested to record oil consumption, but dealership did not measure it. At 99k miles, owner again requested to record oil consumption, and dealership measured 1.5qt oil burned in 3k miles (0.5qt / 1k miles). After 99k miles, owner began topping off oil every time the oil was measured to be 1qt low. Measured adding 1qt every ~2k miles. Oil change performed at 105k miles with no additional notes. At 108k miles, dealership began second oil consumption test, and measured 1.5qt oil burned in 1k miles (3x increase in oil consumption from 99k miles to 109k miles). Dealership recommending "Hail Mary" attempt to break up carbon build up in cylinders or recommending engine replacement. Manufacturer and Dealership claim that even though the problem began while under warranty, it only became "bad enough" after warranty ended, so the owner must cover all costs himself.
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.
Engine, Apr 3, 2024
My engine has an oil consumption problem. I already had to replace one catalytic converter due to this. It is still happening and now multiple mechanics have confirmed that this is ultimately an engine problem. Not even 1,000 miles after an oil change, it starts making noises and the oil light will flicker on and off. The mechanics all say this is a known issue with Kia engines, but when I looked it up, there is no recall for this part.
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 26, 2024
I keep taking my call to the Kia dealership they say my oils is burning and could mess up my engine. They say it’s a recall for issue like this for 2017 Kia forte and I don’t understand why my car is not in that recall if the recalls is the same thing that’s happening to my car
Engine, Mar 19, 2024
I got a code P1326. I looked online and saw this was a common Kia issue. My engine light is flashing and car went into limp mode while driving. I can’t got more than 60 mph. There is occasional knocking as well.
Engine, Mar 18, 2024
Engine light came on and off intermittently and then stayed on. Idle was rough and engine almost stalled. When scanned a P0301 code was thrown (misfire on cylinder 1).
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 3, 2024
I keep having issues with the crankshaft pulley and the drive belt.
Air bags, Mar 1, 2024, crash
Hello, my name is [XXX] , i just had a 2017 kia forte car accident on [XXX]. I was hit by the driver's side in my door and in the door behind me. the airbag are supposed to be released upon impact. The would have to open because i was going over 25 miles per hour the airbags supposedly release when you go over 25 miles this caused me to break my wrist of my left hand I hit my knees and hurt my face this caused my injuries the malfunction of the airbags conclusion that the car was a total loss i need you to answer for my damages to me because as a consumer i have the right to complain I am waiting for a formal response thank you very much INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the low oil pressure and the battery warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, due to the warranty being expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage approximately 135,000.
Steering, Feb 19, 2024
Experienced temporary loss of electronic power steering (EPS) on 10FEB24. After driving about 15 miles returning from across town, my wife experienced a momentary loss of the EPS while slowing to make a left turn into our subdivision. She was able to wrestle the wheel through the turn with difficulty but then stopped the car to decide whether she should keep driving. After just a moment, she decided to try and when she pulled forward found that the power steering was working again. She made two more left turns over the two blocks to our house and had no trouble. She doesn't recall any dashboard warning lights coming on but was too flustered to have really noticed. I verified the drive belt looks fine and there are no saved fault codes. The car has about 116k miles on it and the drive belt was changed at 110k miles. Car was inspected two days later by my local repair shop including the suspension system. No fault codes or other anomalies were found and they could not duplicate a problem with the EPS.