What 300 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Forte Koup

Engine can stall at lower speeds (10-30 mph) after being on the highway for an extended amount of time. Can also happen after being on the highway, parking and waiting for some time (30 min), and start driving again at lower speeds. Issue becomes more prominent when going uphill slowly (little to no pressure on gas pedal). A rumble can sometimes be felt through the gas pedal too, but not always. Usually the engine starts making some noise ('gurgling') to indicate that the engine is in this state and it usually stall after coasting for some time or pressing very little on the gas (noise may become louder when doing this). I've seen the engine stall around 1000 rpm when doing this. Sometimes the oil light will also start appearing and it seems that the engine is not being responsive when pressing on the gas pedal. Car can stall in these cases or may recover and eventually stall. I've had this issue since the beginning of the year, but an engine check light has not come on for it since then (other than one for a spark plug and coil, but this was addressed in February 2022). Safety concern is mostly when driving in cities or at lower speeds and making unprotected left/right turns where the car may possible stall. Mechanic was able to reproduce this in February but suggested that I take the car to the dealer after difficulty finding the cause . Dealer was unable to solve it in April and suggested waiting for a check engine light.

NHTSA ODI 11468901

On June 5, 2022 at approx. 45 miles per hour, my 2017 Kia Forte just without warning shut off. Luckily there were no cars on the usually busy road so I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and put my emergency flashers on. Was able to start the car and drove another 3 miles home. In my driveway, I opened the hood and smelled a burning smell and a slight coolant smell ( although the operating temp gauge read normal) , and I heard a knocking sound at the bottom of the engine. I turned the engine off, checked the oil level (normal) and coolant level (normal). I scanned the OBD and NO CODES came up. Called Kia dealership (the car is still under warranty with 76000 miles but they cannot look at the car until July 1.

NHTSA ODI 11468762

My car is stalling. Stalled on the highway. Has knocking sound. And if i let up off the gas at all it stalls. Will stall in neutral as well. Was involved in an accident last year and airbags did not deploy even though they should have. My car started stalling at 86,000 miles with regular oil changes. I’ve only had the vehicle about a year and a half. My lights also are shorted out due to the trunk not closing all the way and rain water getting in. I’m still making payments. I do not know what to do. I’m a sole caregiver to my terminally Ill mother. I need this car. I do not make very much money.

NHTSA ODI 11467592

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was performing an inspection, the contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear taillight was faulty and needed to be replaced. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the failure was due to water intrusion into the taillight housing. Additionally, the contact stated that the wheels were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11466938

I have only had the car about a year. Bought it used and within 7-10 months I’ve had to get spark plugs replaced, and ignition coil replaced as well. I’m having this issue once again after getting the things about fixed in January of 2022. It is now may of 2022 and I’m still having the same issue. I’ve read online that this is a recurring theme with this model.

NHTSA ODI 11463706

When it rain, both rear taillight accumulate water inside of taillight lenses causing lights to blow. Dealership has replaced gaskets and it still happens. lights go out and no warning light indication on dash. Concerned this might contribute to rear end accident. This is a one owner car and no know accident to vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11455440

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11455252

The front and rear windshields has some kind of defect when oncoming headlights are approaching there is a snowburst type of glare affect that is not clear but blurry. Can't see oncoming objects or street signs clearly.

NHTSA ODI 11454092

I was driving and the oil light came up on the dash blinking at first and then solid then the acceleration went down and then the battery light came on and my car didn’t accelerate anymore. It also smelled like burning gas or oil and then I turned it off and had it towed. My car won’t even start anymore after turning it off.

NHTSA ODI 11450412

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the trunk was making rattling sounds. The contact veered to the side of the road and manually closed the trunk and the trunk engaged and locked securely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and he was unable to close the trunk using the key fob or by manually closing the trunk. The contact drove to a parking lot and was able to close the truck with tape. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the contact repair the vehicle at his own expense and he might be reimbursed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

NHTSA ODI 11448804

1st incident, 10/09/20 water intail lights smells of mildew 2nd " 11/1/20 water is leaking in trunk installed new gaskets to the tail lights 3rd " 6/9/21 removed drivers seat and gas/trunk latch lever and fuel door lever cable cable was found to be stretched and needs replaced. Parts were ordered 01/10/22 parts never came in because according to Kia they don't know how to fix it. I'am so sorry I bought this car with 2,992.31 still owed you should compensate by paying this off

NHTSA ODI 11447059

My car is constantly stalling and I have nearly gotten into several accidents because it would stall at red lights, or while driving, turning it stalls. In order to keep it from stalling have to keep putting it into neutral. I can't get a proper scan on it because the engine light isn't on. This has been happening for about 2 months and it is getting worse. I have under 50,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11445372

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.

NHTSA ODI 11444822

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Invalid VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11444871

Both low beams stopped working. High beams and all other lights work I replaced the bulbs and the low beams don't work at all and there's no relay or fuse and I can't find the problem

NHTSA ODI 11441520

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking spot with the vehicle in reverse, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle inadvertently drove forward speedily. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact sustained neck, shoulder, and back injuries and sought medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438652

Trunk latch on my vehicle gets stuck can only open after jumping down on hood while pulling lever at the same time intermittently happens. Lately been happening more often than not.

NHTSA ODI 11436987

I’ve been having problems with my 2017 forte5 Lx for the last few months. The brake calipers tend to lock up from time to time causing my pads to smoke like crazy. I’ve had my brakes serviced 6 times within the last year. Nothing seemed to help and I’ve barely used the vehicle out of concern for safety. Recently, I spoke with a tech at my local dealership. He informed me that my forte has rubber bushings on one of the caliper pins that swells and gets stuck. His solution was to replace the defective pin with another pin that doesn’t include the bushing. Since I followed his advice, my brakes haven’t locked up at all. The original intent for the bushing was to reduce caliper noise but it does not help, instead hindering performance. The reason for my complaint is that this can cause the brakes to overheat and start a fire, while decreasing the ability to brake.

NHTSA ODI 11436496

Leaving work last week and noticed my trunk was open. Thought maybe I had accidentally pressed the release button and went to close but trunk latch wouldn not latch down and close. Had to fold the back seats down and crawl into the trunk while a coworker held the trunk shit and use a flathead screwdriver to manually lock the latch. After doing so now the trunk will not open.

NHTSA ODI 11436326

My head lights keep shutting off and stop working, they have replace it twice already and again today Oct 7th 2021ir stopped working again, now I just replaced the bulbs on Sept 15th 2021 there shouldn't be any reason to change it out this soon. I keep calling the dealership about it and nothing back from them. Today I ended up not seeing and hit into a curb and smashed up the side by my tire on the passenger side, I'm very upset with kia they are putting my family in danger by not fixing it correctly.

NHTSA ODI 11435839

I got this car in January, it's only October and my speed doesn't accelerate. When I step on the gas pedal there is a huge kick and my RPM goes from under one to 4 or 5 to get to 20mph. I noticed that I could change the drive to D1 and D2 but when driving and going over 30mph my car is in D6. I have yet to find a solution. No warning lights have come on yet but I don't want it to get to that point before having the car for a year.

NHTSA ODI 11435366

Coils are repeatedly breaking despite being replaced. Seems to be a common issue with this make/model but hasnt been recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11434141

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, when the contact heard a loud popping noise coming from the vehicle, the contact noticed that when depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact saw the check engine light warning light illuminated on the vehicle. The contact had to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle which it did and contact smelled something burning from the interior of the vehicle and noticed smoke coming from the front hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue to drive to their work. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after work and continue drive to their destination, however, the failure persisted, The contact check the vehicle later that day and noticed the there was no oil in the engine and a major oil leak underneath vehicle undercarriage. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to have inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure engine sensor was damaged and the fuel pump was damage on the vehicle as well failure where the trunk latch will not open on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11433898

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while attempting to open the rear trunk door lid, it was discovered that the trunk door lid could not be opened while using the key fob, the trunk release, or the emergency trunk release. Later while driving approximately 70 MPH, the trunk lid suddenly opened and could no longer be closed or secured. A cell phone cord was used to secure the trunk door lid. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 44,300.

NHTSA ODI 11431644

THE ENGINE FAILED DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT CUT BACK ON. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD AND TOWED HOME. PREVIOUSLY THE ENGINE LIGHT DID APPEAR ON IN THE CAR BUT A RECENT OIL CHANGE WAS DONE ON THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO GO AWAY. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SHOP AFTER OIL CHANGE WAS DONE AND CAR STALLED ONCE ON THE WAY HOME. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR RECALLS AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR (RECALL NO. 21V260000)CAR WAS TAKEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP A DAY OR 2 LATER AND A DIAGNOSTICS WAS DONE ON THE VEHICLE BY THE KIA DEALERSHIP. THE KIA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE OF THE CAR. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE CAR DESPITE ME SHOWING THEM THE RECALL NUMBER THE KIA DEALERSHIP SAID THEY CAN FIX IT FOR $7600 OR I CAN GET ANOTHER CAR AND PUT DOWN BETWEEN $5000-6000. THEY ALSO SAID BEING THAT MY CAR WASN'T APART OF THE RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS SHOWING SIGNS THAT WAS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN MY BACKYARD AND CURRENTLY NOT DRIVEABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11431679