What 300 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Forte Koup

The headlights and dashboard lose power intermittently while driving at highway speeds, specifically triggered by using the turn signal. This is ongoing since January when I started having to take it for a recalls.More things kept happening. I kept having to have more repairs. Every time I went, I told them about this and it just keeps going on. Today I took a huge list of things they should check to see why it’s doing this. This is the following list that I gave them -2017 Kia Forte - Service Request: •Issue: Headlights/dash icons flicker specifically when using turn signals. •Issue: Average MPG keeps resetting (Computer Brownout). •Mandatory Checks: 1Multi-Function Switch (internal short). 2Manual Voltage Drop Test on the G01 Ground Point. 3Alternator Ripple Test (check for "dirty" power). Last night on my way home from my daughter’s house which is a 50 minute drive, it was in the dark pouring rain and no longer than I had got started going home, I used the turn signal and my lights flickered a little which that’s what they’ve done before. Then the icon inside the car for headlights flashed on and off, lights inside got very dim and then my headlights got so dim that I had to follow other cars that had LED headlights down an interstate at 65 mph or less safely just to get to my exit to get home for over 45 minutes. I have mentioned this to them repeatedly, but I gave this list to them this morning. I called a little bit ago just to check on things and I was told “well we’ve been driving it for over an hour and we can’t seem to get it to act up”. I said are you not going to do the things that I stated and actually physically touch and look and not just sticking it on a computer. He rudely asked- what are you talking about? It’s all computer. That’s what we do.I’ve had to deal with this since pretty much the middle of January 2026. We are now here at May 7 and it got at its worst last night and horrified me and my safety.When I have car will upload docs

NHTSA ODI 11736367

I am writing to you today regarding a persistent issue I'm experiencing with my 2017 Kia Forte. On several occasions, while driving at various speeds and coming to a stop, the vehicle has stalled. Each time, I was able to restart the vehicle after the stall. I took the car to an independent mechanic, who discovered debris from the skirt in the oil and informed me that the engine would need to be replaced. Additionally 2 days upon purchase the coils were replaced and about 5 times after that I am concerned that this issue may be related to an unknown recalls for both the coil and the engine, as I've seen similar reports. The current mileage on the vehicle is 134,071. I have already notified the manufacturer about this failure but they stated they couldn't do anything even through this started 2 days after my purchase I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in resolving this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11687694

Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.

NHTSA ODI 11687131

Unknown, can’t see the road at night due to the headlights not aimed towards the right direction they seem to be pointed down and at different angles. I have ran into a ditch because of this safety hazard I also have to use my high beam in order to drive which is unsafe for other drivers on the road I am very concerned And frustrated because I have tried to adjust the lights, but they just don’t seem to be able to be corrected

NHTSA ODI 11646410

Break lights, running lights and headlights go out at least every three months at different times. Apparently it’s a common problem with these cars when I go to online forums and I have recently been contacted by a class action attorney that wants to investigate. I have had to replace rear bulb sockets due to corrosion and the bulbs still burn out. We purchased the 2017 car used around 2021 and have probably replaced the headlights alone 6 times and an un countable amount on the running and break lights.

NHTSA ODI 11642402

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.

NHTSA ODI 11640548

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.

NHTSA ODI 11618834

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.

NHTSA ODI 11551284

The head light turn off occasionally when the turn signal is used and does not always come back on with out playing with it or jiggle it. It has put mine and others safety at risk at dark. The dealer recommends replacing the multifunction switch. Part is on a national back order.

NHTSA ODI 11536343

My car was parked in the car port. The rear back light on the driver side caught on fire. The police and fire department were called. I was not at home at the time, my neighbors used a plastic container to put out by time the fire department got there. The firs department stated that is was faulty wiring. I am waiting for the report from police, fire department, and insurance representative. The car was parked and there was no waring lamp. Fire department had to disarm my car alarm. I will be calling the dealer after this.

NHTSA ODI 11505112

Driving at night and low beam headlights both went out at the same time. The only way to drive safely was to use high beams. Opened hood and passenger's side light came back on, very dimly, and then went out again as soon as the left turn signal was initiated. Even the high beam lights flicker when the left turn signal is used. This is completely unsafe because there is no way to see without blinding everyone else on the road with high beams. Headlight bulbs were replaced less than 6 months ago.

NHTSA ODI 11504650

The trunk seal is not functioning properly. Water gets into lighting and causes mold in truck.

NHTSA ODI 11498793

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

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

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

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

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

THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES. I WAS DRIVING ONE NIGHT A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THAT WAS MY SECOND SET OF HEADLIGHTS NOW I'M ON MY 3RD SET AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WENT OUT. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE BEST SET OF HEADLIGHTS AUTOZONE HAD TO OFFER AT THE TIME AS I WAS IN DESPERATE NEED SO I COULD DRIVE HOME AND IT STILL LASTED THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME, PURCHASED ON 1/22/2021. ALSO, THEY'RE ALWAYS DIM. FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE SET OF LIGHTS I EXPECTED MORE. I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND SEEN THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE. WHY IS THIS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE? SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE TWO OTHER VEHICLES. A 2017 DODGE JOURNEY THAT HAS NEVER NEEDED A HEADLIGHT CHANGE AND A 2007 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAS ONLY NEEDED A FEW HEADLIGHTS IN ITS ENTIRE EXISTENCE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI 11414386

I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AT THE END OF 2017. I HAVE TAKEN EXTREMELY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR. A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET SOMETHING COSMETIC FIXED ON THE INTERIOR. I PICKED UP MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT HOME I REALIZED BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND ONE BRAKE LIGHT WERE NOT WORKING. I TOOK MY CAR BACK IN AND THEY INSISTED THAT WHEN ONE LIGHT GOES OUT, THEY ALL GO OUT WHICH ISN'T TRUE. I INSISTED THAT THERE MUST BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THAT I WANTED A TECHNICIAN TO CHECK IT SINCE MY LIGHTS WERE WORKING JUST FINE WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN. AFTER MANY DIFFERENT APPOINTMENTS AND INSPECTIONS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS MY WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS BROKEN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER IT. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE, WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER IT. THE TECHNICIAN EVEN STATED THAT THE ENGINE GOT TOO HOT AND MELTED THE WIRES. HE WAS SURPRISED WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER THIS ISSUE SINCE IT HAPPENED ON BOTH SIDES WITHIN A YEAR TO A CAR THAT IS FAIRLY NEW AND REALLY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. HAVING BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHT NOT WORKING IS VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN A DARK AND RAINY AREA. HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED TO SO MANY PEOPLE AND THIS VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN RECALLED? I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN KIA AND THINK THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR RECOURSE. AFTER READING ALL OF THESE COMPLAINS THAT ARE THE SAME, I AM SHOCKED KIA HAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA ODI 11396868

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HID HAVE GONE IN AND OUT WHILE DIVING AT NIGHT..THEN THEY HAVE NOW BLOWN OUT TWICE.AT $100 DOLLARS A PIECE..THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE..!! THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHOT CIRCUIT IN THE LIGHT SWITCH ITSELF..IT HAS BLINKED OFF WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL AS WELL WHICH LEADS ME TO COME TO THIS CONCLUSION..

NHTSA ODI 11385418

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, THE HEADLIGHT WORKED AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD LIGHT BECAME INOPERABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ODI 11384457

HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT WITH NEW HEADLIGHT BULBS. THERE HAS BEEN ONE OCCASION WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST EVERY 6 MONTHS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. *WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN* DATE IS THE MOST RECENT OF ALL OCCURRENCES. HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO ALWAYS VERY DIM EVEN WITH NEW BULBS.

NHTSA ODI 11372353

FRONT WINDSHIELD SMEARS EVERYTIME I USE WINDSHIELD WIPER. I NOTICED THIS WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, AND IT WOULD GO AWAY EVENTUALLY. NOW, I TRY TO AVOID DRIVING WHEN IT RAINS BECAUSE IT SEEMS THE WIPERS JUST MAKES IT WORSE. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS DO NOT DO ANY JUSTICE. SOMETIMES I THINK I DO NOT HAVE THEM ON BECAUSE OF HOW DIM THEY ARE. AT NIGHT, I WOULD HAVE TO USE MY HIGH BEAMS ON THE HIGHWAY OR REGULAR ROADS SOMETIMES TO AVOID SHARP TURNS OR JUST TO SEE THE STREET LINES.

NHTSA ODI 11365642

MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE BARELY ON. I CAN NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT USING MY HIGH BEAMS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A VEY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT HAS NOT CAUSED ANY SERIOUS HARM TO PEOPLE. KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND DO A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 11363120

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER AND GO OUT COMPLETELY. I HAVE TO FLIP THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH OR TAP THE COLUMN TO GET THEM TO TURN BACK ON . IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES ON MY 32 MILE TRIP HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT . IT HAPPENS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. MAINLY WHEN I USE A TURN SIGNAL OR HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD .

NHTSA ODI 11339856