2017 Kia Forte

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2017 Kia Forte
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2017: 300 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	152
2012	289
2013	195
2014	437
2015	257
2016	130
2017	300
2018	134
2019	145
2020	71
2021	67
2022	25
2023	56
2024	22

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 48%

48% of complaints: engine — 144 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 44 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

VOLUME BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL VOLUME UP TURNS VOLUME DOWN, MUTE BUTTON TURNS VOLUME UP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170515

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 13%

13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 39 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 29 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS PARKING MY CAR YESTERDAY AT 7/11 AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT PILLAR. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE SEEN A BLOG WHERE DOZENS OF FORTE OWNERS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE, SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171228

AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240301

The airbags did not deploy when a large jeep turned into the driver side door.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231209

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180319

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2017 — complaint volume: 300

R 20210816 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220210 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220321 — air bags

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 22V031000 — check if this car was fixed