2017 Kia Forte
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.
- Complaints
- 305
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2017
None on file
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 305 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 153 |
| 2012 | 291 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 443 |
| 2015 | 260 |
| 2016 | 136 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 77 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 63 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
48% · 145 reportsShow complaint excerpts
There was a rod failure in the engine. The vehicle is currently at the repair facility. This rod failure caused the vehicle to die while traveling down the road, so it was a safety risk. The rod failure was diagnosed by a certified mechanic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-21
Electrical system
15% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing accesory power outlet/jack/port/usb/sae/cigarette lighter and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving this car and received a check engine light and lulled over to find an electrical fire had occurred under the hood. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put out this fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05
Volume buttons on steering wheel volume up turns volume down, mute button turns volume up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-15
Exterior lighting
14% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing tail lights and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
I own a 2017 Kia Forte that has a recurring problem with water intrusion in the rear tail light assemblies.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-03
Fuel/propulsion system
10% · 29 reportsShow 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, 2017-12-28
Also filed under Air bags
Air bags
6% · 18 reportsShow 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, 2024-03-01
The airbags did not deploy when a large jeep turned into the driver side door.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-09
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, 2018-03-19
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017Complaint volume 305 complaints filed for this model year.
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2021-08-16Engine and engine cooling21V260000 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.
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2022-02-10Latches/locks/linkages21V622000 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.
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2022-03-21Air bags22V031000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 145 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 44 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V260000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 21V622000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 22V031000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia Forte is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Forte?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Forte have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.