2017 Kia Forte lighting problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 3, 2026KSLighting

   I own a 2017 Kia Forte that has a recurring problem with water intrusion in the rear tail light assemblies. This issue was previously repaired around 2018 under Kia’s service action related to moisture and water entering the rear combination lamps, but the problem has returned. Moisture and water are again getting inside the tail light housing, which can lead to corrosion, bulb or LED failure, and electrical problems. I am concerned that this could cause the brake light or…

   NHTSA complaint #11768734 · source
2. Filed May 7, 2026NCElectrical SystemLightingAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11736367 · source
3. Filed Sep 16, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11687694 · source
4. Filed Mar 5, 2025TXCrashElectrical SystemLighting

   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 complaint #11646410 · source
5. Filed Feb 13, 2025CALighting

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11642402 · source
6. Filed Feb 4, 2025OHLighting

   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 complaint #11640548 · source
7. Filed Oct 9, 2024ARLighting

   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 complaint #11618834 · source
8. Filed Oct 23, 2023CAElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11551284 · source
9. Filed Aug 3, 2023GAElectrical SystemLighting

   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 complaint #11536343 · source
10. Filed Feb 2, 2023NJFireLighting

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11505112 · source
11. Filed Jan 31, 2023GALighting

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11504650 · source
12. Filed Jun 1, 202224,000 miVALighting

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11466938 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology