general problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte

Five problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2016 Kia Motor Forte. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte based on all problems reported for the 2016 Forte.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2025

Headlights shut off entirely multiple times when switching to high beams on dark road, almost causing an accident. Multi-function switch failing the exact way the sorento switches are failing, confirmed by mechanic. This is a severe hazard when driving at night. There was no warning whatsoever.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2025

I own a 2016 kia Forte lx and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tail lights are also affected. This is a serious safety hazard because it results in sudden and complete loss of exterior lighting (headlights and tail lights) while the vehicle is in motion at night. It significantly increases the risk of an accident. Online owner forums and repair shops confirm this issue is widespread in kia vehicles, often traced to a failing multifunction headlight/turn signal switch. Despite the frequency of these failures, there has been no recall issued by kia. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect in the 2016 kia Forte and related models, as it directly compromises driver and passenger safety.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

My headlights blank on and off like a christmas tree. I put them on auto or the running lights and they do the same things. The dashboard lights do the same things inside the car. It also happen when I turn my turn signal on or put my car on bright or dim them.

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2022

The headlights flicker off when the turn signal is applied and also sometimes on bumps in the road. This could be very dangerous because there are no headlights when they’re supposed to be on. The dealer told me that they’ve seen that issue before, but told me there’s no recalls on my model and year, so I have to pay to replace a multi function part. I wrote to kia as well and they told me since my car is out of warranty, it’s up to me to fix that and pay. I don’t even have 50,000 miles on my car! and this problem is not due to me but due to a malfunction of the car. I researched this and see that there are other models of kia that have the same issue that were recalled to repair by kia. I have attached information from the web about a recall for kia’s that is the same year as my car, but a different model. There are no warning lights when this happens, so I have to pay attention to make sure the lights come back on. I have also attached the case number from kia in which they told me they are not responsible for this.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2019

Low beams are dull not able to drive in the dark. Estimated sight distance of low beam lights 200 ft. Passengers in my car ask if I have my lights on. On coming cars flash their lights as a signal to turn on my lights. I have to drive with highbeams after dusk for viability and for cars on the road to be able to see my lights. The electric dash board will not illuminate at times; having to turn off the car and turn back on multiple times for the dashboard to light up. The low beams are consent every time I am stationary, in motion, reverse, parked. The electric dashboard is when starting the car, stationary when at red lights with the break on.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte



Safety Ratings of Forte Cars
Fuel Economy of Forte Vehicles
Forte Defect Investigations