Exterior Lighting Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the rear cargo area for less than 15 minutes. There was no collision or modification involved. This created a potential fire hazard inside the vehicle. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the incident. The cause of overheating is unknown. The damaged bulb, socket, and surrounding components were available for inspection at the time of the incident.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, there was smoke coming from the front driver’s side headlamp, prompting the contact to have her son disconnect the headlamp wiring harness. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the wiring harness showed signs of burn damage. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v771000 (exterior lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Electrical issues since 44k miles I’m at 50 k miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera the backup camera was replaced the backup camera now messes up all the time and does not cut on when backing up randomly cut on when driving kia issue was flashing lights, but they decided to worry about the check engine light, which was the careless converter, they fixed the careless converter and didn’t fix the flashing lights problem. They tried to say the car electrical reason was physical damage, which was false and now the electrical problems are getting worse the gear shifter license to work on the prnd the right brake light in the front and back goes in and out. I don’t know what the mileage is while driving I got a ticket from the cops because of that, the mileage randomly changes and I never know how much gas is in the car when I put in gas.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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

Airbag system unit, airbag sensor, voltage cronic malfunctioning power supply.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

No accident just routine maintenance finds that are concerning me . The car is 15 yrs old but over the years have had to replace the brake light bulb harness several times the brake light bulbs get too hot thus melting the bulb receptacle causing the brake lights not to illuminate. Have had vehicles come up behind me several times way too close for comfort because brake lights not working .

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Part of the subframe is corroded already and the engine cradle has begun to break, the control arm has begun to move where it meets the engine cradle and I now need to have the vehicle repaired. Previously the lower engine mount fell out of place due to the threads that kept it attached to the subframe were worn out due to corrosion and was causing the vehicle to vibrate violently. This issue has been fixed for $400 but now the rest of the engine cradle has to be inspected and repaired due to the corrosion. I have to make an appointment with the kia repair center in my area to have the vehicle inspected which will be weeks if not months out to have it looked at as they are often booked. I'm at my wits end with this car as it's been constant issues since buying it 5 months back, with a baby on the way I can't afford repairs and want a resolution that won't break the bank or to warn other drivers of this make and model of the issues that are plagued with it such as the back tail lights having a light assembly seal issue where water is able to enter and damage electrical components. I've uploaded two images regarding the subframe issue, one related to the lower engine mount becoming detached and the other regarding the engine cradle to control arm.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

Headlights have become very yellow and cracking formed on them. This effects evening /night time driving and you see ads to purchase cleaners that I have tried and it has done nothing. Not sure why this has not been remedied or made a recall to replace these as defective materials or what one can do to solve this with positive results or recommendations people can do with out equipment. This seems to be a big problem with a lot of vehicles mine included. Thx you for listening and thought I would report this issue as another safety concern.

Issue with having to replace brake and taillights too often.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

My brake lights are continuously going out. I replace them and immediately they are out again. There is nothing wrong with the bulb. There is something going with the car. Every time I change the bulb they go out and this has been a few times already.

Headlights shut off while driving at night. The right turn signal was on and was in a right hand turn when the car hit a small dip. There was the sound that you hear when you turn on the key when the car hit the dip and the healights went off. After pulling off the road and turning on the hazard lights, tried turning the headlights off then back on several times. The parking lights seem to come on then went off. Noticed that the information screen reset and was at the setup screen. Turned the car off then restarted the car and the headlights turned on. On the freeway the tone you hear when you turn on the key sounded several times as the car went over the bumps at the overpasses where the road is subsiding. This is a rental car. No police report made. No information if problem occurred previously or if rental company had problem looked into. Problem occurred 11/16/2024.

The left rear blinker light has gone out 4 times in the last 2 years. The most recent replacement for the passenger rear blinker stopped working within 12 hours of replacement. No other lights have needed replacing until the last replacment blinker light had gone out and I became aware that both passenger running tail lights were out, my license plate light on the passenger side is out the white bottom light that's blinks when I lock the car with the key remote is out as well. When looking into what would cause this to happen I came a cross information that is an on going issue that keeps occurring in the same cars with the same make model and year that a recall should or is expected to be done. I have not paid for bulbs to be replaced it's a task car owners can perform now that all lights are not working I will be taking it in to get my vehicle working so it can be driven safely.

Engine issues constantly.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

I purchased my 2013 kia Forte ex5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melting of the socket just a blub blown. I go to advance auto, and thankfully they are adept in swapping out the front lights but for all the rear I most have to get a mechanic.

It’s very hard to see at night and I know there is a recall for 2019 kia Forte with low beam aiming the recall is sc171. Also when I start driving I hear a rattling sound and there is another recall for 2019 kia Fortes. Power train axle assembly. The recall is sc195.

Brake lights are consistently blowing out especially the right brake light. I have replaced the bulb at least a dozen times in the past 2 years. Also the signal lights are going out as well. There is something faulty going on with the connection that I think needs to be recalled. After a quick search on youtube I realized that I’m not the only person this has happened to. Kia needs to have a recall to fix this issue because I can’t keep spending money on bulb replacements. Today on may 4, 2024 the brake lights weren’t working and when I went replace them they were blown on both sides. And the one on the right the actual bulb glass came off and I noticed that the plastic where the bulb connection locks in at was melted a little and the connector had slight burn marks. The bulb itself won’t stay on without me pushing the bulb in when I connect it.

Low beam headlights are so dim, driving at night is extremely dangerous. There is not enough illumination to detect more than 3 feet in front of the vehicle nor adequately see any potential hazards. After doing some research, it appears that this is a common problem that kia is aware of, however, they refuse to remedy the situation. It is a manufacturer defect with the chrome that surrounds the bulb in the headlamps. The headlight bulbs burn the chrome that surrounds the cup and leads to severely unsafe visibility, while driving at night time or in the rain.

The car will randomly cut off while driving, to restart the car must be put into neutral to restart and the lights go off during that time. If you are on the interstate going over 50, it will jerk and restart itself but the steering gets really stiff and you have to pull over and cut car off and restart to get the steering to work properly again.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

My windows began to roll up slower than usual. When I roll my window up seems like my lights would dim. But not all the time. On this particular day, I parked my car. It seemed to be running just fine before I turned it off. However, when I went back out to turn it on, the key would not turn nor would the gear move. Once I sat for hours waiting for a family member to assist me. The family member came and was able to get the car started. Once started we began to see and smell smoke. It smelled like electricity. The car died out and continued to smoke really bad and the smell of electricty became stronger. The car would no longer start.

The oil in the engine constantly sludges even with regular maintenance with full synthetic oil, I went over a pot hole and two of the rear lights went out and won’t go back on even after replacing bulbs and wiring harness, and the worst of all is the suspension, the lower control arm and the trailing arm both have gone out after only 20k miles of light mostly highway driving, this car offers nothing but problems it’s no surprise that they discontinued the model it’s an absolute nightmare. I bought it brand new and it feels like I’m going to die in it, every speed bump or pot hole I go over feels and sounds like I’m hitting a wall, I’ve replaced the ball joints and am thinking about replacing the control arms because I’m worried they are going to break. I completely understand that living in san fernando valley there are worse road conditions than usual but I’ve never had a car fall apart like this from driving out here. What’s worse is even after having to have parts replaced with oem parts immediately the replacement parts are beginning to wear out, I can’t go over speed bumps that are higher than a few inches without scraping the bottom of the car because the car is riding low, I suspect the coils and struts are also already going out also, just the most terribly engineered vehicle, I don’t know if it’s due to something that should be recalled but it absolutely feels like it is to me and I know many other people are suffering through the same issues with their Fortes.

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.

Light in trunk exploded and melted. This was the original light that came with the car. Thankfully the trunk was empty and it did not catch fire.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Forte. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side high beam lights, low beam lights, and indicators had failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the light bulbs were replaced; however, the failure recurred several times within 3 months. The contact stated that the passenger's side low beam headlight, indicator, and the headlight were not working as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be charged a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

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.

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.

The headlights and rain don’t mix at all I can’t see 3 feet I from it me and the wipers don’t clear the windshield fast enough they need to have led bulbs or design a new headlight.

On may 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 kia Forte. The impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the supplemental restraint system (srs).

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Break line, have to continue to fill break fluid, the smell of something burning when stopping or stopped , passenger right light keeps going out , continues need to be replaced.

I was driving down expressway and my car started to make rattling noise and clanking noise from the engine and then my car wouldn’t start it kept stuttering. My 2019 kia Forte was stalling it was not accelerating past 3k rpm’s and then the engine would completely shut off. Now my car has been out of commission for a few weeks.

The oem projector halogen headlights on the 2022 kia Forte provide insufficient illumination for safe nighttime operation. On unlit or poorly lit roads, the low-beam distance is inadequate to identify road hazards, pedestrians, or signage in time to react at standard posted speeds (45+ mph). This creates a "dead zone" where the driver is effectively over-driving their headlights. This is a known design deficiency reflected in the iihs "poor" safety rating for this model. The lack of light throw creates an unreasonable risk of collision. High beams offer a marginal improvement in angle but do not resolve the primary visibility failure. I am requesting an investigation into the headlight assembly design and a potential recall or dealer-installed remedy to meet acceptable safety visibility standards. For reference, my electric scooter (segway max g3) is triple the brightness of my automobile!.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.