2017 KIA FORTE Exterior Lighting Problems

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.

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

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

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 the running and break lights.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 car alarm. I will be calling the dealer after this.

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 less than 6 months ago.

The trunk seal is not functioning properly. Water gets into lighting and causes mold in truck.

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 notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

Mileage: 24,000

When it rain, both rear taillight accumulate water inside of taillight lenses causing lights to blow. Dealership has replaced gaskets and it still happens. lights go out and no warning light indication on dash. Concerned this might contribute to rear end accident. This is a one owner car and no know accident to vehicle.

1st incident, 10/09/20 water intail lights smells of mildew 2nd " 11/1/20 water is leaking in trunk installed new gaskets to the tail lights 3rd " 6/9/21 removed drivers seat and gas/trunk latch lever and fuel door lever cable cable was found to be stretched and needs replaced. Parts were ordered 01/10/22 parts never came in because according to Kia they don't know how to fix it. I'am so sorry I bought this car with 2,992.31 still owed you should compensate by paying this off

Both low beams stopped working. High beams and all other lights work I replaced the bulbs and the low beams don't work at all and there's no relay or fuse and I can't find the problem

My head lights keep shutting off and stop working, they have replace it twice already and again today Oct 7th 2021ir stopped working again, now I just replaced the bulbs on Sept 15th 2021 there shouldn't be any reason to change it out this soon. I keep calling the dealership about it and nothing back from them. Today I ended up not seeing and hit into a curb and smashed up the side by my tire on the passenger side, I'm very upset with kia they are putting my family in danger by not fixing it correctly.

THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES. I WAS DRIVING ONE NIGHT A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THAT WAS MY SECOND SET OF HEADLIGHTS NOW I'M ON MY 3RD SET AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WENT OUT. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE BEST SET OF HEADLIGHTS AUTOZONE HAD TO OFFER AT THE TIME AS I WAS IN DESPERATE NEED SO I COULD DRIVE HOME AND IT STILL LASTED THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME, PURCHASED ON 1/22/2021. ALSO, THEY'RE ALWAYS DIM. FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE SET OF LIGHTS I EXPECTED MORE. I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND SEEN THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE. WHY IS THIS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE? SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT. PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE TWO OTHER VEHICLES. A 2017 DODGE JOURNEY THAT HAS NEVER NEEDED A HEADLIGHT CHANGE AND A 2007 FORD ESCAPE THAT HAS ONLY NEEDED A FEW HEADLIGHTS IN ITS ENTIRE EXISTENCE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT.

Mileage: 60,000

I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AT THE END OF 2017. I HAVE TAKEN EXTREMELY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR. A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET SOMETHING COSMETIC FIXED ON THE INTERIOR. I PICKED UP MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT HOME I REALIZED BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND ONE BRAKE LIGHT WERE NOT WORKING. I TOOK MY CAR BACK IN AND THEY INSISTED THAT WHEN ONE LIGHT GOES OUT, THEY ALL GO OUT WHICH ISN'T TRUE. I INSISTED THAT THERE MUST BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND THAT I WANTED A TECHNICIAN TO CHECK IT SINCE MY LIGHTS WERE WORKING JUST FINE WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN. AFTER MANY DIFFERENT APPOINTMENTS AND INSPECTIONS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS MY WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS BROKEN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER IT. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE, WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER IT. THE TECHNICIAN EVEN STATED THAT THE ENGINE GOT TOO HOT AND MELTED THE WIRES. HE WAS SURPRISED WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER THIS ISSUE SINCE IT HAPPENED ON BOTH SIDES WITHIN A YEAR TO A CAR THAT IS FAIRLY NEW AND REALLY WELL TAKEN CARE OF. HAVING BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHT NOT WORKING IS VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN A DARK AND RAINY AREA. HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED TO SO MANY PEOPLE AND THIS VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN RECALLED? I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN KIA AND THINK THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR RECOURSE. AFTER READING ALL OF THESE COMPLAINS THAT ARE THE SAME, I AM SHOCKED KIA HAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.

Mileage: 40,577

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HID HAVE GONE IN AND OUT WHILE DIVING AT NIGHT..THEN THEY HAVE NOW BLOWN OUT TWICE.AT $100 DOLLARS A PIECE..THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE..!! THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHOT CIRCUIT IN THE LIGHT SWITCH ITSELF..IT HAS BLINKED OFF WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL AS WELL WHICH LEADS ME TO COME TO THIS CONCLUSION..

Mileage: 48,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, THE HEADLIGHT WORKED AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD LIGHT BECAME INOPERABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

Mileage: 59,000

HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT WITH NEW HEADLIGHT BULBS. THERE HAS BEEN ONE OCCASION WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST EVERY 6 MONTHS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. *WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN* DATE IS THE MOST RECENT OF ALL OCCURRENCES. HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO ALWAYS VERY DIM EVEN WITH NEW BULBS.

Mileage: 40,000

FRONT WINDSHIELD SMEARS EVERYTIME I USE WINDSHIELD WIPER. I NOTICED THIS WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, AND IT WOULD GO AWAY EVENTUALLY. NOW, I TRY TO AVOID DRIVING WHEN IT RAINS BECAUSE IT SEEMS THE WIPERS JUST MAKES IT WORSE. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS DO NOT DO ANY JUSTICE. SOMETIMES I THINK I DO NOT HAVE THEM ON BECAUSE OF HOW DIM THEY ARE. AT NIGHT, I WOULD HAVE TO USE MY HIGH BEAMS ON THE HIGHWAY OR REGULAR ROADS SOMETIMES TO AVOID SHARP TURNS OR JUST TO SEE THE STREET LINES.

MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE BARELY ON. I CAN NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT USING MY HIGH BEAMS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A VEY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT HAS NOT CAUSED ANY SERIOUS HARM TO PEOPLE. KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND DO A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER AND GO OUT COMPLETELY. I HAVE TO FLIP THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH OR TAP THE COLUMN TO GET THEM TO TURN BACK ON . IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES ON MY 32 MILE TRIP HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT . IT HAPPENS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. MAINLY WHEN I USE A TURN SIGNAL OR HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD .

Mileage: 12,000

MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 3 YEARS AND AT FIRST THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY OUT AFTER REPLACING THE BULBS I NO LONGER HAVE ENOUGH POWER SOURCE GOING TO THE HEADLIGHTS TO USE MY LOW BEAMS ANYMORE. I TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY TOLD ME JUST THE LIGHT BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND MY WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS SOUNDS SO WRONG BECAUSE BOTH THE LIGHTS WORK BUT THEY ARE SO DIM THEY ARE NOT USEABLE. THE DRIVER SIDE WENT OUT FIRST THE CAR WAS STATIONARY THEN A MONTH LATER THE PASSENGER.

I HAVEN'T EVEN OWNED THIS CAR FOR 7 MONTHS YET AND I HAVE CHANGED THE LIGHTS 20 TIMES! AS SOON AS I CHANGE ONE THE NEXT ONE BLOWS AND THE PREVIOUS ONE WILL BLOW THE FOLLOWING THE WEEK. I'M TIRED OF MAKING PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT KEEPS ACTING CRAZY WITH THE LIGHTS.

Mileage: 70,000

MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE LIKE IT ALWAYS IS. WENT FOR A WALK AND WHEN I CAME BACK, MY CAR HAD BEEN ON FIRE. AFTER FIRE DEPARTMENT DID THEIR INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DEEMED ELECTRICAL. THE LIGHT IN MY VISOR OR THE WIRING TO IT HAD GONE WRONG. MY WHOLE FRONT OF THE SEATS IS TOTALED.

Mileage: 35,000

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT EVERY 2-3 MONTHS, ONE AFTER THE OTHER. SOMETIMES ONE WILL GO OUT AND BE OUT FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND THEN COME BACK ON, BUT USUALLY THEY GO OUT AND STAY OUT UNTIL THE BULB IS REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

MY CAR HAS BEEN PARKED AND EVERY TIME I GO OUTSIDE MY LIGHTS ARE ON. THE HAS BEEN GOING FOR A MONTH. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF MY HEADLIGHTS EVERY SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR THIS HAS GOTTEN TO BE COSTLY. WHEN I?M DRIVING SOMETIMES THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL GO OUT. THESE LIGHTS HAVE HAD ME BUYING BATTERIES AND BULBS . *TR

BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I CHECKED THE BULBS WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE FINE. IT SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE IN THE WIRING. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT AND IT IS FAIRLY COMMON. UPON CONTACTING KIA THEY CLAIM IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

Mileage: 61,000

WHEN I BRAKE, THE BRAKING LIGHTS DON'T TURN ON. I HAVE CHECKED THE FUSES AND THE LIGHTS BULBS AND THEY ARE FINE. YET WHEN I BRAKE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T TURN ON.

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS 2 TIMES IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS. THE KEEP GOING OUT.

Mileage: 45,000

GOT IN MY CAR TONIGHT TO GO TO THE STORE AND MY HEADLIGHTS WOULDN'T COME ON. CHECL HIGH BEAM IT WORKED. I WAS IN MY DRIVE WAY AND JUST STARTED MY CAR TURNED ON LIGHTS AND NOTHING HAPPEN PARKING LIGHTS AND HIGHBEAM WPRKED.

IT STARTED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT REGULARLY AND THEN I NOTICED WATER STARTED ACCUMULATING IN THE HEADLIGHTS AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS AND I CANNOT KEEP MY LIGHTS WORKING I HAVE RECEIVED TICKETS FOR LIGHTNING ISSUES AND I HAVE SPENT A FORTUNE ON BULBS ALREADY AND IT STARTED WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS OF BUYING THIS CAR BRAND NEW

Mileage: 10,000

MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING BURNING OUT. I HAVE REPLACED THEM AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED ON AUGUST 13, 2019 BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE AT LEAST FIFTEEN TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON NOVEMBER 18, 2017. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHT FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,729.

Mileage: 46,729

HAS GONE THROUGH 5 SETS OF HEADLAMPS IN THE FIRST YEAR AND A HALF OF CARS LIFE. USUALLY A ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL OCCURS WHEN BULBS BURN OUT. HAVE ASKED DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE ONLY TO GET CONFUSED LOOKS OR INSURED EXCUSES. ONLY SEEMS TO EFFECT THE FRONT HEADLAMPS AND LED LIGHTS STILL ON ORIGINAL FACTORY REAR LAMPS. HAVE LEFT 6 MESSAGES WITH DEALERSHIP AFTER LAST INCIDENT WITH NO CALL BACK.

Mileage: 10,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA FORTE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE AND THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. SHAWNEE MISSION FORD (11501 SHAWNEE MISSION PKWY, SHAWNEE, KS 66203) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE LIGHTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

LEAKING OIL IN THE IN THE OIL PAN GASKET, ALSO A NOTORIOUS CORROSION IN THE ALUMINUM ENGINE BLOCK, THE KIA HAVE LESS THAN YEAR, WHEN I TAKE INTO THE OIL CHANGE, THE DEALER DID A INSPECTION IN THE CAR, BUT NEVER MENTIONED THE LEAKING OIL FROM THE OIL GASKET PAN. THE SECOND PROBLEMS THE BREAK LIGHTS BULBS CONSTANTLY KEEP BURNING IN THE BACK DRIVER SIDE A THE PASSENGERS SIDE. IN ONE YEAR I REPLACED 5 LIGHT BULBS.

Mileage: 7,298

KIA FORTE DRIVERSIDE FRONT HEAD LIGHT ON LOW BEAMS WILL NOT COME ON. DEALER STATES PART IS ON BACK ORDER WHEN HAVING OIL CHANGE DONE SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. IN THREE WEEKS WILL NEED CAR TO DRIVE POSSIBLE AT NIGHT TO CHILD COLLEGE GRADUATION THROUGH MOUNTAINS. DO NOT KNOW IF OTHER HEAD LAMP WILL MALFUNCTION AND STOP WORKING. THE DRIVERSIDE WAS GOING AND OUT NOW STAYS OFF. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER KOONS KIA OF WOODBRIDGE (14208 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, WOODBRIDGE, VA 22191) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LIGHTS AND REAR LIGHTS FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD COVER THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 26,000

MY CAR THE GAS SHOOTS OUT ,I HAVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THIS WITH A NEW CAR MY ENGINE LIGHT BEEN ON FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT THIS CAR GAVE ME PROBLEMS EVERY TIME I BRING IT BACK THEY SAID JUST DROP IT OFF SO WE CAN TRY FIXING IT IT TAKE UP TO THREE DAYS ARE MORE PLUS THEY DON'T GIVE OUT LOANER CAR AT ALL SO HOW I SUPPOSE TO GET TO WORK SO I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT LIKE THAT.I DON'T KNOW WHY I BROUGHT THIS CAR. IT WASTED MY MONEY AND TIME.