2017 Kia Forte: common problems and reliability

The 2017 Kia Forte has 300 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag engine failure (oil consumption, piston ring issues, catastrophic failure) — particularly noted in pre-2019 gdi engines and some theta ii engines; some reports of replacement under warranty. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2017 model year

300
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
23
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Kia Forte vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
144
electrical system
46
exterior lighting
43
fuel/propulsion system
29
air bags
18

Recalls affecting the 2017 Forte

air bags

Campaign 22V031000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board an…

latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch

Campaign 21V622000

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. As such…

engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

Campaign 21V260000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Forte is widely regarded as a solid value proposition, offering good features, technology, and interior space for the money, particularly when purchased new or lightly used with the rem

  • Engine failure (oil consumption, piston ring issues, catastrophic failure) — particularly noted in pre-2019 GDI engines and some Theta II engines; some reports of replacement under warranty. Frequency: recurrent.
  • CVT/IVT transmission reliability concerns — noted for premature failure, especially in belt-driven units from 2019 to mid-2021; design updated to chain-driven in 2021+ models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Long-term build quality and durability — older models (e.g., 2010-2014) reported with issues like rusted brake lines, exhaust perforation, and interior rattles developing sooner than competitors like Toyota. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Rapid depreciation — significant loss in resale value, especially with higher mileage; noted as being "worth almost nothing" with 115,000 miles compared to competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior water leaks — isolated reports of bad seals leading to water seepage into the cabin, causing odors. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Forte.

Typical used price

Used Forte listings typically run $12,994–$19,170 across 2013 to 2024 model years.

Other Forte model years

2021 Forte2019 Forte2013 Forte2010 Forte
Full Kia Forte owner reportCompare against another car