CarBrief

Owners filed 305 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Forte, and about half name the engine[1][2]. The car has 3 recalls on file, and each one lists a free dealer fix[3][4][5].

305owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
25–32MPG combined (EPA)[7]
5★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 305 owner complaints for the 2017 Forte[1]. Of these, 23 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 21 injuries and 4 deaths[1]. These are owner reports that nobody has verified, and one complaint can name more than one part. Counts are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Here are the largest groups:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 158 82,000
Unknown or other[9] 49 26,594
Electrical system[10] 47 32,850
Exterior lighting[11] 44 40,288
Fuel/propulsion system[12] 29 19,850
Air bags[13] 18 29,000
Speed control[14] 17 33,000
Power train[15] 12 not given

Engine. This is the biggest group by far[2]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe the car hesitating, accelerating weakly or losing power, and 5 describe shaking or vibration[2]. One of the 12 describes an engine fire while driving[2]. The group lists 4 crashes and 4 fires in total[2]. Several owners in the sample say a dealer could not repeat the problem or found nothing wrong[2].

Fuel and propulsion. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe power loss, sputtering or vibration with a check engine light[12]. Two describe fuel splashing back so the tank would not fill, and 2 mention a gas smell or a leaking fuel line[12]. This group has 5 injuries listed[12].

Exterior lighting. In a sample of 12 complaints, 7 describe headlights burning out or failing, and 7 describe brake or tail lights failing[11]. Several owners say they replaced bulbs again and again[11]. None of the 44 lighting complaints lists an injury[11].

Electrical. The sample of 12 electrical complaints is a mix of light, battery, key start and dashboard faults, so we do not see a single pattern[10].

Air bags. There are only 18 air bag complaints, but 13 mention a crash, 14 mention injuries and 2 mention deaths[13]. Read this alongside the air bag recall below.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[6], newest first. keep as is, or add[3][4][5]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the body style, engine and transmission. All use regular gas and front-wheel drive. Combined ratings run from 25 to 32 MPG[7][16].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Forte, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[17] 25 / 33 / 28 $2,400
Forte, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[7] 29 / 38 / 32 $2,100
Forte, 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[18] 25 / 34 / 28 $2,400
Forte Koup, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[19] 25 / 33 / 28 $2,400
Forte Koup, 1.6L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[20] 25 / 32 / 27 $2,500
Forte Koup, 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[21] 23 / 30 / 26 $2,600
Forte 5, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[22] 25 / 34 / 28 $2,400
Forte 5, 1.6L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[23] 25 / 30 / 27 $2,500
Forte 5, 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[16] 23 / 29 / 25 $2,700

The best rating is 32 combined, listed for one 2.0L automatic Forte[7]. The lowest is 25 combined, for the 1.6L turbo manual Forte 5[16].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door Forte an overall rating of 5 stars[8]. The detail is 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 10.3%[8]. The 2-door is not rated[24].

Engine and size

The EPA lists the 1.6L four-cylinder at 201 hp[25]. The 2.0L four-cylinder is rated 147 to 164 hp, depending on version[26].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4-door sedan[27] 180 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,906 lb
LX 4-door sedan[28] 180 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,804 lb
Koupe EX 2-door[29] 178 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,870 lb
Koupe SX/SX Luxury 2-door[30] 178 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,983 lb
Forte5 LX/EX hatchback[31] 171 in 70 in 57 in 106 in 2,912 lb
Forte5 SX/SX Luxury hatchback[32] 171 in 70 in 57 in 106 in 3,025 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2010: 232 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 162 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 306 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 211 complaints, 5 recalls20132014: 445 complaints, 3 recalls20142015: 260 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 138 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 305 complaints, 3 recalls30520172018: 136 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 149 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 78 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 69 complaints, 2 recalls20212022: 28 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 65 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 26 complaints, 0 recalls2024
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Forte model year. The 2017 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20102323
20111623
20123064
20132115
20144453
20152601
20161381
20173053
20181363
20191492
2020780
2021692
2022281
2023653
2024260

NHTSA lists 15 model years of the Forte[6]. The 2017 model has 305 complaints, which is the third highest, behind 2014 with 445 and 2012 with 306[6]. The neighbors are much lower, with 138 for 2016 and 136 for 2018[6].

The 2017 model has 3 recalls[6]. That is fewer than 2013 with 5 and 2012 with 4, and the same as 2010, 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2023[6]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2017 Forte?

The 2017 Forte earns a 5-star overall rating for the 4-door[8], and EPA combined mileage runs from 25 to 32 MPG[7][16]. On the other side, the 305 complaints put it near the top of the Forte years[1][6], and the engine group makes up 158 of them[2]. Before you buy, ask a dealer whether all three recalls were done on that exact car[3][4][5]. Test drive it long enough to notice hesitation, shaking or lighting faults, which are the things owners in our sample describe[2][11]. Complaints are unverified, so a clean service record and a pre-purchase inspection matter more than any one number.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Forte?
Engine complaints lead with 158 of 305 total[1][2]. In a sample of engine complaints, owners describe hesitation, weak acceleration and shaking[2]. Exterior lighting has 44 complaints, mostly about headlights and brake lights in the sample we read[11].
Does the 2017 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes, 3[6]. They cover the air bag control unit (22V031), the trunk latch (21V622) and the oil pump on 2.0L Nu MPI engines (21V260)[3][4][5]. Each lists a free dealer remedy.
What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Kia Forte?
EPA combined ratings run from 25 to 32 MPG depending on version[7][16]. One 2.0L automatic Forte is rated 29 city and 38 highway[7].
Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gives the 4-door an overall rating of 5 stars[8]. The 2-door is not rated[24]. See the recalls above for the air bag control unit[3].
Is 2017 a good year for the Kia Forte?
It has 305 complaints, the third highest of the 15 years listed, behind 2014 and 2012[6]. 2016 and 2018 have far fewer[6].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 305 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Kia Forte (23 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 21 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 158 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 22V031, filed January 25, 2022: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V622, filed August 9, 2021: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 21V260, filed April 13, 2021: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil / Lubrication › Pump. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Forte model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 49 complaints name the unknown or other component group (6 crashes, 4 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,594). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 47 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,850). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 44 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,288). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 29 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,850). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 18 complaints name the air bags component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 17 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 12 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Forte 5, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Forte with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Forte with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 147 to 164 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,906 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE LX 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,804 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE KOUPE EX 2DR COUPE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,870 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE KOUPE SX/SX LUXURY 2DR COUPE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,983 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE5 LX/EX 5DR HATCHBACK: length 171 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,912 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE5 SX/SX LUXURY 5DR HATCHBACK: length 171 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,025 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.