2011 Kia Forte Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Kia Forte, 5% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I keep having to replace fog lamps, brake lights and headlamps. The brake lights have to be replaced frequently. The component you plug the bulb into keeps getting hot and melting sometimes causing the bulb to break. I have replaced the brake lights 8 times within the last 6 months and the fog lamps 4 times in the last 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11075198, filed 2018-02, 130,000 miles“Traveling 45 to 55 MPH ran into four large deers and ran off road. Damage front of car. Air bag light came on but did not flate. I substain severe shoulder injury.”
NHTSA complaint #11079973, filed 2018-03, 110,000 miles“I keep replacing light bulbs and the part where u introduce the light bulbs is melting. I was told to check for recall on these. Thanks. I bought this car used from a dealer 1 yr ago and had replaced like 4 bulbs within a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11064298, filed 2018-01“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11703885, filed 2025-12“Rear passenger light consistently going out regardless of light replacement. Replaced light bulb numerous times and had harness replaced, problem still remained.now all rear lighting have stopped working while car is on.”
NHTSA complaint #11256490, filed 2019-09Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10170778Jan 21, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 8% |
| 2023 | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 15 | 10% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 44 | 14% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 8% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 15 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2011 Kia Forte
45 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Forte
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology