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Exterior lightingPart report

2016 Kia Forte Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
7%of 136 total for the year
Median mileage
99,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2016 Kia Forte, 7% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles.

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.

“The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I have to quickly touch the Multi-Function Stalk or switch it from AUTO to HEADLIGHTS to keep the lights on. …”

NHTSA complaint #11768780, filed 2026-10

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11555515, filed 2023-11

“Takata recall . My headlight wiring on the driver side keeps melting and blowing the bulbs which are not cheap. Had it fixed several times but it is still happening. This is a fire hazard to me and it should be recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #11187456, filed 2019-03

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11684559, filed 2025-09

“The headlights flicker off when the turn signal is applied and also sometimes on bumps in the road. This could be very dangerous because there are no headlights when they’re supposed to be on. The dealer told me that they’ve seen that issue before, but told me there’s no recalls on my model and year, so I have to pay to replace a multi function part. I wrote to Kia as well and they told me since my car is out of warranty, it’s up to me to fix that and pay. I don’t even have 50,000 miles on my car! And this problem is not due to me but due to a malfunction of the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #11483549, filed 2022-09

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202428%
202335%
202214%
202111%
202011%
20191510%
201864%
20174414%
2016107%
2015135%
2014225%
2013147%
2012238%
201185%
2010157%

Other parts of the 2016 Kia Forte

Engine
66 complaints
Electrical system
22 complaints
Other or unknown
16 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
16 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Wheels
6 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 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