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BrakesPart report

2017 Kia Forte Brakes Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
3%of 305 total for the year
Median mileage
70,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Kia Forte, 3% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.

“Rear break lights don't work when lights are off, but the third brake light does. When lights are on the rear break lights are on, but don't get brighter when the brake is used. Only the third brake light works lights on or off.”

NHTSA complaint #11240995, filed 2019-08, 24,000 miles

“On November 23, 2024, the brakes gave out on my 2017 Kia Forte5 EX. I found several recalls for my car regarding the brakes, trunk, engine and airbags. However, my son was in an accident and I was unaware of any recalls, as the car was purchased used. Would I still be able to get my car repaired under these recalls, or do I need to contact Kia?”

NHTSA complaint #11627025, filed 2024-11

“I have 2 complaints with my Kia Forte. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes it can be inspected. 1st complaint-The component or system that malfunctioned was the brakes, possibly caused from the entire braking system, the electronic parking brake software and any damaged intermediate shafts. The problem is like the Telluride SUV KIA. 2nd complaint is an intermittent burning smell mostly in the rear area after I get out of the car to park in the garage for the night. It does not occur all the time. …”

NHTSA complaint #11580445, filed 2024-04

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11310359, filed 2020-02

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11486885, filed 2022-09, 130,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202428%
202358%
202227%
202123%
202023%
201943%
201843%
201783%
2016107%
2015166%
2014286%
20133719%
20125218%
20112919%
2010199%

Other parts of the 2017 Kia Forte

Engine
145 complaints
Other or unknown
49 complaints
Electrical system
47 complaints
Exterior lighting
44 complaints
Fuel system
30 complaints
Air bags
18 complaints
Vehicle speed control
17 complaints
Engine cooling
14 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
12 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 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