Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

2017 Kia Forte Electrical system Problems

Complaints
47about this part
Share
15%of 305 total for the year
Median mileage
32,850miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Kia Forte, 15% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,850 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving down the road the headlights flicker and go out completely. I have to flip the turn signal switch or tap the column to get them to turn back on . It happens several times on my 32 mile trip home from work at night . It happens in motion or stationary. Mainly when I use a turn signal or hit a bump in the road .”

NHTSA complaint #11339856, filed 2020-07, 12,000 miles

“While driving my check engine light came on and the car began increased vibration. The light would go off when coasting and turn back on when accelerating. By the time I got home the vibrations continued even when in park as well as not acceleraing. Engine code p0303 was read from the engine light. I have now replaced the second coil pack on a cylinder in the past 5 months.”

NHTSA complaint #11288880, filed 2019-12, 64,750 miles

“My car was parked outside like it always is. Went for a walk and when I came back, my car had been on fire. After fire department did their investigation, it was deemed electrical. The light in my visor or the wiring to it had gone wrong. My whole front of the seats is totaled.”

NHTSA complaint #11328786, filed 2020-06, 35,000 miles

“My battery has failed to start my car twice in a month. I took it to the dealer; they ran it through the computer; the battery came back 'functional'. This did not happen at all last year! Their remedy was to drive more or install a 'trickle charger' on the battery. (this car is a lease; I have had it for 1.5 years--putting 3,600 miles on it.) I had my previous car for twenty years without ever having this kind of issue. I have been driving very low miles for years without a battery issue. Thoughts?”

NHTSA complaint #11181994, filed 2019-02, 3,612 miles

“The car is only 2 years old and it would start intermittenly. Sometimes it would start with no problem but sometimes it would not start at all. I turn the ignition key and I could barely hear clicking sound and nothing. I am really concerned about this issue because I don't know when and where I will be stranded if this happens. I have little over 80000 miles on this car and dealer said this is not cover under 100000 mile warranty. I think many other Kia owners have similar problems and this has to be a recall issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11298907, filed 2020-01, 82,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024623%
20231117%
2022311%
2021812%
20201114%
20192315%
20181612%
20174715%
20162216%
20152911%
20145713%
20132513%
20123211%
20111610%
2010199%

Other parts of the 2017 Kia Forte

Engine
145 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsExterior lighting
44 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVisibility (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 28, 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