TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Kia Forte lighting problems
moderate 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connector concern. To correct this concern, replace the connector with a new and improved part.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: WATER LEAK/CONDENSATION IN REAR COMBINATION TAIL LAMP(S) - ON SOME 2014~2015MY FORTE (YD) VEHICLES, CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT WATER DROPLETS FORMING INSIDE THE REAR TAIL LAMP LENSES FOLLOWING A RAINSTORM OR AFTER WASHING THEIR VEHICLE. THESE WATER DROPLETS ARE MORE VISIBLE AT NIGHT AND THE QUANTITY OF WATER PRESENT IS MORE THAN JUST A THIN FILM OF CONDENSATION WHICH MAY NOT EASILY EVAPORATE. THIS CONCERN IS CAUSED BY A GAP BETWEEN THE TAIL LAMP HOUSING GASKET AND VEHICLE BODY WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO INFILTRATE INTO THE TAIL LAMP. TO RESOLVE THIS CONCERN, ORDER NEW FOAM GASKETS AND INSTALL THEM BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT TAIL LAMPS AS REQUIRED AND THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ON SOME 2014-2015 MY FORTE VEHICLES, CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT WATER DROPLETS FORMING INSIDE THE REAR TAIL LAMP LENSES FOLLOWING A RAINSTORM OR AFTER WASHING THEIR VEHICLE. THESE WATER DROPLETS ARE MORE VISIBLE AT NIGHT AND THE QUANTITY OF WATER PRESENT IS MORE THAN JUST A THIN FILM OF CONDENSATION WHICH MAY NOT EASILY EVAPORATE. THIS CONCERN IS CAUSED BY A GAP BETWEEN THE TAIL LAMP HOUSING GASKET AND VEHICLE BODY WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO INFILTRATE INTO THE TAIL LAMP. TO RESOLVE THIS CONCERN, ORDER NEW FOAM GASKETS AND INSTALL THEM BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT TAIL LAMPS AS REQUIRED AND THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, AS OUTLINED IN THE TSB.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Engine issues constantly
All of the headlamps / all tail/park/marker / all I/p illumination lamps goes out when turning on the turn signals while driving & signaling for an upcoming turn. This happens intermittently & is getting worse by the day. The lamps usually return to normal within a second or two.
Had lighting trouble with your 2015 Kia Forte?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2015 Kia Forte?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 71,783 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Kia/Forte.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.