The trunk of my 2017 Kia Forte wouldn’t open in the morning. I checked for a solution online and saw there was an active recall (SC216) on the latching mechanism of the trunk which was causing it to get stuck. Took it to the dealership to get it fixed. They fixed it but then told me I needed to pay for it. When I told them it was a recall issue they took the new part off and told me to leave. Now …
2017 kia Forte body problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$1,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2017 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE TRUNK AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KARP BUICK (400 SUNRISE HWY, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED …
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2017 kia Forte?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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