The trunk seal is not functioning properly. Water gets into lighting and causes mold in truck.
2017 Kia Forte electrical problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3crashes
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 42 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Forte, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 13 model years of Kia Forte in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Kia Forte has widespread electrical issues including dashboard failures, wiring harness melting, repeated headlight/brake light burnouts, and serious safety concerns like engine stalling without warning and fuse box fires. Dealerships consistently cannot diagnose intermittent problems, warranty coverage is unpredictable, and owners report chronic problems recurring after dealer repairs.
Owners of 2017 Kia Fortes describe a broad range of electrical and related failures that start early in ownership. Dashboard instruments go dark with all warning lights lit—usually triggered by hot-weather startups—and stay down until the car sits overnight or gets power-cycled. Wire harnesses fail catastrophically, overheating and melting, taking out headlights and brake lights simultaneously; one owner reported both sides failed within one year despite meticulous car care. Headlights and brake lights fail repeatedly, sometimes requiring five sets of headlamps in the first 18 months. Door locks randomly lock and unlock, engines stall at highway speeds with total power loss, and check engine lights come on and clear without storing codes, making diagnosis nearly impossible.
Two owners reported vehicle fires—one from fuse box thermal runaway, another from visor wiring. Engines burn oil at abnormal rates without the low-oil warning light activating, leading to timing belt damage and valve failure. Smart key buttons fail in hot conditions, and one vehicle wouldn't shut off despite removing the key and stepping on the brake. Oil pressure and battery warning lights illuminate falsely or just before failure. Dealerships consistently cannot replicate intermittent problems even when owners provide video evidence, and corporate representatives have rejected warranty claims. Multiple owners note that warranty denials occur on failures clearly tied to manufacturing defects.
Same Kia Forte electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument cluster and warning light failure
Dashboard instruments become completely non-operational with all warning lights illuminated, occurring intermittently and often after hot-weather startups. Power-cycling or waiting hours/days resolves the issue temporarily.
When: Primarily during hot weather startups; owners report August through June timeframe in hot climates
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminated simultaneously; Instrument panel non-operational; Dashboard displays FUSE message; Clock stuck at 1:00; Issue clears after car sits overnight or is restarted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to replicate; customers placed in extended hold with no diagnosis after multiple visits
Wiring harness failure and melting
Wire harnesses overheat and melt, causing multiple electrical component failures including headlights and brake lights. One owner reported technician stated engine overheating melted wires. Failures occur on both sides of vehicle within short timeframes despite proper maintenance.
When: Within 1-2 years of ownership; one owner reported failures on both driver and passenger sides within one year
Symptoms owners cite: Both headlights and brake lights non-functional simultaneously; Wires blackened/melted; Intermittent headlight flickering on and off
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required; costs not specified but owner reports warranty denial in both instances
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied on both failures despite vehicle age and maintenance record
Repeated headlight and brake light failures
Chronic failures of headlights and brake lights, sometimes multiple replacements within short timeframes. Owners report lights going out and needing repeated bulb replacements or component work.
When: Across first 1.5 years of ownership in some cases; mileage variable
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side headlight flickering on and off; Brake lights failing completely; Passenger-side headlight failure; Multiple light failures within weeks of previous replacement; Electrical burning smell noted when bulbs fail
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple bulb replacements; multifunction switch replacement recommended by dealer in some cases (on national backorder); one owner reports 5 sets of headlamps in first 1.5 years
Fuse box fire and thermal runaway
Fuse box overheated, emitted smoke, and caught fire while vehicle was in operation. Fire engulfed left side of interior and destroyed vehicle completely. Second complaint of car fire traced to electrical wiring in visor.
When: Occurs during normal driving; timing and mileage not consistently specified
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from fuse box area; Fuse box explosion; Fire engulfing interior; All vehicle wiring destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss; $18,000+ damage in one case
Engine stalling and complete power loss while driving
Vehicle loses all power or engine stalls at various speeds (45-60 mph) during normal driving. Stalls occur in city traffic, on highways, and during turning. Problem is intermittent and difficult to replicate.
When: Occurs during operation at various mileages; one owner reported at 45 mph, another at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely with total power loss; Car stalls while turning in traffic; Loss of all functionality until vehicle is turned off and restarted; Idling extremely low or stalling
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to duplicate despite video evidence from owners; corporate stated vehicle was functional and owner did not have legitimate concern; corporate unwilling to exchange vehicle
Engine misfire and rough idle
Engine experiences misfire-like symptoms including rough idling and loss of power during acceleration that occur intermittently. Check engine light may appear and clear without storing codes, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Starting around 50k miles in some cases; symptoms progress over time
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idling; Transitory power reduction during acceleration and cruising; Check engine light appears temporarily then clears; Vehicle unable to accelerate to highway speeds
Codes mentioned: P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire reported in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and coil packs replaced; one owner replaced coils 2+ times within short interval
Ignition coil failure
Ignition coils fail, causing engine sputtering, loss of power, and acceleration issues. Failures recur after replacement. Knock sensor failures also reported.
When: Starting at 25k miles in one case; occurring repeatedly in first 2 days after purchase in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering while driving; Loss of motive power; Vehicle will not accelerate when pedal pressed; Engine often stops running
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil and spark plug replacement; failures recur after repair in at least one case
Battery starting failures and electrical drain
Vehicle fails to start intermittently or takes extended time to crank (up to 30 minutes). Battery drains or shows weak condition. Starts intermittently in hot conditions.
When: Occurring intermittently over past year; in one case after 1.5 years of ownership with 3,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent starting failures; Extended crank time (up to 30 minutes); Barely audible clicking sound when attempting start; Key fob malfunction requiring manual unlock; Battery warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Battery tested functional on computer but still fails to start; smart key antenna replacement performed in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested driving more or installing trickle charger; one owner's concern deemed not legitimate
Vehicle unable to shut off
Engine continues running after placing car in park, removing key, and stepping on brake pedal. Emergency shutdown requires removal of fuse box components. Key fob non-functional.
When: Specific timing not provided
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after key removal; Dashboard remains powered on; Key fob does not arm/disarm; Manual lock/unlock required
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box component removal required to shut off engine and electrical system
Low oil light failure and engine oil burn
Oil warning light fails to illuminate when oil level is low, leading to engine damage from oil starvation. Engine burns excessive amounts of oil (approximately 1 quart per 3,000 miles in one case). One case resulted in timing belt damage and valve damage.
When: Occurring consistently across ownership; oil burn reported from 70k to 100k miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil light never illuminates; Engine burns oil at abnormal rate; Timing belt and valve damage from oil starvation; Engine knock after oil depletion; Oil consumed in 7 months
Codes mentioned: P0011 reported in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in at least one case; timing belt and valve replacement in another
Door lock malfunction and electrical chatter
Door locks lock and unlock randomly without input. Accompanied by clicking noises and other electrical anomalies.
When: Occurs during hot weather episodes; reported in June in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks cycling on and off randomly; Clicking noises from electrical system; Occurs during heat-related dashboard failures
Headlight aim and aiming adjustment failure
Headlights are aimed downward or at incorrect angles, significantly reducing visibility at night. Owners unable to correct aiming despite attempts.
When: Across ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Road not visible at night; Headlights pointed down and at different angles; Owner forced to use high beam; Unsafe for oncoming traffic
Airbag non-deployment
Airbags failed to deploy during a severe frontal collision despite airbag system being present. Vehicle hit trees at significant speed after sliding on ice.
When: During reported accident
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during frontal impact; No warning lights preceding failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; seatbelt only safety device that functioned
Smart key system failure
Push-button start and key fob systems malfunction. Button start fails in hot conditions; key fob fails to lock/unlock; smart key antenna shows internal short.
When: Occurring intermittently; one owner reported issue last year then recurrence 2-3 months later
Symptoms owners cite: Button start fails in hot sun; Key fob does not work; Manual key insertion required; Key battery warning appears immediately after replacement; Antenna internal short detected
Repairs/costs cited: Smart key antenna replacement performed
Brake light wiring failure
Rear brake light wiring fails due to water intrusion into electrical lines, causing burnout. Failed vehicle safety inspection.
When: Occurs over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake lights non-functional; Electrical wiring burned out; Water intrusion into wiring
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner expects coverage under 10-year warranty; unverified
Engine overheating warning false alarm and thermal issues
Engine overheating warning displays on dashboard despite vehicle being fine. Excessive heat buildup in cabin with metal ECU at steering column reaching 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
When: Reported in March after cold-weather parking; persistent heat issue reported
Symptoms owners cite: 'Engine overheated' warning displays after short parking; Cabin excessively hot; Metal ECU extremely hot (180°F reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership indicated electrical glitch; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated car was fine after electrical glitch diagnosis
Autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning system failure
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW) systems do not activate during obvious collision situations. Systems cannot be verified as operational by dealership.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: AEB does not activate during collision scenarios; FCW does not activate when appropriate; Home test attempts show no system response
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Local dealership and repair center unable to validate system integrity; stated they cannot accomplish definitive tests
Electrical fire in USB adapter and charging systems
USB adapter cord for phone charging began smoking and melting while plugged into vehicle power outlet. Fire risk hazard.
When: Occurred during driving at approximately 141,224 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from adapter cord; Charger cord melting; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Adapter unplugged by driver; vehicle not inspected
Rodent damage to wiring harness due to bio-based coating
Environmentally-friendly coating on wire harnesses emits vanilla scent when warm that attracts rodents, which then eat through the harnesses. Replacement harnesses with original materials do not attract rodents.
When: Ongoing issue throughout ownership; hundreds of dollars spent on repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Wire harness eaten by rodents; Vanilla scent from wire coating when warm; Electrical failures from damaged harnesses
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement required multiple times; original material replacements do not experience repeat failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia refuses to address issue; owner requests reversion to original jacket material
Trunk latch and seal failures
Automatic trunk latch no longer functions, leaving trunk open. Trunk seal does not function properly, allowing water intrusion into trunk that causes mold in lighting.
When: Occurring during ownership; one case while parked at apartment complex
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk remains open; Button on keypad works but latch does not lock; Water intrusion into trunk; Mold in trunk lighting
Check engine light on continuously
Check engine light remains on from time of purchase. Dealership unable to resolve despite multiple visits and extended hold periods.
When: Reported from time of new car purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light continuously illuminated; No loaner car provided during diagnosis; Gas shoots out from engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership requests extended hold times (3+ days) without providing loaner vehicle or resolution
Multifunction switch and electrical control failures
Steering wheel control buttons malfunction with reversed or incorrect functions. Volume up turns volume down and mute button turns volume up.
When: Occurring during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Volume up button turns volume down; Mute button turns volume up
Crankshaft pulley and drive belt issues
Crankshaft pulley and drive belt experience ongoing problems.
When: Timeframe not specified
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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.
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 10,000 and 40,577 miles, with the median around 32,850. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 40,577. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2017/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.