TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - 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 on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Forte engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Forte have filed 110 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 93,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
110
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Forte | 88 |
| 2014 Forte | 157 |
| 2015 Forte | 131 |
| 2017 Forte (this page) | 110 |
| 2018 Forte | 42 |
| 2019 Forte | 24 |
| 2020 Forte | 13 |
| 2021 Forte | 15 |
3crashes
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 110 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Forte, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Engine accounts for 37% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 110 engine 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - 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 on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2106Y/Z) - 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 related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (PI2106) titled “Nu 2.0L GDI - Knock Sensor Detection System ECU Logic Improvement”. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Kno
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2106) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2018 MY Kia Forte vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU").
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - 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 on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equipped with the Oil Life Management System (OLMS) feature not included in table on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Kia Forte shows a clear pattern of engine defects across 50 independent complaints. The most frequent and severe issue is excessive oil consumption—owners report the engine consuming 1 quart per 1,000–2,000 miles with no visible leaks, forcing weekly top-offs and costing hundreds monthly in oil and filters. Metal flakes appear in the oil at every change, signaling internal wear. This problem typically begins between 50k and 99k miles and worsens after warranty expiration.
Catastrophic engine failure is the second major failure mode. Connecting rods separate from the crankshaft and punch through the engine block without warning, often during highway driving at 55–70 mph. Some owners experienced stalling, check engine light, and smoke seconds before complete seizure; others heard only a loud bang and had zero warning. Oil pump contamination—bearing debris and metal shavings clogging the sump filter—is the root cause in documented teardowns, restricting oil pressure and starving bearings.
Ignition coil failures are chronic and repetitive. Owners report replacing coils 4–6 times over the vehicle's life, with symptoms including rough idle, shaking, RPM swings, and stalling. Dealerships refuse to replace all coils at once and require proof of individual failure before covering replacement.
Stalling without warning occurs across multiple mileage ranges and conditions. Vehicles shut down during traffic, busy intersections, and interstates—sometimes with no check engine light. Oil warning lights flicker but often fail to alert owners to low pressure before damage occurs. Timing chain and CVVT failures, crank sensor faults, and fuel system anomalies round out the defect list.
Kia's recalls 21V260000 and 20V750000 address oil pump debris and engine failure, but many owners report their VINs excluded despite identical symptoms. Dealerships frequently deny coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles or vehicles outside recall ranges, even when failures occur during or shortly after the warranty period.
Same Kia Forte engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine consumes far more oil than normal, requiring top-offs every 1,000–2,000 miles despite regular oil changes and no visible leaks. Dealership testing has recorded consumption rates of 0.5–1.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. Metal flakes visible in oil and filter at each change. Problem develops between 50k–99k miles and worsens after warranty expiration.
When: Begins 50k–99k miles; progresses through 144k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal flakes in oil and filter; Burning smell; burning metal odor; Oil level drops to near-empty despite frequent top-offs; Rough idle and violent shaking at startup; Loss of power on highway and hesitation during acceleration; Rough idling when cold or under load
Codes mentioned: No specific OBD2 codes consistently reported
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report spending hundreds monthly on oil and filters. Dealerships recommend engine replacement when consumption exceeds 1.5 qt/1k miles. Costs for replacement: $4,000–$8,000 depending on labor. Some dealerships deny warranty coverage if problem became severe after warranty expiration, despite onset during warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has issued oil pump and engine service campaigns (NHTSA 21V260000, 20V750000). However, many owners report their VINs are excluded from recall eligibility despite matching symptoms. Kia America has denied coverage on out-of-warranty vehicles. Some dealerships performed oil consumption tests; others refused. Software updates (engine control logic) mentioned but not universally applied.
Catastrophic Engine Failure—Rod Bearing / Connecting Rod
Connecting rod separates from crankshaft and ruptures engine block. Typically occurs suddenly during highway driving with little or no warning. Multiple cases of the rod punching through the block and damaging the starter or engine supports. Engine seizes; loss of all motive power.
When: 50k–127k miles; one case at 82k, others at 104k–127k
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clanking, knocking, or metallic banging from engine; Sudden complete loss of power on interstate / highway; Check engine light may illuminate seconds before failure; Engine smoke and burning smells; Rattling or grinding sounds prior to failure; Oil warning light may flash
Codes mentioned: P0420 (catalytic converter efficiency) in some cases, Check engine light illumination seconds before stall
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required, typically $4,000–$8,000+ for parts and labor. One owner quoted $14,338 for catalytic converter replacement plus engine swap. Connecting rod debris found in oil pump and sump. In one case, owner paid $2,877 for repairs in 2022 (CVVT, camshaft, timing chain, tensioner), then engine failed again 8 months later with $14k+ repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recalls 21V260000 (oil pump debris) and 20V260000 (engine/cooling) address oil pump failures and contamination. However, many owners report exclusion from these recalls based on VIN range or manufacturing date. Kia has refused repair at no cost to some owners, citing VIN not in recall scope or warranty expiration. NHTSA recalls confirm rod bearing failures tied to debris-clogged oil pumps.
Ignition Coil Failures
Ignition coils fail repeatedly, sometimes multiple times within vehicle lifetime. Owners report replacing all six coils over 5–6 years of ownership. Dealerships require proof of failure (check engine code) before replacement, delaying diagnosis. Some coil packs aftermarket, complicating warranty replacement.
When: First failure around 36k–100k miles; recurrent failures every few months to 1–2 years thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idling and engine shaking; RPM fluctuations (jumping to 3k rpm then dropping below 1k); Check engine light illumination; Engine hesitation and loss of acceleration; Stalling or near-stalling during idle or low-speed driving; Intermittent symptoms; may resolve then reappear days or weeks later
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes when coil fails, Check engine light triggered by coil failure
Repairs/costs cited: Coil pack replacement cost approximately $600 per visit at dealership. Owners report 4–6 replacements in vehicle lifetime. Some dealerships refuse to replace all coils at once without individual failure codes, forcing repeat visits. One owner stated aftermarket coil prevented full warranty reimbursement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Online forums and third-party recall sites list ignition coil recalls for 2017 Forte, but Kia and dealerships deny official recall status. One mechanic told owner coils were recalled and would be covered, but Kia later stated no recall exists (only a non-safety 'service action'). No formal recall notice or outreach confirmed in complaints; owner discovered issue only after repeated failures.
Stalling Without Warning
Engine stalls suddenly during low-speed driving, highway travel, or idle without illuminating check engine light or other warning. Vehicle may restart after several attempts or remain dead. Occurs in traffic, busy intersections, and on interstates, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms often linked to oil pump debris, timing issues, or ignition coil failure but not consistently diagnosed.
When: 35k–127k miles; can occur repeatedly over weeks or months
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown during acceleration or idle; Loss of power steering and braking assist during stall; Check engine light may illuminate after stall, or not at all; Stalling more frequent when engine is warm or after highway driving; Oil warning light may flash intermittently; Vehicle restarts but fails again shortly after; Stalling more likely uphill or during slow-speed turns
Codes mentioned: P0420 (catalytic converter) in some cases, Crankshaft sensor fault codes in some cases, No codes present in many cases, confounding diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair attempts including ignition coil replacement ($600), crank sensor replacement, oil pressure sensor replacement, and timing chain/belt work ($2,200 for timing adjustment alone). Many repairs unsuccessful; stalling recurs. One owner spent 6 months at repair shop with no resolution. Engine replacement often recommended after stalling persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recalls 21V260000 and 20V750000 relate to engine and oil pump failures. However, owners report many stalling cases excluded from recall based on VIN. Dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose root cause. Some dealers advised waiting for check engine light before further diagnosis. No proactive service campaigns or updates confirmed in complaints to prevent stalling.
Oil Pump Debris and Contamination
Foreign particles (bearing material, metal shavings, sump filter clogging) lodge in oil pump, restricting oil flow and pressure. Causes oil starvation, leading to engine damage, bearing wear, timing chain issues, and eventual seizure. Debris found in oil filter and sump during teardown. Problem often emerges during routine oil changes or after engine stalls.
When: Discovered at 50k–134k miles; onset unclear but linked to manufacturing defect
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light flickering or persistent; Low oil pressure indicated by dash light; Metal shavings and debris visible in oil at change; Rough idle, engine shaking, or rattling; Stalling; loss of power; Engine knocking or clattering; No visible oil leaks despite low oil consumption and low pressure
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure sensor faults, Check engine light from low oil pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report teardowns revealing metal debris in pump and sump. Sump filter found clogged with bearing material. Oil pump replacement cost not consistently stated, but engine replacement often required due to damage ($4,000–$8,000+). One owner replaced oil pressure sensor ($100–300 estimate) without resolving issue; debris was root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 21V260000 addresses oil pump defects and debris. Kia has issued recalls and extended warranty coverage for affected vehicles. However, scope limited to certain VIN ranges and production dates. Many owners excluded despite matching symptoms. Kia America case files (e.g., #25501358) opened and then denied coverage on out-of-warranty or out-of-recall-range vehicles.
Timing Chain / CVVT / Crankshaft Sensor Failures
Timing chain stretches, slips, or breaks; CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing) dowel pin shears; crankshaft sensor fails. Results in loss of proper valve timing, misfire, check engine light, or complete engine failure. In one case, exhaust CVVT dowel pin sheared inside camshaft, requiring full teardown and replacement of timing components and gaskets.
When: 50k–120k miles; recurrent issues at intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with timing-related codes; Hesitation and loss of acceleration; Rough idling; Loud rattling or clattering from engine; Vehicle stalls or runs erratically; Metal shavings in oil (timing chain wear debris)
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor faults, Timing-related misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $2,877 for timing chain, CVVT, camshaft, tensioner, and gasket replacement in October 2022. Same vehicle failed again 8 months later. Dealer quoted $2,200 to repair timing ('jumped time') without guarantee of success. Timing belt/chain wear is abnormal for mileage (50k–120k); suggests manufacturing or design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response to timing chain issues documented in complaints. Related to broader engine and oil pump campaigns but not explicitly addressed. Some dealerships recommend timing work at owner expense without acknowledging defect.
Oil Pressure Sensor Failures
Oil pressure sender unit fails, triggering false or persistent oil warning lights. Initially misdiagnosed as actual low oil pressure or oil pump failure. Simple sensor replacement resolves warning light, but underlying engine issues (excessive oil consumption, debris) often remain.
When: 40k–100k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light illumination or flashing; Light knocking or ticking sound coinciding with light; Light disappears after sensor replacement but may recur after 4,000+ miles
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure sensor fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement cost typically $100–300 parts and labor. One owner had sensor pushed back in place temporarily by mechanic; recurred later. Part replaced out of warranty at owner cost. Sensor replacement does not address underlying excessive oil consumption or debris.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not addressed in complaints. Sensor failures treated as isolated component wear rather than systemic issue.
Fuel Pump / Fuel System Issues
Gas pump nozzle clicks off prematurely when tank not full, preventing full refueling. Issue starts around 36k miles and recurs intermittently. Gas may spit back out. Dealership unable to diagnose root cause; check engine code appears, then disappears after reset.
When: 36k–100k miles; intermittent recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel nozzle clicks off repeatedly during refueling; Check engine light may illuminate; Gas splashes back out during filling; Problem resolved temporarily by code reset, then recurs
Codes mentioned: Check engine light code stored, then cleared
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states dealership was consistently booked; unable to diagnose. No repair noted as successful. Owner suspects fuel sender or pump issue but not confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented in complaints.
Cold Start / Idle Quality Issues
Engine struggles to start when cold, runs rough and shakes violently at startup, then stabilizes. Rough idle at traffic lights or when stationary. Engine may rev to 3k rpm then drop below 1k, cycling erratically. Often accompanies excessive oil consumption.
When: 50k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough, violent shaking at cold startup; Engine barely stays running after start; RPM fluctuation (jumping to 3k then dropping to <1k); Rough idle at stops and traffic lights; Rough idle more pronounced when engine is warm; Engine shaking during idle in park or neutral
Codes mentioned: No specific codes; may have ignition coil or misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners often address via ignition coil or spark plug replacement without long-term success. Root cause (oil consumption, compression loss, fuel injector issue) not consistently diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not specifically addressed.
Synthesized from 110 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
While sitting idle for over 45 minutes the car started to vibrate. When I began to drive it shook and did not pick up as it should when driving. When stopped at a traffic light it vibrates worse. I called the dealership to schefule an appointment for january 4,2019 but received a call today (december 31, 3018)to reschedule for january 18,2019. I've researched the internet and found that there…
My car is constantly stalling and I have nearly gotten into several accidents because it would stall at red lights, or while driving, turning it stalls. In order to keep it from stalling have to keep putting it into neutral. I can't get a proper scan on it because the engine light isn't on. This has been happening for about 2 months and it is getting worse. I have under 50,000 miles on it.
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormally loud noise. The driver pulled off the roadway and safely stopped. The contact stated that her daughter had not noticed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter saw a puddle of oil underneath the…
Not providing enough oil pressure for my timing to function correctly.
I was driving my Kia forte 2016 in a regular street when it started jerking before it stalled. Luckily I pulled up quickly enough to avoid being stuck in the middle of the road. I waited few minutes then I started it again and I drove off. I did not have this issue with this vehicle, but I started looking into it online when I realized other Kia models were recalled for the same issue.
Cylinder 2 is misfiring and causing the engine to get out of rhythm. The car begins shaking and the engine struggles to keep running. The car feels like it will stop running at any given point of when it happens. The check engine light only appears when at a complete stop or when my foot is on the gas. When I take my foot off the gas and the car cruises, the check engine light goes away, making…
2017 Kia forte I buy this car brand new back in december 22, 2017 and last month the car start to shake while I'm driving then it start to jerk as if its getting ready to turn off. 3 days a go the check engine light came on I only drive this car to work church no long distance trips or anything I have been getting my oil change and everything that to help with up keep of my car so was thinking…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 Kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 110 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 38 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 75,000 and 113,922 miles, with the median around 93,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 75,000; a quarter make it past 113,922. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.