VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on certain 2019-2020 MY Forte vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Kia Forte electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Kia Forte have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Forte | 24 |
| 2017 Forte | 43 |
| 2018 Forte | 14 |
| 2019 Forte (this page) | 20 |
| 2020 Forte | 8 |
| 2021 Forte | 4 |
| 2023 Forte | 7 |
3crashes
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 20 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - 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 the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2014-2018MY Forte (YD), 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm), and 2019-2021MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced within the dates outlined in page 13, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - 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 the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2014-2018MY Forte (YD), 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm), and 2019-2021MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced within the dates outlined in page 13, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to discourage a break-in.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - 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 to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 7. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) may experience five (5) inadvertent honks afte
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Kia Fortes report a cluster of serious electrical failures that create immediate safety hazards. Power loss and engine stalling occur most often during takeoff and acceleration, with several owners describing situations on busy highways where the car shut off or lost power unexpectedly. One owner reports an emergency braking event that applied brakes with no warning. Multiple owners took vehicles to Kia dealerships multiple times, but technicians couldn't duplicate the problems to diagnose them.
Lighting system failures are widespread and involve melting wiring harnesses and bulbs. Brake lights, daytime running lights, and headlights fail intermittently or burn out repeatedly, with owners replacing bulbs so often they've "lost count." Dealers replaced brake light harnesses, but the same failures recurred within months. One owner observed smoke from a headlight and melted wiring harness at 105,000 miles.
False collision alerts are another pattern: forward collision warnings trigger without any obstacle, automatically applying brakes while driving. Dashboard displays glitch, infotainment systems disconnect from phones, and windows roll down on their own. One owner's 2019 Forte was involved in an accident where airbags failed to deploy, yet the vehicle wasn't included in Kia's recall for that issue. Wiring harnesses are so poorly protected that hitting a parking bumper caused steering, ABS, and collision avoidance failures. Dealers quote thousands to repair wiring defects but refuse warranty coverage, citing mileage or accident damage despite these being known defects.
Same Kia Forte electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Complete loss of power / engine stalling while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical function or shuts off unexpectedly during acceleration, at traffic lights, while merging into traffic, or at highway speeds. Multiple owners report loss of power pulling out of parking lots and into traffic. One owner reports emergency braking applied for no reason. Another reports the car shut off at night while driving. Instrument cluster, radio, and engine stall simultaneously in some cases.
When: Mostly during acceleration and takeoff; one instance at night while driving; one at 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all electrical function; Engine stalling while driving; Loss of power during takeoff or acceleration; Instrument cluster goes blank; Radio goes blank; Emergency braking applied without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits with no diagnosis; one owner had computer recall completed but problem persisted; Kia unable to duplicate issue for diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer recall (NHTSA Campaign Number unspecified) was performed on at least one vehicle; no fix documented. No other recalls or TSBs mentioned for this failure mode.
Headlight and exterior lighting wiring harness burn-through
Wiring harness shows burn damage and melting, with smoke visible from headlamp area. Failure occurs at relatively low mileage. One owner reports headlamp warning light illuminated after observing burn damage. Relates to NHTSA Campaign Number 18V771000 (Exterior Lighting) but owner's 2019 model was not included in that recall despite symptoms.
When: One instance at 105,000 miles; one at 50,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from front driver-side headlamp; Visible burn damage on wiring harness; Headlamp warning light illuminated; Melted headlight bulbs
Repairs/costs cited: One owner disconnected headlamp wiring harness as temporary fix; vehicle not repaired. Another owner scheduled diagnostic but repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 18V771000 (Exterior Lighting); however, 2019 model VINs not included in recall despite matching symptoms.
Brake light failure and bulb melting
Brake lights fail to illuminate when brake pedal is depressed, or lights fail intermittently and come back on randomly. Bulbs melt inside housing. One owner's check brake light warning message appears on dash repeatedly, but physical inspection shows lights operating normally until they suddenly fail and bulbs are found melted. Another owner reports rear passenger brake light harness melted and was replaced by dealer, but same issue recurred within 3 months.
When: Approximately 50,100 miles for one; recurring over almost 2 years for another; recurrence after 3-month repair
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights fail to illuminate when brake pedal depressed; Intermittent brake light failure; Check brake lights warning message on dash; Bulbs melting in housing; Rear passenger brake light harness melted
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: bulbs replaced multiple times over 2 years (lost count). Another owner: harness replaced by Deland Kia in May 2023; same failure recurred within 3 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned. Dealer performed harness replacement but issue recurred.
Daytime running lights and auxiliary light failures
Daytime running lights, headlights, fog lights, and other lighting systems fail to operate correctly, either intermittently or completely. Bulbs fail and require repeated replacement. Lights cycle on and off randomly.
When: Recurring over 2 years for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Daytime running lights failing; Headlights failing intermittently or completely; Fog lights not operating; Lights cycling on and off randomly; Repeated bulb failure
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple bulb replacements required; owner lost count of replacements over 2-year period.
Backup camera intermittent failure
Backup camera fails to function intermittently, leaving driver without reverse video display.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera fails to display intermittently
Battery-related electrical issues and failure to start
Vehicle fails to start on multiple occasions, requiring jump starts. One owner replaced battery during troubleshooting but problem persisted. Intermittent starting issues and long cranks before engine fires.
When: One instance at night while driving (required battery replacement); one owner reports recurring failure to start recently
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to start; Requires jump start multiple times; Long crank before engine starts; Hard start requiring ignition cycle multiple times
Codes mentioned: No PCM codes present in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced battery; problem continued. Multiple dealer visits unable to duplicate or diagnose.
Dashboard display and infotainment glitching
In-vehicle display system, radio, and infotainment glitch repeatedly. Radio changes stations by itself. CarPlay malfunctions, loses connection to devices, or displays incorrect information (wrong speed, glitching images). Screen display glitches during driving.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; one instance during turns
Symptoms owners cite: Screen display glitches frequently; Radio glitches and changes stations by itself; Radio won't work or connect to devices; CarPlay randomly disconnects; CarPlay displays wrong speed; Glitching infotainment display while driving
Window regulator malfunction — windows rolling down independently
Front and rear passenger windows roll down on their own while vehicle is parked or driven, with no driver input. One owner reports driver window rolling down by itself; was fixed and has not recurred.
When: Recurring; one fix resolved driver window issue
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger windows rolling down independently; Front windows rolling down without driver input; Rear passenger windows rolling down independently
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had driver window repaired; has not had further issues with that window.
Collision avoidance and forward collision warning system malfunction
Forward collision warning system triggers false alerts and causes automatic emergency braking when no obstacle or vehicle is present. Warning light illuminates randomly. One owner reports camera obstruction message frequently, especially during poor weather; has caused near-accidents at highway speeds.
When: Recurring; one instance during icy conditions at over 40 mph; happens on hot sunny days
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision warning triggers without obstruction; Automatic emergency braking applies without reason; Forward collision camera obstruction message appears frequently; False collision detection
Power steering malfunction and steering jerk
Steering wheel jerks to the right on its own while driving. Steering system shows error messages on dash.
When: Recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks to the right without driver input; Steering malfunction warning on dash
Wiring harness defect and melting — motor blower connector
Motor blower connector melts, damaging the wiring harness and causing loss of vehicle drive and reverse capability. Kia has acknowledged this as a defective part in internal documentation. One owner was quoted $7,200 for repair but found the issue was a known defective part that Kia should cover.
When: One instance at 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of driving and reversing capability; Melted motor blower connector; Damaged wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Owner quoted $7,200 by Perris Kia dealer; Kia refused to cover under 60,000-mile warranty despite owner being second owner. Owner later found documentation on NHTSA website confirming Kia acknowledged defective part and repair procedure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia acknowledged the defective blower connector issue internally but refused warranty coverage beyond 60,000 miles and did not notify second owner.
Wiring harness vulnerability to minor impacts
Wiring harness is so exposed or poorly protected that a minor impact (hitting a parking bumper with low edge) can disconnect or damage it, causing multiple system failures. Vehicle displays steering, ABS, and collision avoidance failure messages after a minor fender bump.
When: One instance at 11,496 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harness disconnected or damaged from low-energy impact; Steering failure warning on dash; ABS failure warning on dash; Collision avoidance failure warning on dash
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $4,200 repair or $468 patch repair; refused warranty coverage citing bumper damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or design changes mentioned.
Soy-based wiring attracting rodent damage
Soy-based wiring in the vehicle attracted rodents that chewed through the wires, causing electrical components to short out and malfunction.
When: At approximately 2,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rodent damage to soy-based wiring; Electrical shorts from chewed wires
Repairs/costs cited: Lou Fusz Kia replaced downstream oxygen sensor and transmission output sensor as one-time repair; not covered under factory or extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist or provide warranty coverage.
A/C blowing hot air
Air conditioning system blows hot air instead of cold. One owner also reported rear brake lights failing and windows rolling down independently in same complaint, suggesting a broader electrical issue.
When: One instance at approximately 100,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blowing hot air
Engine oil consumption and timing issues
Vehicle burns oil excessively, consuming 2-3 quarts between 1,500-2,000 miles. When timing failed at 79,000 miles, owner mentioned excessive oil consumption to dealership but was dismissed as normal.
When: Throughout ownership; timing failure at 79,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; Burning 2-3 quarts per 1,500-2,000 miles; Timing failure at 79,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership dismissed excessive oil consumption as normal operation.
Airbag non-deployment during accident
During a motor vehicle accident, airbags did not deploy, resulting in greater injuries to the driver than should have occurred. Vehicle sustained damage requiring totaling. A recall was issued for other Kia models of similar years regarding airbag non-deployment and electrical wiring issues, but the 2019 Forte was not included in that recall despite exhibiting the same failure.
When: At time of accident (timing unknown); vehicle had just passed yearly inspection 2 weeks prior with no warning messages
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags failed to deploy during crash; Driver sustained chest impact injuries, elbow soreness, and knee bruises; Right knee injury with lasting effects
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was totaled; driver hospitalized for evaluation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued a recall for similar electrical and airbag issues on other model years, but 2019 Forte was excluded despite matching symptoms.
Inadequate vehicle security and theft vulnerability
Multiple owners report vehicles are vulnerable to theft due to poor security design. Vehicle can be stolen by breaking window, accessing ignition with simple tools (iPhone cable reportedly used), and hot-wiring. Viral social media videos demonstrate ease of theft method. Insurance companies have dropped Kia owners or raised premiums due to high theft risk.
When: One recovered same night after theft; another stolen and hot-wired on two separate occasions in one year
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stolen by breaking window and accessing ignition; Vehicle hot-wired using simple tools; Easy target for car theft compared to similar vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia appears to have acknowledged the issue internally but no recall, warning, or corrective action documented by owners.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing hot air. Additionally, the front and rear passenger’s side windows were rolling down independently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired. The contact was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Kia forte. The contact noticed that the soy based wiring attracted rodents, which chewed the wires and caused the electrical components to short out. The vehicle was taken to lou fusz Kia (1025 n lindbergh blvd, st louise, mo 63132, (3124) 595-4900) where it was determined that the vehicle was not covered by the factory or extended warranties. The contact stated that…
I am writing to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with my Kia Forte. My vehicle has randomly failed to start on multiple occasions, requiring a jump start. More concerning, it has also shut off while I was driving, which is extremely alarming and could have resulted in a serious accident. These incidents have happened several times, and I no longer feel safe driving the vehicle.…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 53,939 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 $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/2019/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.