2017 Kia Forte Safety Report
2017 Kia Forte: Strong crash ratings overshadowed by significant engine failures and fire risks, prompting multiple recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Kia Forte
Reliability Score
The 2017 Kia Forte receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Kia Forte
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Kia Forte:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure/Stalling Due To Oil Pump Issues Numerous complaints describe sudden engine stalling, loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and complete engine failure, often linked to oil pump malfunctions or internal engine defects. This is directly addressed by NHTSA recall 21V-260. |
High | Common | 80000-130000 miles |
| Airbag Control Unit (Acu) Malfunction The ACU cover may contact a memory chip, potentially preventing airbags from deploying in a crash. This is covered by NHTSA recall 21V-622. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Trunk Latch Failure The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the trunk from opening from the inside, increasing the risk of entrapment. This is covered by NHTSA recall 22V-031. |
Medium | Rare | N/A miles |
| Vehicle Fires Multiple complaints report vehicle fires, sometimes preceded by popping, stuttering, or rattling sounds, or originating from electrical components like the fuse box or charging adapters. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Owners report needing to frequently add oil, often leading to engine damage, knocking, and stalling, even with regular maintenance. |
High | Common | 80000-130000 miles |
| Steering Wheel Locking/Loss Of Power Steering One complaint details the steering wheel suddenly locking up while driving, making it impossible to turn. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Kia Forte:
The most prevalent issue, with 86 complaints, involves engine stalling, loss of power, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and complete engine failure, often linked to oil pump defects or internal engine issues.
25 complaints relate to exterior lighting, though specific patterns are not detailed beyond general issues.
22 complaints fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', indicating a variety of less categorized issues.
11 complaints specifically mention engine and engine cooling issues, often overlapping with general engine problems.
10 complaints are for the electrical system, including reports of smoke from charging cords and fuse box explosions leading to fires.
10 complaints are related to airbags, consistent with the recall for Air Bag Control Unit malfunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Kia Forte
Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Kia Forte received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has a concerning number of complaints (295 total), including 23 crashes, 9 fires, 21 injuries, and 4 deaths. The vehicle also has three recalls, notably for engine oil pump failure, airbag control unit issues, and trunk latch problems, which raise significant safety concerns despite its strong crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2017 Kia Forte?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Kia Forte are overwhelmingly related to the ENGINE, accounting for 86 complaints. These include engine stalling, loss of power, excessive oil consumption, knocking sounds, and complete engine failure. Other common problems involve EXTERIOR LIGHTING (25 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints, including fire risks), and AIR BAGS (10 complaints).
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Kia Forte?
Yes, the 2017 Kia Forte has three active recalls. These include a recall for the AIR BAGS (NHTSA Campaign 21V-622) due to potential non-deployment, a recall for LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH (NHTSA Campaign 22V-031) for entrapment risk, and a significant recall for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP (NHTSA Campaign 21V-260) addressing oil pump failure and engine stalling.
Does the 2017 Kia Forte have engine problems?
Yes, the 2017 Kia Forte has significant and frequently reported engine problems. The ENGINE component has the highest number of complaints (86 out of 295 total), detailing issues such as sudden stalling, loss of power, excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and complete engine failure. These issues are severe enough that Kia issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign 21V-260) specifically for oil pump failure that can lead to engine stall.
Is the 2017 Kia Forte prone to fires?
While not the most frequent complaint, the 2017 Kia Forte has 9 reported fires out of 295 total complaints, which is a concerning number. Some complaints describe fires originating from the electrical system, such as a melting charger cord or an exploding fuse box, while others mention the vehicle catching fire while driving after experiencing engine issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2017 Kia Forte's significant engine reliability issues, multiple recalls, and reported fires warrant caution; thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of all recall repairs are essential.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Kia Forte
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Kia Forte. The data includes 295 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 23 reported crashes, 9 fire incidents, 21 reported injuries, and 4 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Kia Forte an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.