Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Kia Forte owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I have to quickly touch the Multi-Function Stalk or switch it from AUTO to HEADLIGHTS to keep the lights on. I then have to be careful when using the same Stalk to signal turns or it may cause the lights to flicker or turn off entirely AGAIN. THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR EVERY DAY IF I'M NOT VERY DELICATE WITH THE MULTI-FUNCTION STALK. SOMETIMES, IT FLICKERS/TURNS OFF NO MATTER WHAT & I HAVE TO SWITCH THE LIGHTS FROM AUTO TO HEADLIGHTS OR VICE-VERSA TO ENSURE HEADLIGHTS STAY ON. …
I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tail lights are also affected. This is a serious safety hazard because it results in sudden and complete loss of exterior lighting (headlights and tail lights) while the vehicle is in motion at night. It significantly increases the risk of an accident. Online owner forums and repair shops confirm this issue is widespread in Kia vehicles, often traced to a failing multifunction headlight/turn signal switch. Despite the frequency of these failures, there has been no recall issued by Kia. …
On May 25th 2023 I was driving on the highway when I experienced extreme loss of power and the infotainment screen displayed "possible engine condition". Considering I was driving 70 mph on the highway it was super dangerous because there were several 18 wheelers driving on the highway alongside me it could have been deadly for many of us. Thankfully I was able to get to the shoulder to assess the situation. I have been unable to get my vehicle to a dealership since I was traveling and had to leave my vehicle 150 mi from where I live. If Kia knew there was some sort of issue with engine failure and extreme loss of power they should have issued notification before other than have people possibly die on the highway from engine failure.
Im a retired mechanic I have 2016 Kia Forte lx 1.8l 6spd manual from my diagnostic scanner it showed the instrument cluster has a short in it which caused all the warning lights to come on when really the only thing that was really bad was a right front wheel speed sensor I replaced it but with the instrument panel short the ecu cant tell what's working and what's not the car only has 64000 miles and all this is still going on a diagnostic scanner cant tell what real and what's not I will never own another Kia product in my life and [redacted] sure wouldn't recommend one.
Instrument panel lighting and radio lighting flicker constantly while driving. When the headlights are on, the headlights will also turn and off on their own, constantly. Because of this, I can not drive this car at night, in the early morning, in the rain, or whenever my headlights are needed. From what I've surmised, the issue seems to be the multifunction switch, which, coincidentally, Kia has an active recall on for one of their other models.
I am writing to express serious concerns about the safety and performance of my Kia vehicle. Over the past few months, my car has been exhibiting abnormal behavior, jeopardizing the safety of myself and other road users. One of the most alarming issues is the unpredictable acceleration and deceleration of my vehicle, especially on the highway. There have been numerous instances where it failed to respond to acceleration while changing lanes, putting me in stressful situations where I feared a potential collision. Even more troubling, my car has shut off unexpectedly multiple times during both city driving and while navigating driveways and hills. This sudden engine shutdown has exposed me to hazardous situations and increased the risk of accidents. There is also a loud knocking sound coming from the car, accompanied by sluggish driving. …
I went hunting and went to go back to my car at the end of the evening. My car was parked on a grass lane by a woods with the key out of the egnition. When I got to the car it was dark so I did not notice anything at first, but when I went to unlock my door and my keyless entry would not work. But my buddy noticed that my lights flashed as if it was working. I used my key to open my driver side door and was hit by a cloud of smoke. My whole door panel was melted along the speaker and half of the door. The fire was out by the time I arrived. Kia in lima wouldn't take any responsibility for the vehicle after a long drawn out process and poor communication from them, but my insurance company deamed it an electrical fire. I do not have the paperwork at the moment but can have it available asap.
The Kia Forte caught fire as my husband was driving down the interstate (the car was in motion). We had only had the car for just over a year. I am unsure what caused the fire however, the insurance reviewer advise that the fire started in the engine. My husband barley made it out of the car before the inside was completely engulfed in flames. The car was a complete loss it was hardly recognizable once the fire department was able to get the fire out.
While setting in parking lot with car in park and engine running, multiple instrumentation failure, anti slip, tire pressure, a.b.s. Check engine light, regular braking light, engine miss firing... Rough shifting, was able to limp car to closed Kia dealer.. On a Sunday night.. They kept car 3 days.. Could not find why car has multiple failures..they called Kia engineer .. Still had no clue as to problem.. Finally..said they cleared 2 codes from computer.. Car ran good .. For 2 days..then when wife was driving to work in lutherville md. Again multiple failures.. She had almost no braking .. Had to drift car into nationwide Kia.. Parking lot a few blocks from her work.. They had car for almost 2 weeks.. With no clue as to why for second time in a few days.same failures again.. Transmission felt and sounded like it was coming out of car...they said later they started it.. And only a.b.s. …
Takata recall when turning my vehicle off there is a ticking coming from the computer when sitting still it will car will aisle up in try to take off a little with the foot on the brake it also shakes when the vehicle is in park and l I have reported these problems before and the head gasket had to be replaced in the motor on the vehicle a little after the warranty replacement was done the ticking begin again under the hood and the shaking and everything is starting over again and I keep taking it to the dealership and they keep telling me they don't see anything wrong which is exactly like the first time when I was start taking it before they had to replace the head gasket in my motor
Electrical complaints in other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Kia Forte, 16% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › anti-theft › immobilizer/proximity › key/sender (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Kia Forte electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2016 Kia Forte, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Forte electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.