Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 15 | 10% | 39,000 miles |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% | 34,000 miles |
| 2017 | 44 | 14% | 41,000 miles |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% | 99,000 miles |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 2014 | 22 | 5% | 76,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 2012 | 23 | 8% | 63,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% | 110,000 miles |
| 2010 | 15 | 7% | 77,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The oil in the engine constantly sludges even with regular maintenance with full synthetic oil, I went over a pot hole and two of the rear lights went out and won't go back on even after replacing bulbs and wiring harness, and the worst of all is the suspension, the lower control arm and the trailing arm both have gone out after only 20k miles of light mostly highway driving, this car offers nothing but problems it's no surprise that they discontinued the model it's an absolute nightmare. I bought it brand new and it feels like I'm going to die in it, every speed bump or pot hole I go over feels and sounds like I'm hitting a wall, I've replaced the ball joints and am thinking about replacing the control arms because I'm worried they are going to break. …
Electrical issues since 44K miles I'm at 50 K miles. I've complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn't available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn't diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera the backup camera was replaced the backup camera now messes up all the time and does not cut on when backing up randomly cut on when driving Kia issue was flashing lights, but they decided to worry about the check engine light, which was the careless converter, they fixed the careless converter And didn't fix the flashing lights problem. …
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, there was smoke coming from the front driver's side headlamp, prompting the contact to have her son disconnect the headlamp wiring harness. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the wiring harness showed signs of burn damage. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V771000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side high beam lights, low beam lights, and indicators had failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the light bulbs were replaced; however, the failure recurred several times within 3 months. The contact stated that the passenger's side low beam headlight, indicator, and the headlight were not working as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be charged a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
I was told to come to service department on 2/22/2022 to change my indicator light because it was not working and had to be ordered in advance and for RECALL on TRUNK LATCH. The invoice said bulb was replaced and trunk lock and did Multi Point Inspection. I asked her if everything was Ok with my car she said yes but the next day I realized it indicator light was still not working. I got another RECALL TO REPLACE AIR BAG. I called in and got a service appointment for 4/2/2022. I told them the indicator was still not working and I was having an oil leak. They said $155.00 for inspection for leak, confirmed that one of the OIL PAN was leaking and would cost $200.00 to replace but it was cover under warranty. I said OK. …
Part of the subframe is corroded already and the engine cradle has begun to break, the control arm has begun to move where it meets the engine cradle and I now need to have the vehicle repaired. Previously the lower engine mount fell out of place due to the threads that kept it attached to the subframe were worn out due to corrosion and was causing the vehicle to vibrate violently. This issue has been fixed for $400 but now the rest of the engine cradle has to be inspected and repaired due to the corrosion. I have to make an appointment with the KIA repair center in my area to have the vehicle inspected which will be weeks if not months out to have it looked at as they are often booked. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was performing an inspection, the contact was informed that the passenger's side rear taillight was faulty and needed to be replaced. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the failure was due to water intrusion into the taillight housing. Additionally, the contact stated that the wheels were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
My car was parked in the car port. The rear back light on the driver side caught on fire. The police and fire department were called. I was not at home at the time, my neighbors used a plastic container to put out by time the fire department got there. The firs department stated that is was faulty wiring. I am waiting for the report from police, fire department, and insurance representative. The car was parked and there was no waring lamp. Fire department had to disarm my car alarm. I will be calling the dealer after this.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices,…
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Forte years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (44), 2012 (23), 2014 (22), 2010 (15) and 2019 (15) model years. Headlight complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Kia Forte headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-771 (headlights, Oct 31, 2018); 13V-114 (switch, Apr 1, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Forte headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the brake lights (7 mentions), followed by the headlights (4).
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.