Research · Large Cars
2017 Kia FORTE5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2017 Kia FORTE5. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and exterior lighting (1). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
25–28mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Kia FORTE5 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2026 – Oct 2026
- Electrical system1
- Exterior lighting1
- Structure1
- Engine1
- Engine and engine cooling1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
1 report1 fire
“I was driving this car and received a check engine light and lulled over to find an electrical fire had occurred under the hood. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put out this fire. The car was towed to a Kia dealership near my home for confirmation and an estimate of the damages. It apparently was caused by a problem that Kia has had with the ABS/hydraulic electronic control units that can trigger electrical shorts.”
Exterior lighting
1 report
“I own a 2017 Kia Forte that has a recurring problem with water intrusion in the rear tail light assemblies. This issue was previously repaired around 2018 under Kia’s service action related to moisture and water entering the rear combination lamps, but the problem has returned. Moisture and water are again getting inside the tail light housing, which can lead to corrosion, bulb or LED failure, and electrical problems. I am concerned that this could cause the brake light or turn signal to fail unexpectedly. If one of these lights goes out without warning, other drivers may not be able to tell when I am stopping or turning, which could increase the risk of a rear-end or side-impact crash. Since this issue was repaired before and has now returned, I am concerned that the original repair did not permanently correct the defect and that the problem may be related to an ongoing sealing or manufacturing issue.”
Structure
1 report
“2017 Kia Forte (Recall SC216 Trunk latch - this 2017 VIN needs to be included”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6) · Automatic (AM7) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte 5 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Forte 5 Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 332 |
| Forte 5 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 353 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Kia FORTE5 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 11352
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 FORTE5 questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia FORTE5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Kia FORTE5 problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), exterior lighting (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Kia FORTE5 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Kia FORTE5 at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026