2016 Kia Forte: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · AL

Intermittently when turn signals is in use, headlights would completely go out or start flashing on and off.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · CA

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. THIS ISSUE HAS EVEN HAPPENED WHEN I DIDN'T TOUCH THE STALK AT ALL & I WAS DRIVING ON A DARK, RURAL HIGHWAY. LIGHTS OUT! THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, THANK YOU. I plan on having this issue fixed ASAP at my expense, which I hope won't be too expensive. $$$

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Lights · CA

Headlights shut off entirely multiple times when switching to high beams on dark road, almost causing an accident. Multi-function switch failing the exact way the Sorento switches are failing, confirmed by mechanic. This is a severe hazard when driving at night. There was no warning whatsoever.

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · AZ

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. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this defect in the 2016 Kia Forte and related models, as it directly compromises driver and passenger safety.

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Lights · GA

My headlights blank on and off like a christmas tree. I put them on auto or the running lights and they do the same things. The dashboard lights do the same things inside the car. It also happen when I turn my turn signal on or put my car on bright or dim them.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Engine · IL

A portion of the air intake system was rubbing against the front driver side wheel and wore a hole causing damage to the engine and is knocking at very low RPM. The car was in one of Kia’s dealerships for a headlight repair and a reference was made about a strange noise coming from the wheel but they did not advise of a problem and said the brake pad life is fine.

Filed Sep 8, 2022 · Lights · FL

The headlights flicker off when the turn signal is applied and also sometimes on bumps in the road. This could be very dangerous because there are no headlights when they’re supposed to be on. The dealer told me that they’ve seen that issue before, but told me there’s no recalls on my model and year, so I have to pay to replace a multi function part. I wrote to Kia as well and they told me since my car is out of warranty, it’s up to me to fix that and pay. I don’t even have 50,000 miles on my car! And this problem is not due to me but due to a malfunction of the car. I researched this and see that there are other models of Kia that have the same issue that were recalled to repair by Kia. I have attached information from the web about a recall for Kia’s that is the same year as my car, but a different model. There are no warning lights when this happens, so I have to pay attention to make sure the lights come back on. I have also attached the case number from Kia in which they told me they are not responsible for this.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Lights · 99,000 miles · OH

All lights flicker on and off while driving , headlights sometimes turn off when turn signal is used. Dash lights will flicker even while parked.

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Lights · GA

"takata recall". My headlight wiring on the driver side keeps melting and blowing the bulbs which are not cheap. Had it fixed several times but it is still happening. This is a fire hazard to me and it should be recalled.

Filed Feb 8, 2019 · Driver assistance, Lights · MI

Low beams are dull not able to drive in the dark. Estimated sight distance of low beam lights 200 ft. Passengers in my car ask if I have my lights on. On coming cars flash their lights as a signal to turn on my lights. I have to drive with highbeams after dusk for viability and for cars on the road to be able to see my lights. The electric dash board will not illuminate at times; having to turn off the car and turn back on multiple times for the dashboard to light up. The low beams are consent every time I am stationary, in motion, reverse, parked. The electric dashboard is when starting the car, stationary when at red lights with the break on.

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 37,000 miles · AL

When driving my car, my headlights are flickering/cutting off and on. I"ve talked to kia motors several times and have taken my vehicle back to the service dept at the dealership 3 times but the problem is not resolved. I know this is a safety issue and im afraid to drive my car at night. Please help me resolve this issue.