There was a rod failure in the engine. The vehicle is currently at the repair facility. This rod failure caused the vehicle to die while traveling down the road, so it was a safety risk. The rod failure was diagnosed by a certified mechanic. There were no warning lamps, messages, etc. This failure is the same issue that many Kia Forte's of the same year have been diagnosed with, and a recall was issued. This vehicle is not covered under the recall, but should be. The engine recall should be extended to all 2017 Kia Forte models.
2017 Kia Forte engine problems
158 complaints (52% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 158
- of this car's complaints
- 52%
- typical mileage
- 82,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
- Engine: oil/lubrication: oil cooler1
- Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Forte engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Kia Forte engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Check engine light 51Stalling 46Engine failure 33Knocking 30Misfire 13Loss of power 12Oil consumption 11
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pump
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.
Recall number 21V260000 · Recall details
What 2017 Kia Forte owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
See attached document for complaint.
The vehicle exhibits a chronic, systemic electrical failure characterized by the intermittent loss of critical lighting systems, including turn signals and brake lights. This failur5e has persisted over several years and thousands of miles, independent of battery replacements or specific usage patterns. The issue has been confirmed via multiple independent service interventions. Most notably, in February 2024, a third-party professional repair - which included the replacement of the Power Distribution Unit (Central Fuse Box) was performed to address these electrical faults. Despite this professional intervention, the defect recurred in May 2026. The failure of the turn signals and brake lights while in traffic resulted in a Law Enforcement stop and the issuance of a citation. Prior to total failure, the vehicle often displays erratic engine performance, including sputtering and hesitation. These symptoms were identified early in the Vehicle's history, but inquiries regarding recall campaigns for similar Makes and Models were denied by Authorized Dealerships, who cited recall registry despite exhibiting identical Mechanical and Electrical failure modes. The failure of the brake lights and turn signals poses a severe and immediate safety risk to myself, my passengers, other motorists and those on the road...as it creates an unpredictable environment were emergency stopping and lane changes cannot be communicated to the surrounding traffic. The electrical architecture of this vehicle is fundamentally flawed, as evidenced by the recurring nature of the defect despite multiple repair attempts, including the replacement of the primary fuse distribution center. The vehicle, all service records. third-party repair receipt, and relevant law enforcement citation are available for inspection upon request to support this report. The recurring loss of safety-critical signaling systems represents a systemic design defect rather than isolated wear & tear.
The contact owns a 2017 KIA Forte. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was misfiring, severely shaking and was losing motive power suddenly while operating on multiple constantly for about 3 weeks, and state she noticed a check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed to be a timing chain failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,922.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to pull off to the side of the road, and the vehicle shut off. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but after several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was initially informed that the engine would be replaced free of charge; however, the contact was later informed that there would be a charge for labor. The contact declined the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Failure of the engine oil pump pertaining to the exact situation covered in the federal safety agency campaign 21V‑260, but vehicle is not covered. The campaign covered vehicles manufactured from June 5, 2017 to July 24, 2017. Vehicle was manufactured in Mexico, is equipped with the 2.0 Nu MPI engine. The loss of motive power in the vehicle has increased the risk of crash and driver injury.
The vehicle went into Tasca Kia for a cam shaft replacement, this did not fix the issue and the vehicle needed an entire engine replacement under power train warranty. Since then, the vehicle has continuously stalled. The vehicle is not indicating a reason for stalling, it is documented in video, and I have continued to inform the dealership where the vehicle is. This vehicle has shut off on me at rates of speed of 60 mph, comes to a complete stop, and is a HUGE safety concern. I have reported it to the dealer every time, I have provided video, and I have left the vehicle with them, they have continued to ask me to pick up the vehicle and return the rental because they cannot recreate the problem and cannot continue to lose money on the rental. There are no prior issues, there were no warning lights or lights remaining on the dash when the stall happens.
Not providing enough oil pressure for my timing to function correctly.
My vehicle caught fire while driving also before fire vehicle started popping and stuttering rattling sound. I was on highway.
There are 3 recalls on my engine type but kia dealership says no recalls,#21V6220000,#22V031000,#21V260000. ENGINE TYOE 2.0L NU MPI ENGINE(SC210),MY ph#XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2017 Kia Forte engine
Does the 2017 Kia Forte have engine problems?
Owners have filed 158 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Kia Forte, 52% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Forte engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Kia Forte engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 21V260000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Forte have bad engine?
The Kia Forte model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (220 complaints), 2012 (167 complaints) and 2015 (164 complaints).
Other 2017 Kia Forte problems
Electrical 47Lights 44Fuel system 30Airbags 18Acceleration 17Transmission 12Body 10Steering 9Brakes 8Visibility 8Locks 6Wheels 6Driver assistance 5Seat belts 3Suspension 2
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2017 Kia Forte?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history