2017 Kia Forte: sudden loss of power

Filed May 7, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · NC

The headlights and dashboard lose power intermittently while driving at highway speeds, specifically triggered by using the turn signal. This is ongoing since January when I started having to take it for a recalls.More things kept happening. I kept having to have more repairs. Every time I went, I told them about this and it just keeps going on. Today I took a huge list of things they should check to see why it’s doing this. This is the following list that I gave them -2017 Kia Forte - Service Request: •Issue: Headlights/dash icons flicker specifically when using turn signals. •Issue: Average MPG keeps resetting (Computer Brownout). •Mandatory Checks: 1Multi-Function Switch (internal short). 2Manual Voltage Drop Test on the G01 Ground Point. 3Alternator Ripple Test (check for "dirty" power). Last night on my way home from my daughter’s house which is a 50 minute drive, it was in the dark pouring rain and no longer than I had got started going home, I used the turn signal and my lights flickered a little which that’s what they’ve done before. Then the icon inside the car for headlights flashed on and off, lights inside got very dim and then my headlights got so dim that I had to follow other cars that had LED headlights down an interstate at 65 mph or less safely just to get to my exit to get home for over 45 minutes. I have mentioned this to them repeatedly, but I gave this list to them this morning. I called a little bit ago just to check on things and I was told “well we’ve been driving it for over an hour and we can’t seem to get it to act up”. I said are you not going to do the things that I stated and actually physically touch and look and not just sticking it on a computer. He rudely asked- what are you talking about? It’s all computer. That’s what we do.I’ve had to deal with this since pretty much the middle of January 2026. We are now here at May 7 and it got at its worst last night and horrified me and my safety.When I have car will upload docs

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MO

Was traveling on interstate inside lane in heavy traffic and all of a sudden lost power,no throttle response, no warning lights,no priors,wasn't able to move to shoulder.. very close to being rear ended..all of a sudden power returned.. happened 8-12 times trying to get home.. no warning lights .. after got home hooked up my diagnostic scanner and ECU had code P050400 and BCM had no codes but in pids list under stop lamp fuse pid read broken. Checked fuses non were bad.tested brake switch and tested ok and adjusted correctly. Wiring and connectors appeared undamaged...

Filed May 6, 2025 · Engine · 82,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power with an abnormal ratting sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot and then had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact later towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic called several dealers and other independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was no longer in production, and that the engine was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2024 · Engine · WV

I was getting on the interstate gradually got up to 60 miles per hour when my car started to rev high an then lost all power an stalled it almost got me hit by a tractor trailer the car has ran ok up until then an Kia claims there not a recall for this but I’ve read the stories of the same situation it’s crazy to think they won’t cover to fix this issue my car only has 82k on it an it’s basically totaled an still have payments on it

Filed Nov 28, 2022 · Engine · 50,475 miles · SC

Engine #1 failure @ 50,475 miles Driving 70mph on the interstate my check engine light would come on only when pressing the gas pedal. Within 30 seconds while driving on a 10° uphill slope trying to change 4 lanes of traffic to be near the shoulder, I heard clanking, knocking, and a bang. 0rpms. Connecting rod through the block. One dealership did nothing but lock my car in their fence for 2 months before another Kia dealership replaced the engine. Then 680.3 miles later, engine #2 failure. Driving on unfamiliar country roads at dusk. 5 miles from the next pull off parking area. I had extreme loss of power. The check engine light appeared. A few seconds later it sounded like a shotgun went off in my engine. Engine died, there was only a few inches of dirt before the ditch. My battery died from my flashers before the tow truck came. This time the connecting rod went through the block and damaged my starter. Dealership replaced the engine. Engine #3 @ 52343 check engine light appears when pressing the gas pedal. 7 Cincinnati Kia dealerships are 5+ weeks from diagnosing engine troubles. I'm ashamed at Kia for allowing THIS. I've jumped out of airplanes without fear, but I am scared to drive my own vehicle. Kia has put me in financial stress due to rental vehicles, unexpected hotel costs, and not reimbursing me thus far.

Filed Aug 30, 2022 · Engine · CA

Ongoing acceleration and shaking issues. Lose power randomly and has stalled randomly. Now is frequent. I was told it is normal for cars to have some shaking however this is not normal. I try to accelorate and cannot, I had my own diagnostic test done and asked for the coil to be replaced. Kia said it was the spark plugs. Took the car back the next day because I again couldn't accelerate. Over a week later and no communication and I called and left a message. Now kia said it is the coil. Car now at approx 71K miles.

Filed Aug 16, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Powertrain, engine light on, losing power

Filed Jul 18, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · WA

In or around July 10th, 2022, the vehicle’s engine began making knocking sounds on several occasions while my wife was driving. On July 20th, 2022, I brought it into the dealership (Dick Hannah Kia, Vancouver, WA) where it was diagnosed as a problem with a bearing of a piston rod within the engine. On my drive to the dealership, I experience a loss of power, knocking sounds from the engine, and the oil light come on indicating a loss of oil pressure. Vehicle has 70,xxx miles. Dealership has advised me that the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but is failing to cover this under powertrain warranty. Seeing that this an engine similar to those noted in a the federal safety agency as related to Flaherty et al. v. Hyundai Motor Company et al., I wanted to file a safety report so that others are aware of the potential safety issue.

Filed Aug 17, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 30 miles · PA

Rough idling. Rough gear shift from 1st to 2nd and srutter on 3rd. Loss of power during take offs. Car is only 20,800 miles. Checked twice on dealer. Only wiped code and reset computer. Claim not to be able to replicate. Issue comes back with check engine light 30 mins after driving away.

Filed Mar 6, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 8,700 miles · PA

I was pulling out onto a main road. My car completely lost power and almost stalled. The car barely moved forward and tbe rpms were erratic. I almost got hit by a tractor trailer. When I finally sputtered into work, the rpms in park were jumping between 1000 and 2000 rpms. I do not feel safe in this car.. It only has 8,700 miles...

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 25,000 miles · KY

I was driving down the expressway when my car lost power. I tried giving it gas and it just would sputter, still barely moving. I had people almost hitting me. The car has less than 30,000 miles and I just had bought it 60 something days ago. The car will just loose power no matter how fast you going. The car is unsafe to drive.

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · Fuel system · 32,769 miles · NC

When driving the engine light comes on causes car to lose power and starts to shake I was coming up a hill and almost got rear ended have taken to kia place twice now and I was told can't be fixed until a recall comes out this is very dangerous for me to be driving with my kids I pay a good penny for my vehicle now can't drive it because of this issue it's constant