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
2017 Kia Forte: headlights failing or too dim
31 of the 305 complaints about the 2017 Kia Forte describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 31
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 46,729
- recalls
- 0
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.
Unknown, can’t see the road at night due to the headlights not aimed towards the right direction they seem to be pointed down and at different angles. I have ran into a ditch because of this safety hazard I also have to use my high beam in order to drive which is unsafe for other drivers on the road I am very concerned And frustrated because I have tried to adjust the lights, but they just don’t seem to be able to be corrected
Break lights, running lights and headlights go out at least every three months at different times. Apparently it’s a common problem with these cars when I go to online forums and I have recently been contacted by a class action attorney that wants to investigate. I have had to replace rear bulb sockets due to corrosion and the bulbs still burn out. We purchased the 2017 car used around 2021 and have probably replaced the headlights alone 6 times and an un countable amount on the running and break lights.
My engine shutoff/misfired while I was driving. The rest of my vehicle maintained power, dashboard headlights, radio. I took it to an autoshop where the issue was replicated. When my engine shut off the I had three check lights come on eps, oil, and battery. There was no warning prior to the engine shutting off.
Headlights started to flicker off and on after using the blinkers. Just randomly. The alarm won't arm or disarm unless I put the key into the ignition, the alarm (and horn) is set off, I have to take the key out and disarm the alarm it with the remote. The car still starts, all the alarm does is make noise. The dashboard displays FUSE and the clock is always displayed at 1:00 when I start my car. They couldn't diagnose my car when I Took the car in for a recall software update, after the update hours later the headlights and dashboard lights turned off while I was on the freeway-no blinkers used when this happened. It happened several times after that. The dealer said they would need to keep my car and though it is under the extended warranty I pay for, there wouldn't be a rental car until it was diagnosed and if it is covered then they would reimburse me or my car rental. I had to wait several weeks until I could get an appointment, and my own car rental. Now the dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. They kept the car because they had not addressed the inside fuse display on dashboard, clock, or alarm issue.
The head light turn off occasionally when the turn signal is used and does not always come back on with out playing with it or jiggle it. It has put mine and others safety at risk at dark. The dealer recommends replacing the multifunction switch. Part is on a national back order.
Driving at night and low beam headlights both went out at the same time. The only way to drive safely was to use high beams. Opened hood and passenger's side light came back on, very dimly, and then went out again as soon as the left turn signal was initiated. Even the high beam lights flicker when the left turn signal is used. This is completely unsafe because there is no way to see without blinding everyone else on the road with high beams. Headlight bulbs were replaced less than 6 months ago.
The front and rear windshields has some kind of defect when oncoming headlights are approaching there is a snowburst type of glare affect that is not clear but blurry. Can't see oncoming objects or street signs clearly.
Both low beams stopped working. High beams and all other lights work I replaced the bulbs and the low beams don't work at all and there's no relay or fuse and I can't find the problem
My head lights keep shutting off and stop working, they have replace it twice already and again today Oct 7th 2021ir stopped working again, now I just replaced the bulbs on Sept 15th 2021 there shouldn't be any reason to change it out this soon. I keep calling the dealership about it and nothing back from them. Today I ended up not seeing and hit into a curb and smashed up the side by my tire on the passenger side, I'm very upset with kia they are putting my family in danger by not fixing it correctly.
The headlights keep burning out. I've had the car for a little over a year now and have had to replace the headlights 3 times. I was driving one night a couple months ago and both low beam headlights went out. That was very dangerous. That was my second set of headlights now I'm on my 3rd set and the drivers side went out. I paid extra for the best set of headlights autozone had to offer at the time as I was in desperate need so I could drive home and it still lasted the same amount of time, purchased on 1/22/2021. Also, they're always dim. For the most expensive set of lights I expected more. I did a little research and seen that this is very common for this vehicle. Why is this allowed to continue? Someone is going to get hurt. Please research this and see what could be done. Headlights are very expensive. I have two other vehicles. A 2017 dodge journey that has never needed a headlight change and a 2007 ford escape that has only needed a few headlights in its entire existence. This is not right. The date listed below is the most recent incident.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2017 Kia Forte headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2017 Kia Forte?
31 of 305 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Forte (10%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2017.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Kia Forte?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Kia Forte
Check engine light 51Stalling 46Engine failure 33Knocking 30Fire or smoke 14No deployment 13Misfire 13Loss of power 12Oil consumption 11Hesitation 9
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