2017 Kia Forte: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a scanner determined that there was a failure with the crankshaft. The contact replaced the spark plugs and crankshaft; however, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic ,where a defect with the timing belt was found, and the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the oil pump. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the failure was possibly linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V260000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Engine · TX

Car started hesitating the RED OIL LIGHT came on on the dash it flickered on and off for a few days but and still goes on and off now but 90% of the time it stays on while car is in use. I don't have an oil leak and I'm not low on fluid. I believe foreign particles are getting clogged in oil pump and or filter. Most 2017 kia fortes already have a recall for this. I don't understand why mine isn't recalled also. Plz help. If I have engine damage and car stalls it could be a safety hazard for me and others. I have small children. Please help.

Filed Aug 21, 2020 · Engine · 35,000 miles · IL

My check engine light came on. Took it to the shop and was told there was something in the engine that needed a reset or update. They fixed it with no charge and told me to come back if it came on again. The check engine light came back on the next day. I took it back and was told one of my cylinders was misfiring so they fixed it and I was charged. 3-4 months later my check engine light came back on. I took it in and was told that it was an old code stored in the car. They cleared the code and told me if the light comes on again to bring it back. The check engine light came on less than 48 hours later. This is friday august 21, 2020, I have an appointment on august 29th to check my car. When my check engine light comes on my car hesitates when I step on the gas. The check comes on and goes off. When the light is off I don't experience the hesitation in the acceleration. It may come on and stay on for a few days and then the check engine light will go off and remain off for 1 to 2 days. This will be my 4th time taking my car in for the same issue.

Filed Sep 17, 2019 · Engine · 182,000 miles · AL

Every time I hot a bump the rear end goes all over the place. Also at a speed of 40 to 50 MPH the vehicle hesitate, for 10 to 15 seconds for no aparent reason. While I'm driving, especially going up a hill.

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

Car will randomly hesitate and shake with powerloss maybe once every few days. This will happen when coming to a stop then accelerating again after driving for 30 minutes or so .cel will either not display or blink a few times but go away (and not show up on the history) making it impossible to diagnose. Took it to 2 kia dealers, both said that they've seen this on a lot kia fortes., they have made the recommended repairs but still have the issue.

Filed Jun 24, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 33,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia forte. While driving at any speed and attempting to accelerate or switch gears, the engine hesitated without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to car pros kia renton (425‑204‑6600, located at 200 sw grady way, renton, wa 98057) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle performed as designed. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to chuck olson kia (206‑219‑4040, located at 17001 aurora ave n, seattle, wa 98133) where it was also stated that the vehicle performed as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no failure with the vehicle. The contact was provided a case number. The failure recurred and the contact called the better business bureau where an attempt was made to mediate between the contact and the manufacturer. The contact was referred back to the latter dealer. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed May 13, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 90,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia forte. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed in traffic, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred after a routine oil change. The vehicle was taken to huntsville kia (6519 university dr nw, huntsville, al 35806 (256) 217-1700) where the vehicle was diagnosed and a new engine spring and ignition cord needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 90,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2017 · Engine, Steering · 1,975 miles · CA

The vehicle is the s model, new for 2017, I have driven the car approximately 2,000 miles since leasing it in september 2016. The car has poor acceleration, especially going up hills and merging into traffic (moving, city). It hesitates at traffic signals (from a dead stop). The vehicle tends to sway side to side from time to time (moving, city), the vehicle is under warranty and has been looked at by two different kia dealers. A technician has rode along with me; felt my concerns, but cannot duplicate it. I was told in march 2017 that the computer had been "tweaked", but no further information.