KIA Forte Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 325 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the KIA Forte across 15 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (57).
- 325electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 17mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 37%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 143 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 325 complaints, 17 mention a crash, 40 a fire, 5 an injury.
KIA Forte electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 6 | 23% | — |
| 2023 Forte | 11 | 17% | — |
| 2022 Forte | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2021 Forte | 8 | 12% | — |
| 2020 Forte | 11 | 14% | 7,000 |
| 2019 Forte | 23 | 15% | 11,496 |
| 2018 Forte | 16 | 12% | 41,000 |
| 2017 Forte | 47 | 15% | 32,850 |
| 2016 Forte | 22 | 16% | 29,000 |
| 2015 Forte | 29 | 11% | 85,000 |
| 2014 Forte | 57 | 13% | 71,500 |
| 2013 Forte | 25 | 13% | 74,683 |
| 2012 Forte | 32 | 11% | 71,450 |
| 2011 Forte | 16 | 10% | 81,361 |
| 2010 Forte | 19 | 9% | 65,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system
Model years: 2014
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.
Risk: If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and for vehicles produced from December 5, 2012 to January 27, 2014, dealers will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit. For vehicles produced from January 28, 2014 to April 17, 2014, dealers will replace the multi-fuse unit only. Owners of vehicles with a 1.8L engine will also have the engine control unit software updated. The recall began on February 20, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC113.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and…
Front left tire blew out, plastic liner became shredded due to it. Beneath that plastic liner sits the main electrical wiring harness which rubs against the wheel creating sparks leading to total engine fire and failure
I was driving this car and received a check engine light and lulled over to find an electrical fire had occurred under the hood. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put out this fire. The car was towed to a Kia dealership near my home for confirmation and an estimate of the damages. It…
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…
We were told it was the fuel pump. This car has put my son in danger twice. The car stalls out while driving, completely shuts down. He is traumatized due to this occurring in during traffic hour. The car dies and you canât put it in neutral nor have the hazard light turn on. Complete shut down…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Fortes have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 325 owner complaints about electrical system for the KIA Forte. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Forte electrical system?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other KIA Forte problems
- Engine problems (1,130)
- Air Bags problems (294)
- Power Train problems (218)
- Exterior Lighting problems (178)
- Steering problems (166)
- Service Brakes problems (156)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (116)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (110)
See all KIA Forte problems.