2017 Kia Forte Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 163 engine complaints for the 2017 Kia Forte, 54% of all 302 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 75,000. A related recall (21V260000) covers oil pump failures on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine that can cause engine damage.
- Engine complaints
- 163
- 54% of 302
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 75,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires while driving, in some cases after a recent engine or starter replacement.
- Some describe the engine losing power or stalling completely at speed, with loss of acceleration and check engine light illumination.
- Several complaints mention rough, violent shaking or stalling while idling or accelerating, even with regular dealer maintenance.
- Owners describe sluggish acceleration and hesitation from a stop or when merging, sometimes appearing within the first few thousand miles.
- One complaint describes an exhaust CVVT dowel pin shearing inside the camshaft, causing excessive play and requiring an engine teardown.
- Popping or knocking noises preceding stalling or fire were reported by multiple owners.
When 2017 Kia Forte engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 29, 2017, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2017 Kia Forte
- NHTSA 21V260000Apr 13, 2021Engine4,069 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
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.
Engine complaints by Forte model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints for the 2017 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA lists 163 engine complaints out of 302 total complaints for the 2017 Forte, which is 54% of all complaints filed for the year.
- Is there a recall for the 2017 Kia Forte engine?
- Yes. Recall 21V260000 covers 2017-2018 Forte vehicles with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, where foreign particles inside the oil pump could cause oil pump failure and engine damage. Kia's remedy was replacing the oil pan free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2017 Kia Forte engine problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 75,000 at the time of engine failure complaints.
- Were there any fires or crashes linked to the engine issue?
- Yes, NHTSA records 4 fires, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries connected to engine complaints on the 2017 Forte.
- How does the 2017 Forte compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2017 Forte's engine complaints made up 54% of its total complaints, similar to 2015 (63%) and 2016 (57%), but higher than later years like 2019 (31%) and 2023 (18%).