NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
17 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 18, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
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 confi…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11745123
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2026
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
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 jus…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11736367
136,000 miles · Nov 26, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a class-action lawsuit extended warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA ODI #11627436
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2024
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control
The speedometer does not work. The car will not accelerate. I always have belt problems.
NHTSA ODI #11565938
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2023
EngineVehicle Speed Control
I've had it looked at by a Kia dealership and they said I let it run out of oil and burned up my engine. My ASC warranty won't cover it. I had no idea. I've got proof from Valvoline where I always get my oil changes and proves I did it regularly. I had no oil leak signs on the pavement. Your recall #SC210 which I just found ou…
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I've had it looked at by a Kia dealership and they said I let it run out of oil and burned up my engine. My ASC warranty won't cover it. I had no idea. I've got proof from Valvoline where I always get my oil changes and proves I did it regularly. I had no oil leak signs on the pavement. Your recall #SC210 which I just found out about talks about exactly what happened to me. I really don't think it was my fault and it should be covered. I had no indication that something was wrong till this happened. I've had no problems since I bought the car in November 2021till now.
NHTSA ODI #11506137
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed Control
I got this car in January, it's only October and my speed doesn't accelerate. When I step on the gas pedal there is a huge kick and my RPM goes from under one to 4 or 5 to get to 20mph. I noticed that I could change the drive to D1 and D2 but when driving and going over 30mph my car is in D6. I have yet to find a solution. No wa…
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I got this car in January, it's only October and my speed doesn't accelerate. When I step on the gas pedal there is a huge kick and my RPM goes from under one to 4 or 5 to get to 20mph. I noticed that I could change the drive to D1 and D2 but when driving and going over 30mph my car is in D6. I have yet to find a solution. No warning lights have come on yet but I don't want it to get to that point before having the car for a year.
NHTSA ODI #11435366
50,000 miles · Jan 29, 2021
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE SO I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED, THANKFULLY I DID NOTHING HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I DROVE FORWARD AND MY ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON; AFTER NO MORE THAN 30 SECONDS, T…
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I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE SO I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED, THANKFULLY I DID NOTHING HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I DROVE FORWARD AND MY ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON; AFTER NO MORE THAN 30 SECONDS, THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. ALL HAS BEEN FINE SINCE, HOWEVER I LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY KIA HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH CARS LUNGING FORWARD AND CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENTS. I HONESTLY AM TERRIFIED FOR THIS TO HAPPEN TO ME.
NHTSA ODI #11390714
41,000 miles · Aug 18, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control
I TOOKEN MY 2017 KIA FORTE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP COUNTLESS OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND STILL WITH NO AVAIL. AS I'M DRIVING THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS SHAKING THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON THEN THE CAR EITHER SHUTS OFF ON ITS OWN THEN GOT TO WAIT IT OUT FOR IT TO START. IF I GO TO TURN ON THE AC THE CAR ALSO SHUTS OFF.…
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I TOOKEN MY 2017 KIA FORTE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP COUNTLESS OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND STILL WITH NO AVAIL. AS I'M DRIVING THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS SHAKING THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON THEN THE CAR EITHER SHUTS OFF ON ITS OWN THEN GOT TO WAIT IT OUT FOR IT TO START. IF I GO TO TURN ON THE AC THE CAR ALSO SHUTS OFF. I'VE ALMOST GOTTEN HIT DUE TO THE CAR UN RELIABILITY.
NHTSA ODI #11350053
Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
ABOUT A WEEK OR TWO AGO WHILE GOING UP A HILL I NOTICED THE CAR TRYING TO STALL OUT. IT HAS BEGUN TO DO MORE FREQUENTLY NOW WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE IN IDLE AND/OR PARK ALSO. YOU CANNOT HEAR THE CAR 'KNOCK' BUT IT'S AS IF YOU CAN FEEL IT TRYING TOO. ONE INSTANCE I WAS IN A TURNING LANE AND THE CAR LITERARILY TRIED TO CUT OFF IN …
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ABOUT A WEEK OR TWO AGO WHILE GOING UP A HILL I NOTICED THE CAR TRYING TO STALL OUT. IT HAS BEGUN TO DO MORE FREQUENTLY NOW WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE IN IDLE AND/OR PARK ALSO. YOU CANNOT HEAR THE CAR 'KNOCK' BUT IT'S AS IF YOU CAN FEEL IT TRYING TOO. ONE INSTANCE I WAS IN A TURNING LANE AND THE CAR LITERARILY TRIED TO CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE RPM'S DROPPED AND CAR JUST FELT REAL SHAKY AND JUMPY. TOTAL EPISODES APPROXIMATELY IN ABOUT 2 WEEEKS I WOULD SAY ARE CLOSE TO MAYBE 10? THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME IN AT FIRST INSTANCE WHEN I WAS GOING UP A HILL AND HAS NEVER GONE OFF. BUT THE PROBLE HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BUT SEEMS TO HAVE GOTTEN WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #11349731
40,000 miles · Jan 28, 2020
Vehicle Speed Control
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL INCIDENCE OF BEING "LOCKED" AT ONE SPEED. WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE GAS THE CAR WILL SPEED UP UNTIL REACHING 30-35MPH AND WILL NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THE GAS PEDAL COULD BE TOUCHING THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE PAST 35MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED AT OUR LOCAL KIA DEALER IN THE E…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL INCIDENCE OF BEING "LOCKED" AT ONE SPEED. WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE GAS THE CAR WILL SPEED UP UNTIL REACHING 30-35MPH AND WILL NO LONGER ACCELERATE. THE GAS PEDAL COULD BE TOUCHING THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE PAST 35MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED AT OUR LOCAL KIA DEALER IN THE EARLY FALL OF 2019. IT WAS SAID TO BE REPAIRED NOW LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS SOMETIMES ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11302455
Official recalls
3Jan 25, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Aug 9, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
Apr 13, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗