2017 Kia Forte: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Practical, feature-rich compact with lingering Nu engine oil-consumption and seizure risk under recall; check service history before buying. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 Kia Forte ranged from $16,600 to $21,300 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Practical, feature-rich compact with lingering Nu engine oil-consumption and seizure risk under recall; check service history before buying.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=Kia&model=Forte&mod…
- theweeklydriver.comhttps://theweeklydriver.com/reliability/kia/forte/2014-2018/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/forte
Known issues
-
2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.
widespread · 115 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–130k miles · engine
-
Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years.
commonly reported · 30 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–60k miles · steering
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=Kia&model=Forte&mod…
- theweeklydriver.comhttps://theweeklydriver.com/reliability/kia/forte/2014-2018/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, composed ride for commuting.
- Roomy cabin and a large trunk for the compact class.
- Strong value with generous standard feature content and a long factory warranty.
Cons
- Base engine acceleration is uninspiring.
- 2.0L Nu GDI engine seizure and oil-consumption risk subject to recall is the headline reliability problem.
- Steering-coupler clunk and engine-fire / cooling-fan recalls on 2014-2015 builds.
- Vulnerable to theft on models without an engine immobilizer.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $16,600 | discontinued | 1.8L I4 | — |
| S | $19,300 | discontinued | 2.0L I4 | — |
| EX | $21,300 | discontinued | 2.0L I4 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-kia-forte-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2015&make=Kia&m…
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,200–2,300/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/forte
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-forte-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2017 Kia Forte have?
Documented issue patterns include: 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension; Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?
Practical, feature-rich compact with lingering Nu engine oil-consumption and seizure risk under recall; check service history before buying.
How much did the 2017 Kia Forte cost new?
Between $16,600 and $21,300 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Kia Forte expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $450–500/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.