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2019 Kia Forte Lights Problems

8 owner-reported lights complaints from NHTSA data

8
Complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crashes
Jan 2025Oct 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Lights Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #18V771000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.

Owner Complaints (8)

mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2026

Your third brake light (the one in the center of your rear window) burned out and started melting at 65,000 miles. Your dashboard didn't show any warning lights about this problem. The dealer suggested running a diagnostic test but didn't actually diagnose or repair it, and Kia said the problem isn't covered under warranty. The fix will likely involve replacing the third brake light assembly and possibly checking the wiring or electrical connection causing it to overheat.

NHTSA #: 11714519
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Jan 2025

My brake lights are continuously going out. I replace them and immediately they are out again. There is nothing wrong with the bulb. There is something going with the car. Every time I change the bulb they go out and this has been a few times already

NHTSA #: 11637640
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Aug 2024

It’s very hard to see at night and I know there is a recall for 2019 Kia forte with low beam aiming the recall is SC171. Also when I start driving I hear a rattling sound and there is another recall for 2019 Kia fortes. Power train axle assembly. The recall is SC195

NHTSA #: 11606729
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Apr 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA #: 11586062
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING
Filed: Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side high beam lights, low beam lights, and indicators had failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the light bulbs were replaced; however, the failure recurred several times within 3 months. The contact stated that the passenger's side low beam headlight, indicator, and the headlight were not working as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be charged a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA #: 11540114
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2020

EVERYTIME I AM ON THE HIGHWAY, THEN EITHER COME TO A COMPLETE STOP OR TRY TO TURN TO GO UP A HILL. IT WON'T KICK IN TO GEAR. THD RPMS GO WAY UP AND IT ALMOST STOPS RUNNING. ITS BEEN HAPPENING LIKE FOR A WEEK NOW. ITS GETTING WORSE. MY HEADLIGHTS ALSO SEEM LIKE THEY ARE POINTED TO LOW TO THE GROUND. PLEASE HELP I USE MY CAR FOR WORK. THANK YOU

NHTSA #: 11348606
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Feb 2020

THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, LIGHTING WAS LIMITED, THE SENSORS DID NOT WORK

NHTSA #: 11307414
mediumEXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Oct 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND THE CONTACT DID NOT SEE AN ANIMAL IN THE ROAD. TO AVOID THE ANIMAL, THE CONTACT VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *DT*JB

NHTSA #: 11271614

Other 2019 Kia Forte Issues