# Kia Forte brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 13 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (4) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 13 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Kia Forte (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (4). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Kia Forte brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 262 | 1% | | 2016 | 1 | 138 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 305 | 1% | | 2020 | 3 | 78 | 4% | | 2021 | 1 | 69 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 66 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Kia Forte brake warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Kia Forte has 11 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Kia Forte page](/vehicles/kia-forte) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Kia Forte owners report - "The system fully engaged the brakes without warning while traveling at highway speed, scraping the brake rotors and creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended. This occurred multiple times. The following day ([XXX], the brake pedal would not depress at all, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The dealership..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2025 - "1.Vehicle on spots of highway will apply the forward collision warning system and suddenly brake that may cause a collision with vehicle behind it. 2. Theft is sweeping the nation for Kia/Hyundai vehicles and this vehicle is a target. Hyundai/Kia need to install security protocols on their product as this should..." -- owner of a 2021 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2022 - "Despite having my foot slightly on the brake and off the gas pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate and decelerate as I made the turn into my residence. The Forte exhibited irregular and sluggish shifting, displaying a reluctance to engage or maintain gears, as well as experiencing missed or delayed gear..." -- owner of a 2020 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Forte brake light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Kia Forte years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2020 Forte model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 4 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Forte with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Kia Forte has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia Forte warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-forte): 19 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-forte): 10 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-forte): 184 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-forte): 19 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-forte): 54 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-forte): 9 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Kia Forte - [Kia Forte specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-forte) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-forte Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.