# Kia Forte check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 184 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (50) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 184 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Kia Forte (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (50). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Kia Forte check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 45 | 262 | 17% | | 2016 | 15 | 138 | 11% | | 2017 | 50 | 305 | 16% | | 2018 | 20 | 136 | 15% | | 2019 | 17 | 150 | 11% | | 2020 | 22 | 78 | 28% | | 2021 | 5 | 69 | 7% | | 2022 | 3 | 28 | 11% | | 2023 | 4 | 66 | 6% | | 2024 | 3 | 26 | 12% | 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. ## Kia Forte recalls related to the check engine light **[21V260000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V260000)** (2017-2018 models, reported 2021-04-13): 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. **[20V459000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V459000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-08-05): A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Forte owners report - "2 months after I biught car, engine light came off..and will only be off if I woul release gas cap severl times etc..in feb 2025 the dealer said its 02 sensor I had it replaced, 2 weeks later its exacly same..I have read the codea and catalitic converter and emission exhaust and 02 sensor all failes..I need a new..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2025 - "The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera the backup camera was replaced the backup camera now messes up all the time and does not cut on when backing up randomly cut on when driving Kia issue was flashing lights, but they decided to worry about the..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2025 - "The check engine comes on and when I'm gonna take it to the dealership. It turns off. Dealership claims they can't work on it because the endcheck light is no longer on." -- owner of a 2022 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 check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Forte check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (21V260000, 20V459000) covering 2017-2019 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Forte years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2020 Forte model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 50 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-forte): 13 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Kia Forte - [Kia Forte specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-forte) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-forte Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.