# Kia Forte oil pressure warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 54 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (20) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 54 owner complaints about the oil pressure warning light on the Kia Forte (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (20). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Kia Forte oil pressure warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the oil pressure light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 14 | 262 | 5% | | 2016 | 6 | 138 | 4% | | 2017 | 20 | 305 | 7% | | 2018 | 6 | 136 | 4% | | 2019 | 3 | 150 | 2% | | 2020 | 4 | 78 | 5% | | 2022 | 1 | 28 | 4% | 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 oil pressure warning 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. 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 - "The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. There was a puddle of oil near the vehicle. While driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact..." -- owner of a 2022 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2024 - "In addition, the contact stated the vehicle began to lose motive power and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact stated the accelerator pedal would not function properly after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact was..." -- owner of a 2020 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2024 - "There is a creaking noise and when I specifically turn left, it will trigger the oil light and it will flash. Recently, it has not been starting. It has definitely put my life and other at risk but I have no choice but to drive it because of work and school." -- owner of a 2019 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 oil pressure warning light means The red oil pressure light means oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine. The most common cause is a low oil level, but a failing pressure sensor, a worn oil pump, or a clogged pickup can also do it. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe; running without oil pressure can destroy the engine in minutes. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low oil level** (most common) 2. **Failing oil pressure sensor or switch** (common) 3. **Wrong or very old oil** (less common) 4. **Clogged oil pickup or failing oil pump** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Forte oil pressure light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (21V260000) covering 2017-2018 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 oil pressure light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Forte model years have the most complaints mentioning the oil pressure warning light, with 20 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 oil pressure light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut off the engine. Only drive again if adding oil turns the light off immediately and the engine sounds normal; otherwise have it towed. ### 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 - [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 - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-forte): 9 complaints ## Oil pressure warning light on other models - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-soul): 230 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-tucson): 202 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-santa-fe): 175 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints - [Kia K5](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-k5): 159 complaints - [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints - [Kia Sportage](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints ## Kia Forte - [Kia Forte specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-forte) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-forte Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.