2017 Kia Forte Reliability ReportB grade · low risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2017 Kia Forte
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (2.0l gdi) (moderate severity).
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags.
- Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Kia Forte earns a 88.
Is the 2017 Kia Forte Worth Buying?
The 2017 Kia Forte is a strong contender in the compact sedan segment, offering impressive value and a generally robust powertrain, especially with the 6-speed automatic. While it’s not without its quirks, primarily related to GDI engine maintenance and minor electrical annoyances, a well-maintained Forte represents one of the most cost-effective and dependable choices in the used car market for budget-conscious buyers.
The 2017 Kia Forte is an excellent choice for a reliable and affordable used compact car. Its conventional 6-speed automatic transmission avoids the pitfalls of the later IVT, and while the GDI engine needs attention, it's a known quantity. With a thorough pre-purchase inspection and diligent adherence to its mainte…
Best Model Years
2017-2018 (before the introduction of the IVT in 2019 models)
Years to Avoid
None specifically for the Forte, but generally be warier of earlier (pre-2017) GDI engines without clear maintenance history.
Biggest Strengths
- Excellent value proposition and feature set for the price
- Generally reliable 6-speed automatic transmission (not the problematic IVT)
- Strong safety ratings and available driver-assist features
What Tends to Fail First on the 2017 Kia Forte
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Kia Forte, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 2.0L GDI engine can suffer from carbon buildup on intake valves, leading to misfires, reduced performance, and increased fuel consumption. Some owners report minor oil consumption, particularly as mileage increases.
Common complaints include failing TPMS sensors, intermittent infotainment system glitches (e.g., touchscreen unresponsiveness, Bluetooth connectivity issues), and occasional climate control fan motor failures.
Front suspension components, such as strut mounts and sway bar links, can develop clunking noises over time due to wear, particularly on vehicles driven on rough roads. Control arm bushings can also prematurely wear.
2017 Kia Forte Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Kia Forte most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
This mileage primarily covers routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin air filters. Any issues encountered here are usually minor electrical glitches or early wear on brake pads.
Maintenance Zone
At this point, expect more significant preventative maintenance such as transmission fluid changes, spark plugs (especially GDI), and possibly addressing early signs of suspension component wear. Carbon cleaning for GDI engines should be…
Elevated Risk Zone
Beyond 90k, components like the alternator, starter motor, and further suspension wear become more likely. The GDI engine might start showing more pronounced carbon-related issues or minor oil consumption if not previously addressed.
High Risk Zone
While many Fortes continue strong past 120k with good maintenance, this range brings an increased risk of major component failures, including engine top-end issues due to neglect of GDI cleaning, or significant transmission wear if fluid…
2017 Kia Forte Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Kia Forte on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 2017 Kia Forte Last?
Focus on examples with under 75,000 miles if possible, ensuring a solid service history to mitigate risks of GDI carbon buildup and prolong overall vehicle life.
What 2017 Kia Forte Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Excellent bang for the buck, great features for the price point
- Comfortable and quiet ride for a compact sedan
- Good fuel economy for daily commuting
- Attractive styling, both inside and out
Common Frustrations
- Noticeable road noise at highway speeds
- Interior materials, while durable, feel a bit cheap in places
- Acceleration can feel sluggish with the base 2.0L MPI engine
- Stiff suspension can lead to a slightly firm ride over rough pavement
Who Should Buy the 2017 Kia Forte?
Best For
- Budget-conscious commuters seeking value and features
- First-time car buyers looking for a dependable entry-level sedan
- Urban drivers needing a nimble and efficient daily vehicle
Not Ideal For
- Performance enthusiasts seeking thrilling acceleration
- Buyers prioritizing luxury interior materials and ultra-refined ride quality
How the 2017 Kia Forte Compares to Rivals
The 2017 Forte offers a superior value proposition compared to its Japanese rivals, often providing more features for the price, though it doesn't quite match their long-term, set-it-and-forget-it reliability reputation.
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Sentra (CVT issues)
- Ford Focus (dual-clutch transmission issues)
- Chevrolet Cruze (earlier engine reliability concerns)
Comparable To
- Hyundai Elantra (mechanical sibling)
- Mazda 3 (slightly better handling, similar reliability)
2017 Kia Forte Recall History
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
What breaks on the 2017 Kia Forte?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2017 Kia Forte? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Other Kia Forte Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Kia Forte. Click any year for its full report.
2017 Kia Forte Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Kia Forte
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Kia Forte
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2017 Kia Forte? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Kia Forte's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Kia Forte
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.