2017 Kia Forte

Introduction

The 2017 Kia Forte is a compact sedan with standard front-wheel drive. It is available with 2 engine options: a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. The 1.8L engine is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.0L engine is offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Forte has been praised for its affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. However, there have been some reported issues with the vehicle.

Component Issues

Engine

• 1.8L Engine
  • Oil leaks: Oil may leak from the valve cover gasket. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, low oil levels, and oil spots on the ground. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+.
  • Timing belt tensioner failure: The timing belt tensioner may fail, causing the timing belt to slip or break. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, difficulty starting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the timing belt and tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+.
• 2.0L Engine
  • No significant issues reported

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Grinding gears: The transmission may grind when shifting into gear. Symptoms include a metal-on-metal grinding sound when shifting. The solution is to replace the clutch and/or synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,500+.
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Slipping gears: The transmission may slip when shifting gears. Symptoms include a loss of power when accelerating, a delay in shifting, and a shuddering sensation. The solution is to replace the transmission fluid and filter, or to rebuild the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,500+.

Suspension

• No significant issues reported

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery may drain quickly, even when the car is turned off. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting, and dim lights. The solution is to replace the battery or find and fix any electrical drains. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+.
• Electrical shorts: There have been reports of electrical shorts in the wiring harness. Symptoms include flickering lights, electrical components that do not work, and a burning smell. The solution is to repair or replace the affected wiring harness. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $1,000+.

Exterior

• No significant issues reported

Interior

• Sun visor clips: The sun visor clips may break, causing the sun visor to fall down. Symptoms include a loose or drooping sun visor. The solution is to replace the sun visor clips. Estimated cost to fix: $50 - $150+.
• Dashboard cracks: The dashboard may develop cracks. Symptoms include visible cracks on the dashboard surface. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+.

Summary

The 2017 Kia Forte has a few reported issues, but most are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. The most severe and costly issue is the timing belt tensioner failure, which can lead to engine damage if not repaired promptly. Overall, the Forte is a reliable and affordable compact sedan with a comfortable interior and good fuel efficiency.