2017 Kia Forte Koup
Introduction
The 2017 Kia Forte Koup is a sporty compact car that offers a balanced blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and style. It is available with two engine options: a 1.8-liter inline-four and a 2.0-liter inline-four, both paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Despite its sporty demeanor, the Forte Koup has a comfortable interior and a host of features that make it a practical choice for daily driving.
- Body Styles: Coupe
- Engines:
- 1.8L GDI I4 (145 hp, 130 lb-ft torque)
- 2.0L GDI I4 (164 hp, 151 lb-ft torque)
- Transmissions:
- 6-speed Manual
- 6-speed Automatic
- Pros:
- Sporty handling and performance
- Fuel-efficient engines
- Extensive list of features for the price
- Cons:
- Limited rear-seat legroom
- Some cheap interior materials
Engine
1.8L GDI I4
Engine Stalling Description/Symptoms: The engine suddenly stalls while driving, especially at low speeds or when coming to a stop. Solution: Replace the throttle body. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Excessive Oil Consumption Description/Symptoms: The engine burns oil at an excessive rate, requiring frequent oil top-ups. Blue smoke may be present in the exhaust. Solution: Replace the piston rings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500 Recalls: None Found
2.0L GDI I4
Rough Idle Description/Symptoms: The engine idles rough or vibrates excessively at low RPMs. Solution: Clean or replace the idle air control valve. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 Recalls: None Found
Turbo Wastegate Failure Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger wastegate fails to open or close properly, leading to poor engine performance and increased exhaust temperatures. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500 Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-speed Manual
- Grinding Gears Description/Symptoms: The transmission grinds while shifting gears, especially when cold. Solution: Replace the synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 Recalls: None Found
6-speed Automatic
Slipping Gears Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips gears or struggles to shift smoothly. Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter. If the issue persists, the transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000 Recalls: None Found
Torque Converter Shudder Description/Symptoms: The transmission shudders or vibrates during acceleration or at certain speeds. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200 Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Rear Shock Absorbers Leaking Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorbers begin to leak, causing a loss of damping force and poor ride quality. Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Front Control Arm Bushings Worn Description/Symptoms: The front control arm bushings wear out, leading to clunking noises, excessive tire wear, and poor handling. Solution: Replace the control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. Solution: Diagnose and repair the electrical system to identify the cause of the battery drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails to charge the battery, causing electrical problems and eventually a dead battery. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 Recalls: None Found
Exterior
Door Lock Actuators Fail Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators fail, causing the doors to become inoperable. Solution: Replace the door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
Taillight Lens Moisture Description/Symptoms: Moisture accumulates inside the taillight lenses, causing foggy or blurry light output. Solution: Replace the taillight lenses. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250 Recalls: None Found
Interior
Power Window Switch Failure Description/Symptoms: The power window switch fails, causing the windows to become inoperable. Solution: Replace the power window switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 Recalls: None Found
Climate Control Fan Failure Description/Symptoms: The climate control fan fails, resulting in poor airflow and discomfort in the cabin. Solution: Replace the climate control fan motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
Summary
While the 2017 Kia Forte Koup is generally a reliable car, it is not without its potential issues. The most severe and costly issues include excessive oil consumption, turbo wastegate failure, and transmission slippage. However, these issues are relatively rare, and most owners experience few problems with their vehicles. The overall cost of repairs for the Forte Koup is on par with other compact cars in its class.