2017 Kia Forte — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $6,000–$10,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
Inexpensive, well-equipped, and inoffensive. The 2.0L Nu engine avoided the worst of Kia's engine scandal, and the six-speed automatic is a conventional torque-converter unit rather than a CVT. Check the recalls, then treat it as basic transportation that works.
Known Issues for the 2017 Kia Forte
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Kia extended engine coverage across a range of models after the Theta II fallout. Less common on the Nu engine but not unheard of. A knock means walk.
Repair cost range: $0 if covered, $4,000-$6,000 if not
Part of the broad Hyundai/Kia recall for brake fluid leaking into the ABS module. Verify closure on the VIN.
Repair cost range: $0 recall
A knock or click through the steering wheel at low speed. Covered by a TSB on many builds.
Repair cost range: $200-$600
Peeling on horizontal surfaces, particularly on white cars.
Repair cost range: $700-$2,000
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Engine knock or tick
- ✗Open recall on the NHTSA lookup
- ✗Peeling clear coat
- ✗No maintenance records at all — common on cars at this price
Good Signs
- ✓Recalls closed with dealer paperwork
- ✓Original owner still inside the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- ✓Conventional automatic, not a CVT
Found a specific Kia Forte?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Kia Forte in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.