Complaint 2126361

Complaint Summary

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owner Narrative

I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tail lights are also affected. This is a serious safety hazard because it results in sudden and complete loss of exterior lighting (headlights and tail lights) while the vehicle is in motion at night. It significantly increases the risk of an accident. Online owner forums and repair shops confirm this issue is widespread in Kia vehicles, often traced to a failing multifunction headlight/turn signal switch. Despite the frequency of these failures, there has been no recall issued by Kia. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect in the 2016 Kia Forte and related models, as it directly compromises driver and passenger safety.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.