KiaFORTE YDM2017Overview/kia/forte-ydm/2017/base/

2017 Kia FORTE YDM

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2017 Forte.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2017 Kia Forte is a compact passenger car built on Kia’s contemporary platform and equipped with an automatic S6 transmission that delivers a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg (25 mpg city/33 mpg highway). Its powertrain is serviced with 4.2‑4.7 L of engine oil at a viscosity of 5W‑30 or 5W‑20, aligning with the model’s engineering specifications. Across the 2009‑2024 model span, the Forte has accumulated 300 owner complaints, most frequently centered on the engine, and has been subject to three recalls, placing the 2017 iteration near the lower end of the complaint spectrum after the 2014 peak of 437 complaints. Consequently, the 2017 model is regarded as relatively reliable within the Forte’s overall history.

Model year202420232022202120202019201820172016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2-4.7OEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque79-94 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy25/33/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 121R · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 121R · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnMULTIOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215/45R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length179.5 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height56.3 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Curb weight2906 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined25 / 33 / 28 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume96 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Forte of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.6–8.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.60 sec — 2017 Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.00 sec201 hpFWD
2017Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.30 sec201 hpFWD
2017S Sedan 2.0L I-48.30 sec16.30 sec147 hpFWD
2017EX Sedan 2.0L I-48.40 sec16.50 sec147 hpFWD
2017S Sedan 2.0L I-48.70 sec16.80 sec147 hpFWD
2015Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.90 sec15.30 sec201 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.40 sec14.90 sec201 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.10 sec201 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2-4.7 of 5W-30 / 5W-20 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.5
Clutch FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity6.0
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity6.2
Engine Oil5W-30 · API · 5W-20

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.7-56.4 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)14.4-28.9 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)28.9-36.2 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts22.0-33.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug32.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub202.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)GDI: 700; MPI: 640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)GDI: 700; MPI: 680 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)GDI: 700; MPI: 640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)GDI: 700; MPI: 680 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.11-1.22 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.38-4.06 oz
Standard BCI Group Number121R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number48

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)47
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)72
Engine Compression156-178 PSI. 14 MAXIMUM VARIATION PSI.
Engine Compression178-199 PSI. 15 MAXIMUM VARIATION PSI.

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront or rear: 16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 58-; Rear: 47-
ABS Sensor Torque8.5
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .880; Rear: .331
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishStamped on rotor
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: .0002; Rear: .0004

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 4 stages
1M6 Bolts52 in
2M6 Bolts104–112 in
3M8 Bolts84 in
414.0-17.0
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

1108.0-120.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts108–120 in
114.0-17.0 ft. lbs.14–17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply a 2.0-3.0mm patch of RTV or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-9590 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miAir Intake Duct (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Intercooler (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2017 Forte sits in the middle of the second generation, where complaint volumes had already receded from the 2014 peak of 437 but then rose to 300 in 2017, higher than both the preceding year (258 in 2015) and the following year (134 in 2018). This suggests a temporary spike in reported issues for the 2017 model, even as investigations dropped to zero and recalls held steady at three—a typical count for the generation. Engine complaints dominate the 2017 record at 88, far outpacing other categories, though the data does not specify a root cause. With 139 technical service bulletins, the 2017 model still carried a relatively high number of manufacturer-acknowledged service items, though this was part of a declining trend from the 2014 high. While not the most problematic year in the generation, the elevated complaint count and engine-related concerns make the 2017 Forte a riskier choice than later years like 2018; a thorough pre-purchase inspection is advisable, but a well-maintained example with addressed recalls could still be a reasonable buy.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
139
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
300
Owner complaints
23 involved a crash · 9 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 300 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine88
Exterior Lighting25
Unknown Or Other22
Air Bags11
Engine & Engine Cooling11
Electrical System10
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System9
Fuel/Propulsion System8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V031000Air BagsReported 25/01/2022

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… Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed…

21V622000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LatchReported 09/08/2021

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… Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 139 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
PI2106_OWNR_5012026-04-01Electrical SystemPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2106 FLIGHT 501) - This document is…
TSB_CS2312_R12026-02-18StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS23122025-12-17StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2312_OWNR2025-12-17StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Forte. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2017 Forte take?

4.2-4.7 of With Turbo: 5W-30 API Use lubricant equivalent to ACEA A5/B5, Without Turbo: 5W-20 API SM., per the factory manual.

Does the 2017 Forte have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Forte get?

EPA figures are 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined mpg.