Recall 17V773 affects 134,366 2012-2014 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles for a faulty brake pedal stopper pad. Free repair at franchised Kia dealers.
Kia is recalling 134,366 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles because the brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate and leave the brake lights on after the pedal is released. The same defect can let the transmission shift out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal, increasing crash risk; the Kia dealer repair will be free once Kia opens it.
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What's wrong?
The brake pedal stopper pad in the 2012-2014 Kia Forte and Forte Koup is a small pad mounted at the brake pedal assembly. When the brake pedal is released, the pad helps the brake light switch read the pedal position correctly. That signal controls the rear brake lights and helps the shifter interlock know whether the brake pedal is being pressed.
On included vehicles, the stopper pad material breaks down. When the pad deteriorates, the brake light switch plunger stays extended even after the driver releases the pedal. The vehicle then reads the brake as applied when it is not. That false signal leaves the brake lights on, lets the shift lever move without pressing the brake pedal, and triggers the engine management brake override feature.
Owners can notice the traction control warning lamp before the problem is found. Brake lights that stay on after parking are another practical sign to mention when calling a Kia dealer.
Who's affected?
Forte and Forte Koup use the same hydraulic brake system coverage across the 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years.
| 2014 Kia Forte | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Forte Koup | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 Kia Forte Koup | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Kia Forte Koup | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Kia Forte | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 Kia Forte | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 134,366 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake light switch plunger that stays retracted can leave the brake lights on when you are not braking, so drivers behind you do not get a clear signal when the vehicle slows or stops. It can also allow the transmission to shift out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal. Treat a traction control warning lamp as a reason to call a Kia dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Kia dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Kia Forte or Forte Koup is included in this recall.
- Use Kia's January 30, 2018 owner notice to confirm when the brake-pedal stopper pad repair is ready for your vehicle.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions, and reference recall number 17V773 (Kia recall SC158).
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer once the repair is open to schedule the free brake-pedal stopper pad replacement that fixes the brake-light switch plunger problem.
- Bring the recall notice to the dealer if Kia mailed one.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician will replace the brake pedal stopper pad. The final dealer repair is not listed as available yet, so confirm timing with Kia or the dealer before planning a service visit. Once available, the replacement part and labor will be free under recall 17V773. If you already paid for a related brake pedal stopper pad repair, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses already incurred. Keep your repair invoice and payment records, then contact Kia customer service or ask the dealer how to submit the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 1, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 24, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 24, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V773?
Recall 17V773 covers 134,366 2012-2014 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles with a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate. When that pad fails, the brake lights can stay on and the shift lever can move out of PARK without the brake pedal pressed.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Kia Forte or Forte Koup is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V773. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer and ask for the brake pedal stopper pad replacement under Kia recall SC158. Reference recall 17V773 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia's recall remedy says dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad free of charge. Recall repairs are handled at franchised Kia dealers, and the dealer can confirm scheduling and parts status for your VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is inaccurate brake-light behavior and unintended shifting from PARK. If the brake lights stay on, drivers behind you cannot reliably tell when the vehicle is slowing or stopping. If the shifter moves without the brake pedal pressed, crash risk increases.
What if I bought my Kia Forte used?
The free recall repair still follows the vehicle. Check your VIN, even if you never received a Kia owner letter, then call a franchised Kia dealer with recall 17V773 or Kia recall SC158. Used ownership does not cancel the recall remedy.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V773000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V773 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V773000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →