Recall 18V771 affects 1,754 2019 Kia Forte vehicles with mis-aimed LED headlights. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 1,754 2019 Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights because the low beams were built with incorrect aim. Improperly aimed headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk, and Kia dealers will inspect and adjust the headlight aim free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The LED headlamps on the 2019 Kia Forte are the front lighting units that provide low beam visibility for night driving and poor weather. The low beams have to be aimed correctly so the light pattern lands where the safety standard requires, instead of being set outside the approved range.
On affected Forte vehicles, the supplier used a master headlamp on the production line to set the aim of other headlamps. That master headlamp was not adjusted accurately. As a result, the installed low beams were built with incorrect aiming and did not meet FMVSS 108 for lamps and related equipment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The vehicle does not give the driver a specific symptom for this defect, because the issue is the headlamp aim itself, not a part that makes noise, leaks, or changes pedal feel.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Kia Forte | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,754 |
Not every 2019 Kia Forte sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly aimed headlights reduce the driver's view of the road and increase the risk of a crash, especially when the beam does not land where it should. Until the inspection is complete, use extra caution after dark and schedule the dealer visit soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Kia Forte is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free headlight inspection and replacement that corrects the low-beam aim.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V771 and Kia recall SC171 when you call.
- Avoid night driving until the headlights are inspected or replaced; reduced visibility raises crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the LED headlight aim and replaces the headlights if the low beams are not aimed correctly. The inspection, replacement headlights, and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a headlight aiming or replacement repair tied to this recall, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork and receipts to the Kia service desk, or contact Kia customer service for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 31, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 26, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 26, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V771?
Recall 18V771 covers 1,754 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The low beams were not aimed correctly during manufacturing, so the vehicles fail FMVSS 108. Kia dealers will inspect the headlight aim and replace headlights, as needed, for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Kia Forte is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Forte is included in recall 18V771. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the headlight inspection. Reference Kia recall number SC171 when you call. The inspection and any required headlight replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall remedy at no cost, and Kia will inspect the headlight aim and replace headlights, as needed, free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer under recall 18V771.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V771?
The safety risk is reduced nighttime or low-light visibility from incorrectly aimed low beams. In recall 18V771, that reduced visibility increases crash risk. Kia's free dealer remedy is to inspect the headlight aim and replace the headlights when the inspection shows replacement is needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V771000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V771 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V771000 |
Source documents
-
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 →