What Size Bulbs Does a 2017 Kia Forte Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Moderate (Dust covers often present)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2017 Kia Forte Have?
The 2017 Kia Forte features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with HID-D5S LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Forte has been available from 2010 to 2023, and the 2017 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2017 Kia Forte?
To upgrade the 2017 Kia Forte headlights to LED, you will need a HID-D5S LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a H8 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2017 Kia Forte
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. On the 2017 Forte, you will likely encounter rubber dust covers behind the headlight housing. These pull off by hand or unscrew depending on the design. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the H8 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2017 Kia Forte Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D5S LED | Buy HID-D5S LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H8 LED | Buy H8 LED |
Brake Light | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Side Marker | 2357 LED | Buy 2357 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2357NA LED | Buy 2357NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156NA LED | Buy 1156NA LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2017 Kia ForteHow Long Do 2017 Kia Forte Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2017 Kia Forte have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 9 years old, the original bulbs on your Forte are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2017 Kia Forte?
The D5S low beam bulb on the 2017 Kia Forte is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact D5S size. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2017 Kia Forte Headlight FAQ
Did Kia Forte Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2010 to 2023, the Kia Forte has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2017 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2019. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2017 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Forte Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D5S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D5S LED low beam bulb: