Buy Kia Forte Tail Light Assembly

Background Info

Quick Take

The Kia Forte tail light-also called a rear combination lamp, tail lamp, or rear brake light-houses your running, stop-, turn-signal and reverse lights in one sealed unit. From 2019 forward most trims use bright, low-draw LEDs, while older years rely on dual-filament 2357/1157 bulbs. Keeping this lamp working matters for visibility, avoiding tickets and passing yearly inspections.

Fitment

Model Years & Body Styles

• 2009-2013 (TD) - Sedan, coupe, hatch; incandescent bulbs; inner/outer housings split. (Wikipedia)
• 2014-2018 (YD) - Redesigned housings; optional LED strips on upper trims; 10 A "TAIL RH/LH" fuses protect each side. (Fuse Box)
• 2019-2024 (BD) - Full LED outer lamp standard on S, GT-Line, and GT; base FE/LXS keep bulb-type outers but LED inner bar. (Kia Media)

Tip: Always match the eighth digit of your VIN with the catalog to avoid ordering the wrong side or sedan-versus-hatch lamp.

Key Features

What the Lamp Does

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LED versions illuminate about 200 ms faster than bulbs, providing an extra 15-foot stopping margin at highway speed. (Federal Register)

Safety & Legal

Rules to Know

• U.S. tail lights must meet FMVSS 108 for brightness, color, and durability.
• Driving with one burnt-out rear lamp is illegal in every state and can result in a "fix-it" ticket.
• Kia issued Service Action SA327 for 2017 YD sedans because moisture leaked past the pad seal; dealers replaced gaskets on both sides. (NHTSA Static)
• A separate 2016 bulletin covered condensation on earlier YD units. (NHTSA Static)

Common Problems

Issues Owners Report

• Burnt Bulb / LED segment out - Usually solved by a new 2357/1157 bulb or entire LED assembly. (Fuse Box)
• Water intrusion - Look for fogging; repair with updated pad seal per SA327. (NHTSA Static)
• Blown fuse - Check 10 A TAIL LH/RH or TAIL relay in dash panel. (Fuse Box)
• Cracked lens - State law bans red tape as a permanent fix; replace housing for full seal.

DIY Replacement

Step-by-Step (Bulb-Type Outer Lamp)

1. Open trunk and remove carpet cover.
2. Loosen two 10 mm nuts and a Phillips screw. (ManualsLib)
3. Pull lamp straight back; disconnect wiring.
4. Twist socket counter-clockwise, swap in a new bulb (2357 for tail/stop, 1156A for turn). (Kia)
5. Test lights before reinstalling.

LED Assembly Swap is identical except you skip step 4 and reinstall the new lamp as a whole.

Maintenance

Keep It Shining

• Clean lenses with mild soap; harsh chemicals craze the polycarbonate.
• Apply silicone grease to bulb sockets to slow corrosion.
• Verify both sides after washing-water pooling means the vent is blocked.

Upgrades

LED & Styling Options

Later-gen housings bolt into earlier 2014-2018 cars if you add resistors or re-pin the harness; it's mostly plug-and-play for 2019-up trims. (Forte Forums)
LED boards draw ~80 % less current than stock bulbs, easing alternator load and giving a crisper red glow. (RealTruck)

Design Evolution

Generations Explained

• Early TD lamps sweep onto the deck-lid.
• YD adds a boomerang motif and optional LED ribbon.
• BD shifts LEDs into an eye-catching horseshoe outline that ties into Kia's "Tiger Nose" theme. (Wikipedia)

Environmental

Recycling & Sustainability

Automakers increasingly mold housings from recycled ABS to slash CO₂ output; studies show reclaimed tail-lamp plastic keeps performance while cutting waste. (SAE International)
If your broken lamp can't be reused, drop it at an auto-recycling yard so the acrylic lens can be ground and re-pelletized. (Automotive Recyclers of Canada)

Cost & Value

What You'll Spend

• Bulb only: about $7 for the part and $95 labor if you pay a shop. (YourMechanic)
• Full bulb-type assembly: $60-$140 depending on year and side (DIY install).
• Full LED assembly: $150-$300 per side; labor adds roughly 0.5 hr at shop rates.

DIYing the job with basic tools saves most of the labor cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb fits my 2014 Forte sedan tail light?
A: Use a dual-filament 2357 or long-life 1157 variant for the outer running/stop lamp. (Fuse Box)

Q: Do 2019-2024 models use bulbs or LEDs?
A: Base trims keep incandescent outers, but every inner lamp and all higher trims get full LEDs. (Kia Media)

Q: My lamp fogs after rain-dangerous?
A: Light mist usually clears, but standing water can short LEDs. Replace the pad seal per SA327 if water collects. (NHTSA Static)

Q: Where is the fuse that feeds the tail lights?
A: Check the 10 A "TAIL LH/RH" micro-fuse in the dash panel behind the driver's side cover. (Fuse Box)

Q: Can I just tape a cracked lens?
A: Tape is temporary and may fail inspection. Replace the assembly for a watertight seal and correct light color per FMVSS 108. (Federal Register)

Q: Will LED swaps cause a fast-blink turn signal?
A: Yes, unless the lamp has built-in resistors. Add 6-ohm resistors or use a CANbus-ready kit. (Forte Forums)

Q: How long does a bulb last?
A: Standard bulbs average 2-5 years; LEDs often exceed 10 years because they run cooler and lack filaments.

Q: Is the left and right tail lamp interchangeable?
A: No-each side's shape is unique. Order by "LH" (driver) or "RH" (passenger) labeling.

Q: Does replacing the lamp void warranty?
A: Using a compliant aftermarket unit does not void the vehicle warranty under U.S. law (Magnuson-Moss Act).

Q: Are tail lights covered by Kia recall?
A: No full recall exists, but specific service actions cover gasket leaks on some 2014-2017 cars. (NHTSA Static)

Final Thoughts

Drive Safe

A bright, intact tail light keeps you legal and visible. Replace bulbs promptly, seal out moisture, and consider LED upgrades for extra punch and durability.