2018+ Kia Forte Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb Replacement
Is the turn signal light of your Kia Forte not working? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing your vehicle’s light bulb. This guide is a step-by-step on replacing the rear blinker/turn signal light bulb on a Kia Forte 2018 to 2022.
At a Glance
- Fits: 2018 to 2022 Kia Forte
- Bulb: PY21W (amber)
- Access: through the rear wheel well liner and lower shield
- Tools: jack and stands, screwdrivers, 10mm and 11mm sockets
- Sign of a dead bulb: fast flashing on that side
Diagnose the Turn Signal by Symptom
- Fast flashing (hyper flash) on one side: a bulb on that side is burned out or has a bad socket.
- One side does not flash at all: check the bulbs and sockets on that side first.
- Neither side works, and hazards also fail: suspect the flasher relay or its fuse.
- Hazards work but turn signals do not: the turn signal switch on the steering column is the likely cause.
- Signals work only sometimes: a failing relay or a loose connector.
On the 2018 and newer Forte the flasher function is handled by the body control module rather than a plug in relay, so if neither side works, check the fuses and the multifunction switch first.
What you will need
- Light Bulb PY21W
- Floor Jack
- Jack Stands
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Mechanic Metric Toolset
- 10mm Socket
- 11mm Socket
Procedure
- Jack up the vehicle’s back and support the vehicle with jack stands.
- Remove the screw on the rear wheel well by turning it counterclockwise using a Phillips screwdriver.


- Remove the two push clips on the rear wheel well by pulling them out using a flat screwdriver.

- Remove the two 10mm bolts on the plastic shield below the rear bumper. Use a 10mm socket and turn it counterclockwise to remove the bolt.

- Remove the four push clips on the plastic shield below the rear bumper. Use a flat screwdriver to pull the push clips out.

- Remove the 11mm plastic nut on the back of the plastic shield by turning it counterclockwise using an 11mm socket.

- Pull the plastic trim out of the vehicle.
- Locate the rear blinker/turn signal light socket on the back of the brake light and blinker light assembly.

- Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise and pulling it out from the assembly.

- Remove the light bulb from the socket. Press the light bulb and twist it counterclockwise to remove it.

- Install the new light bulb. Line up the light bulb into the socket, then press it in and twist it clockwise to set it into place.

- Place the socket back into the assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it into position.

- Line up the plastic shield below the rear bumper, then reinstall bolts and push clips.
- Reinstall the screw and two push clips on the rear wheel well.
- Check the new light bulb by switching the turn signal/blinker light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bulb is the Kia Forte rear turn signal?
A PY21W amber bulb on 2018 to 2022 models. Check the old bulb before buying in case your trim differs.
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Why does my Kia Forte turn signal flash fast?
A bulb on that side is burned out or has a bad socket connection. Replace the bulb and check the socket for corrosion.
Do I have to remove the bumper to change the rear turn signal bulb?
No. You reach it through the rear wheel well after removing a few screws and clips.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia.













