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Vehicle safety record

2018 Kia Forte Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 136 complaints about the 2018 Kia Forte with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (61) and the airbags (16). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 3 fires and 9 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in January 2022 for the air bags. For comparison, the 2017 has 305 and the 2019 has 150.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Forte year, for its age

#60 most complained-about 2018 vehicle

Complaints
136
Recalls
3
Crashes
13
Fires
3
Injuries
9
Deaths
0

Most common 2018 Kia Forte problems

Share of all 136 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2018 Kia Forte recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags

22V031000410,619 vehicles affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
The risk
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

Latch

21V622000253,074 vehicles affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

Engine and engine cooling: pump

21V2600004,069 vehicles affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
The risk
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.

What owners say

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136 complaints about the 2018 Kia Forte

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.

Fuel system

There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11761532
Engine & cooling

The contact's son owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the oil pressure warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but there was white smoke coming from the engine. The contact raised the hood and inspected...

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the engine, and the smoke had ceased. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized due to a lack of engine oil, even though the engine oil had been changed in June. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V260000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,300.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11761101
Lights

Have to replace running lights every 4-6 months on both of my headlights. Happened every 4-6 months since I got the car in 2017

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11734041
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The dealer kept the vehicle for nine months and performed an oil change. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the oil gasket cover, but the failure recurred with the engine making knocking sounds....

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The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11726619
Engine & cooling

Recently, while my boyfriend was driving my vehicle, the engine suddenly lost power without warning. He had the accelerator pedal fully depressed, yet the vehicle would barely move. He was fortunate to safely maneuver the vehicle off the road. Upon inspection, he discovered there was no oil present in the engine. Critically, neither the low oil warning light nor the check engine light had illuminated prior to this failure, providing absolutely no warning of a severe mechanical problem. After adding oil and...

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performing a proper oil change, the engine began violently shuddering and shaking upon startup, and only then did the check engine light illuminate. The vehicle was immediately towed to an authorized Kia dealership, where I was informed that the timing chain had failed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11720401
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

While driving the car with the flow of busy traffic, the engine failed and the car stopped. It eventually turn back on (side of the road) but now drives with hesitation, a strange noise, and with the engine light on. This cycle continued until we arrived at the repair shop. And after much research, it seems that this experience is common for other Kia engines. Why was mine not included? Someone could have been badly injured!

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11719191
Engine & coolingFuel system

Engine would run fast and then sound like was going to stop and then it would start shaking and rumbling while driving on highway and in town. Car would stall while at a stop. Gas smells inside the car. Did not feel safe driving. Had the car towed to an independent garage on February 7th and They did an oil change, change 2 Sensors, changed all the spark plugs and changed all 4 Cylinders and on the way home from Starks garage the car was doing the same as before going to the garage with gas smells inside the car,...

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shaking, rumbling and stalling of the engine. And the car wanting to stall while on the highway speed limit of going 60 mph. the next morning My mom and stepdad had the car towed again to another mechanic close to them at Hudson Import Automotive -Napa Auto Care and they emailed a list of problems after inspecting the car. Attaching the list of codes from a diagnostic test from Auto Zone Store # 00791 , and the Estimate for Service from Hudson Import Automotive - Napa Auto Care. Have no paperwork from Starks mechanic shop.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11718356
Other & unknown

I went to Kia dealership in Groton CT 06340 for an oil change. They also fixed a recent recall, and after I picked up my car, both of my key fobs weren't working. I can't open my car. I can't lock my car and they are refusing to fix it. I contacted kia corporate. they were not helpful. What can I do here to have this situation resolved? I'm worried that the anti theft system doesn't work now on my car because my key fobs don't work at all.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11716854
Engine & cooling

No warning lights/ indicators at all. Well taken care of vehicle 84,400 miles on the vehicle second owner. Had an oil change and my husband noticed bad blow by, had it diagnosed by a mechanic. They said we need a whole new engine. Dont understand how this would happen unless some manufacturer defect. No recalls apparently for this vehicle. Seems to be a common issue. Really sucks that I dont even have 100000 miles and need a new engine. We got screwed over as first time buyers with a huge loan ended up paying...

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nearly 30000 dollars for this vehicle and the engine is already no good. I hope something comes of this because people are tired of getting screwed around by major corporations. Theres no reason why my engine should be no good with only 84400 miles and well maintained. Luckily my husband noticed when he did because who knows what would have happened if it had gone out while driving with no indicators that anything is wrong whatsoever. Could have been a bad crash for all I know.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11714332
Engine & cooling

The car turn off while driving it. This creates a serious safety concern. We took the car to a mechanic and he was not able to identify the problem, he suggested we take it to the dealership. We then took it to the kia dealer ( Covina) and they have had it for months and yet are not able to fix it. Yesterday we received a call telling us, the engine failure is related to the oil pressure and it would need a new engine. This is no longer covered under warranty. This same car has already had the engine replaced...

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once before. When we bought the Kia in 2018 (new) just weeks after we took it home, it required a new engine, which Kia replaced. The current issue appears to be related to oil pressure and is consistent with engine concerns reported on this model year.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11714130
Engine & cooling

While driving on U.S. 69 highway in Overland Park, Kansas, the engine in my 2018 Kia Forte suddenly failed without warning. I was entering the northbound lanes from the 95th Street on-ramp and was accelerating to merge at about 50 mph. There had been no prior warning lights or messages. Just after getting into the right lane to merge with traffic, the engine lost power and the car began slowing down quickly. I had vehicles behind me that were still moving at highway speed. I had to react immediately, and...

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fortunately the driver behind me was able to brake. I turned on my signal and coasted as best I could to the shoulder of the highway. Only after the failure did the check engine light come on. The engine never restarted and the vehicle had to be towed. This incident created a serious safety risk to me and to other drivers on the highway. A car entering the highway and then immediately losing power is not something other drivers expect, and I could have been hit from behind. There was no prior warning or symptom before the failure. The vehicle has since been diagnosed by a Kia dealer as needing an engine replacement.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11704388
Engine & cooling

My vehicle is using alot of oil and will not start the warning comes up is concerning the oil pump.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11700717
Brakes

Right break light fills up with water. Consistently changing break light bulbs due to moisture in the break light.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11697327
Engine & cooling

the engine was burning oil unknown to me. You had an oil change completed at 101k miles and 106k miles and there was no oil left in the engine per mechanic. This caused the check engine light to turn on. Upon running the engine scans the code for a crankshaft error was discovered. P0017 The mechanic has now stated that a new engine is required due to the damage done to the engine because of the oil loss.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11695139
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

ABS light, parking break light, tire pressure light, ESC light, and outdoor temperature and climate control all flicker and the speedometer stops working. Multiple cars with same make and model have same issue and are constantly in and out of the dealer with the issue unresolved.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11688679
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

Unknown. Fire was located under in the engine compartment area and fire was visible from below the engine under the car. When it happened I was driving on the freeway when noticed my car seemed to be struggling stay at the current speend and to loose speed then a it suddenly l no longer would accerlatoed so I pulled over to call 911 a passing vehicle stopped and informed me there was flames under my car. I safetly exited and called for emergency services. The Safety risk of major bodily harm by fire to myself ...

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or risk of harm to the environment around me a risk. The check engine light had come on before the fire. Reached out to manufacturer for a fire investigation and was instructed to take car to dealership to for service department to inspect. Was told a ETA of 2 weeks before they will check out my car.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11685190
Steering

Steering wheel making a clicking noise when turning both ways, stationed and moving, also rattles a lot when going over speed bumps, seems like a manufacturer defect as this is a common thing heard around these Kia's

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11675794
Engine & cooling

In January 2025, Shortly after an oil change (6-7days after), the vehicle first slowed down abruptly while driving and had a clinking sound. The vehicle was then pulled into a parking spot, refrained from driving due to the clinking sound. It was then towed to a Kia dealership in Jacksonville NC, diagnosed as engine failure at the cost of over $9000. The vehicle has been at the lot since January of 2025 because we can't afford the cost. Similar Kia vehicles have been recalled, and we would like this particular vehicle investigated. We purchased the vehicle in November of 2022 from a used car sales lot.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11674423
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Timing, VVT sensor. Oil pressure

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11672136
Engine & cooling

Same defective engine issue as other saftey recalls for other vehicles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11669687
Engine & cooling

Oil pressure problems blew the engines. Yes it's available to look at at this time Car stalled multiple times while driving Has been confirmed by two mechanics Oil light went on when stalled

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11665928
Other & unknown

About a week ago, I noticed small chips in the Pearl White paint on the hood of my Kia Forte 5. One of the chips has started a peeling of the paint which has benn steadily getting larger. This indicates a delamination is occurring. Many Kia owners have been posting about this with the Pearl White paint. I asked my local Kia service center in Redding, CA today about it. He said he knew nothing of this as a problem and said it looks like I got hit by rocks which caused the problem and offered no assistance in how to...

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resolve the problem. I hope someone will look into this issue and address the problem that many of us are experiencing. Thank you. [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11665548
AirbagsEngine & cooling

The engine went out in the middle of a busy highway road leading to a dangerous situation that I almost lost my life the vehicle was purchased in 2021. There shouldn't be no reason that the engine should have went out that quickly when maintenance was kept up not only that there was an airbag defected issue, which is a safety hazard as well. It was the most scariest situation ever when the engine shut off in the middle of the road. Also, there was many concerns of my vehicle being reported of also being almost stolen by Kia boys I have a report on that.

Filed Incident Air bags · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11657445
Body, doors & structure

Body paint on 2018 Kia Forte: Delamination of Snow White Pearl paint is causing peeling and bubbling on the car. Specific to the hood and driver car door at this time. It is available for inspection. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Per the car dealer they were unaware of an issue or recall. The vehicle was inspected by the Collision shop. There were no prior warning or symptoms prior to the paint peeling.

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11655640
Engine & cooling

While I was driving, the check engine light, oil pressure light and battery light came on and my engine shut down in the middle of the road multiple times. Right before the lights came on my engine started making a weird noise that sounded like puttering. I used a car scan tool that showed the camshaft senser B needed to be replaced. We replaced it and the issue wasn't resolved. I then checked online for any recalls and there is a recall SC210 that describes the exact issue I'm having. This recall should be reinvestigated. I will be calling the KIA Roadside Assistance number to have this fixed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11655148

Kia Forte: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202228131Engine & coolingA
2021692110Engine & coolingB
202078092Engine & coolingB
20191502114Transmission & drivetrainC
20181363133Engine & coolingC
201730532310Engine & coolingD
20165100Electrical systemA
201526211620Engine & coolingC
201444533236Engine & coolingF
All Forte years

2018 Kia Forte vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2018 Kia Forte

Does the 2018 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte: air bags (January 2022); latch (August 2021); pump (April 2021). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Forte?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (61), airbags (16), electrical system (16).

How many complaints has the 2018 Kia Forte had?

136 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 6, 2018 and the latest on September 2, 2026. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2018 Kia Forte a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 59 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Kia Forte year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia Forte years have the most complaints?

2014 (445), 2017 (305), 2012 (293). See every Kia Forte year compared.

What should I do if my 2018 Kia Forte has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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