2018 Kia Forte: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 134 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (40% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine · May 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“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!”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull into a nearby gas station. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to Priddy Automotive, where the engine was taken apart, and the mechanic diagnosed that the engine had seized. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2025
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2025
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forte by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Kia Forte reliable?
NHTSA has 134 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Kia Forte. The most complained-about area is engine (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Forte problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 35,234 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Kia Forte have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.