VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Kia Forte sits mid-pack among Forte years: 188 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 204, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 61 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

188

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted639 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 317 complaints2011: 213 complaints2012: 403 complaints2013: 272 complaints2014: 639 complaints2015: 323 complaints2016: 195 complaints2017: 431 complaints2018: 188 complaints2019: 213 complaints2020: 95 complaints2021: 95 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 94 complaints2024: 40 complaints
Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6132%
Other3016%
Electrical System169%
Airbags169%
Speed Control105%
Transmission84%
Fuel System74%
Body & Structure74%
Lighting63%
Steering53%
Tires & Wheels53%
Latches & Locks42%
Brakes42%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Seat Belts21%
Driver Assistance21%
Suspension11%
Seats11%

Does the 2018 Kia Forte have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V031000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2022 · 410,619 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury 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.

21V622000Latches & LocksAugust 9, 2021 · 253,074 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

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.

21V260000EngineApril 13, 2021 · 4,069 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2025 · fire

“I WAS ENTERING AN ONRAMP AT ABOUT 15MPH; A CAR YIELDED IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES AND YET SLID INTO THE REAR OF THE FRONT CAR. I DID NOT STOP, EVEN WITH BRAKES APPLIED, AND SLID IN TO THE FRONT ACRE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY KIA WAS TOTALED AND UNDRIVABLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 15, 2018 · crash

“I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 16, 2024 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 7, 2025 · fire

“Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 23, 2024

2018 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Forte reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forte: 188 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (61 complaints), other (30 complaints), airbags (16 complaints).

Does the 2018 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Forte years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011. The cleanest record among Forte years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Kia Forte earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.