Is the 2018 Kia Forte reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Forte is rated "typical".

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

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Forte have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model

2018 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:32.256Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 135
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2018: 135 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	154
2012	291
2013	195
2014	443
2015	262
2016	136
2017	305
2018	135
2019	150
2020	78
2021	69
2022	27
2023	65
2024	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

42% · 57 reports

CRASHFIRE

Air bags

12% · 16 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never…

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-11

Also filed under Service brakes

Takata recall. I was involved in an accident and crash head on into another car. The vehicle was totaled but the airbags never deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-21

Also filed under Structure

"Takata recall " I was in an accident. The initial impact was the front of the car and the drivers side airbag did not deploy. I ran a stop sign at aprox 35MPH and tee boned a truck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-25

Electrical system

12% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing key/sender.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The car was stolen

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-20

Vehicle speed control

7% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

Power train

6% · 8 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-08-16Engine and engine cooling21V260000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-02-10Latches/locks/linkages21V622000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-03-21Air bags22V031000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 57 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V260000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 21V622000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 22V031000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Kia Forte reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Forte is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Forte?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Forte have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.