2018 Kia Forte
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 152 |
| 2012 | 289 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 437 |
| 2015 | 257 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 300 |
| 2018 | 134 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 56 |
| 2024 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: engine — 57 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE12% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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 deployed
NHTSA ODI report, 20240211
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, 20181121
"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, 20180625
10% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V260000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V622000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V031000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V260000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V622000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Forte have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.