2018 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model

2018 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:36:59.526Z

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 PER YEAR

2018: 135 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	153
2012	290
2013	195
2014	440
2015	259
2016	135
2017	301
2018	135
2019	147
2020	75
2021	67
2022	26
2023	61
2024	24

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 42%

42% of complaints: engine — 57 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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 deployed

NHTSA ODI report, 20240211

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, 20181121

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, 20180625

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The car was stolen

NHTSA ODI report, 20230920

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210816 — engine and engine cooling

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

R 20220210 — latches/locks/linkages

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

R 20220321 — air bags

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