Severe Issues

2018 KIA FORTE Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Forte. This model year has 134 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

134
Complaints
13
Crashes
3
Fires
9
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
3
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2018 Kia Forte Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
61
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#2
30
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:2
Fires:2
Injuries:1
#3
16
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Fires:1

Considering a 2018 Kia Forte?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Kia Forte. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems6121β€”
Uncategorized Issues3022β€”
Electrical Faults1621β€”
Airbag Malfunctions168β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration10β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain81β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System7β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems72β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures6β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects51β€”β€”
Brake System41β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues21β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 134 most recent complaints

Headlight/Taillight FailuresApr 27, 2026

Have to replace running lights every 4-6 months on both of my headlights. Happened every 4-6 months since I got the car in 2017

Engine ProblemsMar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low.…

Engine ProblemsFeb 25, 2026

Recently, while my boyfriend was driving my vehicle, the engine suddenly lost power without warning. He had the accelerator pedal fully depressed, yet the vehicle would barely move. He was fortunate to safely maneuver the vehicle off the road. Upon inspection, he discovered there…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 19, 2026

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 a…

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 16, 2026

Engine would run fast and then sound like was going to stop and then it would start shaking and rumbling while driving on highway and in town. Car would stall while at a stop. Gas smells inside the car. Did not feel safe driving. Had the car towed to an independent garage on Febr…

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 9, 2026

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 he…

Uncategorized IssuesJan 29, 2026

The car turn off while driving it. This creates a serious safety concern. We took the car to a mechanic and he was not able to identify the problem, he suggested we take it to the dealership. We then took it to the kia dealer ( Covina) and they have had it for months and yet are…

Engine ProblemsJan 29, 2026

No warning lights/ indicators at all. Well taken care of vehicle 84,400 miles on the vehicle second owner. Had an oil change and my husband noticed bad blow by, had it diagnosed by a mechanic. They said we need a whole new engine. Dont understand how this would happen unless some…

Engine ProblemsDec 11, 2025

While driving on U.S. 69 highway in Overland Park, Kansas, the engine in my 2018 Kia Forte suddenly failed without warning. I was entering the northbound lanes from the 95th Street on-ramp and was accelerating to merge at about 50 mph. There had been no prior warning lights or me…

Engine ProblemsNov 21, 2025

MY VEHICLE IS USING ALOT OF OIL AND WILL NOT START THE WARNING COMES UP IS CONCERNING THE OIL PUMP.

Brake SystemNov 4, 2025

Right break light fills up with water. Consistently changing break light bulbs due to moisture in the break light.

Engine ProblemsOct 22, 2025

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 discovere…

Electrical FaultsSep 21, 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.

Electrical FaultsπŸ”₯ FireSep 5, 2025

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 …

Steering DefectsJul 24, 2025

Steering wheel making a clicking noise when turning both ways, stationed and moving, also rattles a lot when going over speed bumps, seems like a manufacturer defect as this is a common thing heard around these Kia’s

Engine ProblemsJul 18, 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 i…

Electrical FaultsJul 9, 2025

Timing, VVT sensor. Oil pressure

Engine ProblemsJun 27, 2025

Same defective engine issue as other saftey recalls for other vehicles.

Engine ProblemsJun 9, 2025

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

Uncategorized IssuesJun 7, 2025

About a week ago, I noticed small chips in the Pearl White paint on the hood of my Kia Forte 5. One of the chips has started a peeling of the paint which has benn steadily getting larger. This indicates a delamination is occurring. Many Kia owners have been posting about this wit…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Kia Forte.

Recalls for 2018 Kia Forte

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Forte. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

22V031000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS

21V622000Sep 8, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

21V260000Invalid Date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

2018 Kia Forte β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2018 Kia Forte reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2018 Kia Forte has 134 NHTSA owner complaints, 13 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (61 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Forte?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (61 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (30 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (16 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Kia Forte?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Forte?β–Ύ

The 2018 Kia Forte has 13 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 134 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2018 Kia Forte have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Kia Forte. The largest issue: AIR BAGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2018 Kia Forte?β–Ύ

The 2018 Kia Forte has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2018 Kia Forte

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.