2018 Kia Forte Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2018 Kia Forte recalls

Most common 2018 Kia Forte problems

Problem areas named in the 136 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine	57
Unknown Or Other	30
Air Bags	16
Electrical System	16
Vehicle Speed Control	10
Power Train	8
Fuel/Propulsion System	8
Structure	7
Exterior Lighting	6
Steering	5

What owners report

2026-09-02, Fuel/Propulsion System
There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight

2026-08-31, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact's son owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the oil pressure warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but there was white smoke coming from the engine. The contact raised the hood and inspected the engine, and the smoke had ceased. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized due to a lack of engine oil, even though

2026-04-27, Exterior Lighting
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

2026-03-24, Engine And Engine Cooling
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. The dealer kept the vehicle for nine months and performed an oil change. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the oil gasket cover, but the failure recurred with the engine making knocking sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fa

2026-02-25, Engine
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 was no oil present in the engine. Critically, neither the low oil warning light nor the check engine light had illuminated prior to this failure, providing absolutely no warning of a severe mechanical problem. After adding oil and performing a proper oil change, the engine began violently shuddering and shaking upon startup, and only then did the check engine light illuminate. The vehicle was immediately towed to a

2018 Kia Forte questions

Does the 2018 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte: Air Bags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash; Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Risking Trapped Occupants; Debris in oil pump can cause engine failure and stalling. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (57), Unknown Or Other (30), Air Bags (16).

How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Kia Forte has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.