2018 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 136 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 13 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bagsJan 25, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Campaign 22V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 9, 2021
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubrication, pumpApr 13, 2021
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.
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
61 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 31, 2024
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Engine, Mar 25, 2024
My vehicle has 90,000 miles on it. I was leaving from work when I started to drive it, it was making a noise so I checked before leaving the parking lot I didn’t see anything wrong. As I drove home the noise got worse and the car was having problems accelerating. The noise turned into a thumping and the car slowed even more. When I got home I realized the engine is knocking and there’s a recall out but not for my VIN. It’s having the same issue as other 2018 Kia fortes with engine malfunctions.
Engine, Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a DTC code indicated there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and there was a fuel error ratio fault. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
My car stalled in the middle of a busy road at 80k miles on the way to get an oil change. Never had any issues or lights on with the vehicle prior and oil maintenance was performed regularly. My safety was impacted due to not being able to get of of car in the middle of the street and could have caused a major accident or gotten killed on that road from cars speeding past. My car has been at the Kia service center for 4 months with no confirmation of when this can be resolved due to my specific engine being on back order. Kia has been known to produce bad engines and has a prior lawsuit out for other models, I believe this model should be included as well since it did the exact same thing as previous models that are no longer sold due to engine failures.I have reached out to Kia corporate several times a week since December and have had no success in persuading them to take this matter more seriously. I have explained not only my personal concern but also the safety concern to multiple people in the corporation and have had no relief emotionally about this and have been placed in an even tighter situation not being provided a replacement or rental in the meantime. I am also put in a financial bind due to being out of a car for this long and having to spend thousands on transportation, car payments, and car insurance on a car that hasn’t been in my possession due to a system failure that was out of my control and Kia’s known problem of engine malfunctions. Thank you in advance for your assistance and time spent listening to my concerns I hope to have all of this resolved for me and current/future Kia owners.
Engine, Feb 21, 2024
While driving my car it just dies. I put a new battery in it I've checked the alternator I've done all of those things and I have no check engine light nothing no kind of warning or anything. I know there is a recall for this happening but my VIN number is not showing that I have a recall for it.
Engine, Jan 25, 2024
The vehicle stalls while driving during inclement weather. It needs to be restarted for it to continue driving. I have taken the car to multiple dealerships and they cannot locate the problem. I have also taken it to general mechanic shops and they cannot locate the issue. There isn't a code that is shown or a recall, there isn't even a warning lamp showing on the dash. This is creating a significant safety concern for anyone that is driving behind me. I haven't been rear ended yet but it's only a matter of time. If multiple dealers cannot fix the issue I believe this is a defective car. I have tried to contact Kia for guidance and they have not been any help. Please help me get through to Kia that they have sold a defective car and it is a safety hazard on the road.
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
The car stalled radomly when I was in a drive thru for only 10 mins
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Car with less than 100K in Miles requires a new camshaft and accuator. Kia will not replace as a warranty defect due to it being a second owner car. The car can stall and cut off due to this issue.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
The engine seizes under 100000 miles with no warning lights on and regular maintenance done. We were driving it and pulled up to a light it stopped running and would not come back on. We took it Kia and they confirmed that the engine was seized and that we needed to replace the engine. We were also then told that the warranty would not cover anything because we are the second owner. It was inspected at the kia dealership but not anyone else because we weren’t in an accident so neither our insurance nor our gap insurance will cover anything. There were no warning lights or signs of something wrong at all it litterally was driving great one moment and dead the next.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
2018 kia forte kept stalling out, 3 times in 2minutes. Drove it home, had it towed to Kia Spitzer West, it'd been there since May27, 2023. They will not repair, they will not replace, they won't even call me back. It's a disgrace
Steering, Engine, Jun 19, 2023
Kia Forte 2018 - the engine stopped working while driving (around 55mph) the car shut off and I could barely control the car as I no longer had speed control which made it risky going from one line to another to get off the road and pull over, putting myself and the other drivers at risk of an accident, and almost at the end when leaving the road the steering column became hard and I could not control the steering wheel very well. The car was towed to the dealer but they said they couldn't check it because they were overloaded for the next few weeks and the closest to check it would be at least 10 to 15 business days after they finished their current services (I called 4 other kia agencies around the winston-salem NC area and they all told me the same thing), so the car was towed to an independent service where they inspected it and determined that the engine had a problem with some internal components and that it is necessary to replace the whole engine, I called the dealer but they told me that because it has more than 100,000 miles the engine no longer has a warranty (currently it has 118,000 miles), a few days before the engine light on the dashboard came on but the next day it went off and then it did not turn on again.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
Car shuts down for no reason. At low speeds, the car shuts down, oil light, check engine light and battery ligh illuminate. Have to stop, place the car in park, restart engine and drive again but car keeps stalling
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2023
My Vehicle stalls and shuts while driving in the midst of traffic
Engine, Mar 21, 2023
My car would idle and shake at stop signs. My car would turn off entirely while stopped at stop signs/lights on occasion. It turned off while driving on the freeway. The engine light and battery notification light would turn on. - I had several error codes related to my engine and exhaust system. After getting it “fixed” at Kia and Firestone, I am still having the same issues. My engine is burning oil quickly but I do not have a leak. I will have no fuel within a month after filling it/getting an oil change. I also possibly have a coolant leak. yes it is available for inspection. - yes, my safety as well as other’s safety have been at risk due to my car turning off while driving on the freeway without warning. My steering wheel and brakes would lock up. - yes the problem has been confirmed by Kia and Firestone. - yes the problem has been looked at by Kia service members. - my car began shaking and idling prior to any notification. It was approximately 3 weeks later that my check engine light turned on.
Engine, Mar 11, 2023
Two weeks ago I started to experience issues with my car stalling in the engine making a knocking or clicking noise. Two days after this started the engine noise was so loud in the car kept stalling that I could not drive the vehicle. I have a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty on the vehicle. I told the vehicle to a Kia dealership and it was determined that the engine needs replaced. They have denied my warranty because I do not have all of my maintenance records for oil changes. Unfortunately for myself I didn’t take my vehicle to the dealer for oil changes I had a family member change the oil for me over the past 4 1/2 years of owning the vehicle. I bought this vehicle from Kia because of this warranty. This is the only vehicle I have it is impeding on me getting to and from work. I have several maintenance records of oil changes at a garage that I take my car for inspections, tire changes, brakes,alignment and oil changes. Is there anything that I can do to get Kia to honor this warranty. When I called Kiya of America customer service the woman that I spoke with told me that I needed to go to the places where I purchase oil and get receipts. I purchased oil at auto parts stores they never took my name so how am I supposed to get these receipts. And most of the time I paid cash. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 15, 2022
The 2018 Kia Forte LX that my daughter is the primary driver of (but I am on the loan) engine light has been on for several weeks and it has also had trouble starting, resulting in several days of missed work. We have taken it to two mechanics, whose partial diagnosis was that it needed a new timing chain kit which we had done on November 1, 2022 along with new spark plugs. However the engine light continues to stay on, with a loud idle and trouble starting. We took it back to the mechanic and after checking everything he could think of, he advised us that there is definitely an oil pressure issue and that we should take it to the Kia dealership and ask about a silent recall on the engine/oil pump. The issues we are having with the vehicle exactly match NHTSA Recall No. 21V-260; Manufacturers Recall No. SC210, however it is not showing up on my VIN number. I fear that this is only getting worse and as Recall SC210 states, if the vehicle is continually operated with this condition, the engine can be damaged (if not already) and loss of motive power may occur, increasing the risk of a crash. I have also attached Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-260. Your consideration in this matter would be greatly appreciated as we feel it applies to our vehicle and that we shouldn't have to spend even more than what we have already spent in repairs and job time loss. I can be contacted at [XXX] or by email at [XXX]. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Nov 6, 2022
My kia broke down on the highway ,I believe the engine is blown ,No warning lights came on until the exact incident occurred. I wasn't able to get power from the accelerator and managed to pull to the side of the highway .My car had started a knocking noise a day and a half b4 the incident, I've seen online that my car model and year has had issues with engine failure ,So far kia has ignored my calls ,I was in touch on the day b4 incident
Engine, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times in one day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the timing chain had slipped, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact stated that he was left on hold for two hours without a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
last fall my car would turn off while i was parked or driving at low speeds, i brought it to my Kia dealership and they could not find an issue, it happed a few more time in the winter, then in this summer it started happing more and more, including when i was driving at low speeds, my car would turn off, the battery and check engine light would come on, i would have to put the car in park in the middle of the road, then turn it back on and all the lights would go off and it would drive perfect again. I brought it to my Kia dealer again, they kept it all day and again found noting wrong. Now this care is Turing off while I'm driving 2-3 times a day including while i'm on the highway in bumper to bumper traffic. again when this happens i put the car in park take out the key, turn it back on and its fine. I have taken a few videos of this issue, and my dealer refuses to help anymore. This is an extremely dangerous situation that is putting my life in jeopardy because of a defect with this car
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
I took my 2018 Kia Forte LX to get an oil change on June 28, 2022 at Jiffy Lube. A week after my oil change, I noticed that oil was leaking from my car. I went back to Jiffy Lube to have them inspect for a leak. I was informed that there was a puncture on the top of my oil pan and it would need to be replaced. I bought a new oil pan from advanced auto parts and had my mechanic change it. He informed me that it looked to be a manufacture defect. I googled recalls for 2018 Kia Forte's and saw there has been a recall for some models. Recall number SC210. I would like to know if I could be reimbursed for the oil pan. I have my receipt from Advanced Auto parts and I have pictures of the puncture. Also my mechanic put my old oil pan in a box, if that is needed as well.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V260000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V260000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an unknown strong fume odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact took the vehicle to Kia at Huffines McKinney (1201 N Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75069) where she was informed that oil in the engine had become sludge due to a lack of oil changes. The contact was informed that the repair for the vehicle would not be covered under the warranty. Months later, the contact stated that the check engine warning light had illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where two unknown recalls were serviced; the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. Months later, the check engine warning light returned and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a combustion chamber soak or an engine replacement. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2022
When driving the car will stall. I was in a parking lot moving forward at 3mph, hit the brakes and the car stalled. After work the other night, while exiting one freeway ti enter another driving about 45mph, the car just stall and shut off. I had to put it in neutral, turn the ignition to the off position(which turns the lights off), and restart the vehicle. This is extremly dangerous.
Engine, Jan 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle was approaching a train track when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue to drive to her residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that due to low oil consumption, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.