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: structure
7 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2025
Body paint on 2018 Kia Forte: Delamination of Snow White Pearl paint is causing peeling and bubbling on the car. Specific to the hood and driver car door at this time. It is available for inspection. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Per the car dealer they were unaware of an issue or recall. The vehicle was inspected by the Collision shop. There were no prior warning or symptoms prior to the paint peeling.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Mar 24, 2025
Part of the subframe is corroded already and the engine cradle has begun to break, the control arm has begun to move where it meets the engine cradle and I now need to have the vehicle repaired. Previously the lower engine mount fell out of place due to the threads that kept it attached to the subframe were worn out due to corrosion and was causing the vehicle to vibrate violently. This issue has been fixed for $400 but now the rest of the engine cradle has to be inspected and repaired due to the corrosion. I have to make an appointment with the KIA repair center in my area to have the vehicle inspected which will be weeks if not months out to have it looked at as they are often booked. I'm at my wits end with this car as it's been constant issues since buying it 5 months back, with a baby on the way I can't afford repairs and want a resolution that won't break the bank or to warn other drivers of this make and model of the issues that are plagued with it such as the back tail lights having a light assembly seal issue where water is able to enter and damage electrical components. I've uploaded two images regarding the subframe issue, one related to the lower engine mount becoming detached and the other regarding the engine cradle to control arm.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2024
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Structure, Nov 3, 2023
I have 4 recall notices on this vehicle, my trunk latch stopped working 3 days ago, after a trip to the grocery store. now the trunk will not close had to strap it down with bungee cords to the under carriage . The 2 Kia Dealers in my area of Riverside County California have said to me they’re not touching recall work, there’s that excuse, I’ve requested 4 appointments online with both dealers and I’ve never gotten a call-back! They suggest scheduling appointments online because no one answers the phones. If they do answer a ringing phone they simply transfer me to another phone that nobody answers. Frustrating. No voicemail?! I’m getting no support from Kia! It’s illegal in California to drive with your trunk strapped down, it’s also a huge safety issue! Having to strap the trunk down is damaging my car paint job. Trying to do the right thing and getting no support. What do I do now? Allstar Kia in San Bernardino is where I bought my Kia and Riverside Kia in Riverside CA is where I was told they weren’t dealing with recall work. That’s why they don’t answer ringing phones. Help please!
Exterior lighting, Structure, Jul 14, 2022
Water in the rear tail light. Dealer is trying to collect money from me, even though the other service tech said if it was not moisture but water retention that is would be under warranty. It is evident in the internet car forums that this has been happening to many current and previous Forte models and a factory know defect. The other issue is the gas tank lid won't opened. I had it in to be checked 7 times. They've replaced the spring, the replaced the lid. The Tech claimed yesterday that he couldn't replicate and when I picked up the car I couldn't open the gas tank lid.
Steering, Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2019, crash
I WAS ENTERING AN ONRAMP AT ABOUT 15MPH; A CAR YIELDED IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES AND YET SLID INTO THE REAR OF THE FRONT CAR. I DID NOT STOP, EVEN WITH BRAKES APPLIED, AND SLID IN TO THE FRONT ACRE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY KIA WAS TOTALED AND UNDRIVABLE.
Air bags, Structure, Nov 21, 2018, crash
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND CRASH HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BUT THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.