2018 Kia Forte recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte and 136 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (57), unknown or other (30), electrical system (16). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 27–32 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2018 ranks #7 of 13 Forte model years for fewest complaints (2012–2024), with fewer complaints than the average year (158). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Kia Forte. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch
Problem: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling · engine · oil/lubrication · pump
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight
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 of…
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
Safety ratings
2018 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Kia Forte.
Forte
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Forte
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · SIDI
Regular
Forte 5
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Forte 5
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte, most recently for air bags (01/25/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Forte?
Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (57), unknown or other (30), electrical system (16).
Is the 2018 Kia Forte safe?
The 2018 Kia Forte earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Kia Forte?
The 2018 ranks #7 of 13 Forte model years for fewest complaints (2012–2024), with fewer complaints than the average year (158). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Kia Forte range from 27 to 32 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2018 Kia Forte in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORTE, Forte.