2018 Kia Forte problems and complaints
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas: Engine (57), Unknown Or Other (30), Electrical System (16).
Key takeaways
- 136 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 13 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 9 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 57 | 42% |
| Unknown Or Other | 30 | 22% |
| Electrical System | 16 | 12% |
| Air Bags | 16 | 12% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | 7% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 6% |
| Power Train | 8 | 6% |
| Structure | 7 | 5% |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 5 | 4% |
| Steering | 5 | 4% |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-09-02
There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight
Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2026-08-31
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...
Exterior Lighting - filed 2026-04-27
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
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More for the 2018 Kia Forte
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.