CarRecallDB

2018 Kia Forte recalls and problems

3 recalls and 136 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Forte.

3
recalls
136
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Kia Forte recalls

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 22V031000 · reported January 25, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 410,619 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 21V622000 · reported August 9, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 253,074 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 21V260000 · reported April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 4,069 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 2, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight

Aug 31, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 100,300 miles

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…

Apr 27, 2026 · 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

Mar 24, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 104,000 miles

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…

Feb 25, 2026 · 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…

Forte model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 12601620
2016 1136166
2017 33052310
2018 3136133
2019 2150114
2020 07892
2021 269110

Across all years, the 2014 Forte has the most complaints (444). All Kia Forte years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on January 25, 2022 (Air bags). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (57 complaints), followed by unknown or other (30).
How many 2018 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 136 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 2, 2026.