This page covers 4 recalls, 134 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Kia Forte.
28–32 mpg combined
7.4–8.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
The 2015 to 2018 Kia Forte received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The frontal crash test yielded 4 stars, while the side crash test earned 5 stars. The side pole test also received 5 stars. In rollover testing, the vehicle achieved 4 stars. NHTSA applies this rating across the model years shown until a redesign occurs, so these results represent the entire 2015 to 2018 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2018 Forte owner report pool by a wide margin. The most consistent theme is oil consumption, owners repeatedly describe discovering critically low or absent oil between changes, often with no warning light until the engine is already in distress. From there, the reported symptoms follow a familiar chain: sudden loss of power, the vehicle barely moving despite a fully depressed accelerator, stalling at stops, rough running, shaking, and an illuminated check engine light. Some owners describe the problem persisting even after dealer service. Airbag complaints make up the second-largest named category, though the reports there are thinner and don't cluster around a single clear symptom. A smaller group of electrical complaints exists as well. The oil consumption and power-loss pattern is clearly the dominant concern owners raise about this model year, often describing the engine light appearing only after the damage is already done.
134
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Kia Forte has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the engine on 2.0L-equipped models, where debris can clog the oil pump, cut oil pressure, and cause the engine to stall or lose power without warning.
This oil pump issue has been documented across two separate filings covering the same underlying problem: metal particles bypass the oil filter, accumulate in the pump, and starve the engine of lubrication. As this damage progresses, the engine can produce abnormal noise, trigger the check engine or oil pressure warning light, and ultimately lose power while driving. On the safety equipment side, the airbag control unit's cover can press against a memory chip on its internal circuit board and damage the electronics, leaving the airbags inactive in a crash rather than deploying to protect occupants. Rounding out the list, the trunk latch can become damaged in a way that prevents the interior emergency release from working, which means a person trapped inside the trunk compartment may be unable to get out on their own.
At a glance
What can fail
The Air Bag Control Unit cover may contact and damage a memory chip on the circuit board, causing the air bags to deactivate and fail to deploy in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the Air Bag Control Unit and update its software or replace the unit as needed, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch can become damaged, making it impossible to open the trunk from the inside.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Small metal particles can accumulate in the oil pump because the oil filter doesn't capture them all. This reduces oil pressure, causing engine wear, abnormal noise, and warning lights. Continued driving risks engine failure and loss of power.
What the fix does
The oil pan will be replaced with a new one equipped with two magnets to trap small metal particles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Foreign particles may accumulate inside the oil pump, potentially causing pump failure and engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil pan at no cost to address the contamination issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
