Owners have reported 13 crashes, 3 fires and 9 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 KIA Forte. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints38
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2018 KIA Forte frequently experiences engine failures, often without prior warning lights or indicators. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, stalling, engine seizing, and unusual noises such as knocking or shuddering. These issues are often observed in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 74,000 to 163,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple complaints describe instances where the vehicle loses power while driving, creating potential hazards for both the driver and surrounding traffic. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues and the potential need for engine replacement.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several issues with the 2018 KIA Forte, most notably involving engine performance and electrical components. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling while driving or at a stop, difficulty with starting, and persistent engine warning lights, often linked to oil pressure problems. Some owners mention these issues occurring shortly after engine replacements or repairs, and one report includes a crash with injuries and airbag deployment. Electrical problems are also noted, such as malfunctioning key fobs and doors locking unexpectedly, sometimes while the car is running. Additionally, two separate complaints describe fires, one resulting in significant property damage. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some incidents occurring soon after purchase, indicating potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 KIA Forte frequently report issues with the electrical system, including flickering dashboard lights and malfunctioning speedometers. Several complaints mention problems with battery terminals, leading to stalling and the inability to restart the vehicle, particularly around 120,000 miles. Some owners describe the car unexpectedly switching between ECO and Sport modes, causing changes in vehicle performance without user input. A significant safety concern arises from a reported fire originating in the engine compartment while driving, and another issue involves theft vulnerability due to a lack of an immobilizer, leading to increased theft incidents. These patterns suggest potential reliability challenges for prospective buyers, especially concerning electrical malfunctions and safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Kia Forte frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with multiple accounts of airbags failing to deploy in various collision scenarios. Complaints often describe airbag warning lights illuminating intermittently or remaining on, even after recall-related repairs, suggesting persistent issues with the airbag system. These incidents are associated with a range of mileages, but some reports mention failure mileage as low as 17,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as eight out of the fourteen complaints involve crashes, with a total of eight injuries reported. Used car buyers should consider these patterns when evaluating the safety and reliability of this model's airbag system.
Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 8 injury reports
Owner complaints8
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Kia Forte frequently report issues related to the power train, with common symptoms including hesitation, rough idling, and difficulty shifting gears. Several complaints describe the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate properly, with one incident involving a crash. These issues are noted at various mileage ranges, from as low as 400 miles to over 143,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as one report mentions an engine failure during adverse weather conditions, highlighting potential risks for loss of control. Buyers considering a used 2018 Kia Forte should be aware of these reported power train problems, particularly regarding transmission and engine performance.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Kia Forte frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving hesitation and lack of acceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle hesitating when the accelerator is depressed, the pedal sticking, or surging unexpectedly. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at low mileages, with one report noting a failure at approximately 1,462 miles. There is a safety implication in one case where unintended acceleration led to a physical injury. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues with the vehicle's speed control system.
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2018 KIA Forte. A common symptom is a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel, often accompanied by a rattling sensation over speed bumps. Some owners describe a significant mechanical failure where a component in the steering system becomes disconnected, leading to a loss of steering control. This issue is noted even in vehicles with low mileage, such as under 2,000 miles. Additionally, one complaint involves a crash where the vehicle failed to stop despite brake application, though this incident may also relate to braking issues. The combination of steering noise and mechanical failures suggests potential safety implications, particularly concerning control loss at various speeds.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners report issues with exterior lighting on the 2018 KIA Forte, particularly with the rear tail lights and indicator lights. Complaints frequently mention water ingress in the tail light assembly, which can lead to electrical component damage. Another common issue is the repeated failure of rear blinker lights, with some owners experiencing bulb outages shortly after replacement. Additionally, one owner measures inadequate illumination from the low beams, noting they fall short of legal requirements. These issues can arise within a few years of ownership and may pose safety concerns, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Owner complaints4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2018 Kia Forte report issues primarily related to engine performance and recall part availability. Complaints frequently mention the engine failing to accelerate properly and making knocking sounds, often linked to low oil levels and requiring extensive repairs or engine replacement. Some owners report a strong fume odor due to oil sludge, attributed to insufficient oil changes, with symptoms appearing as early as 46,000 miles. Two complaints indicate frustration with recall repairs being delayed due to unavailable parts, yet no specific failures have occurred in those cases. While no crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported, potential buyers should be aware of these engine-related issues and the recall part availability delays.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 KIA Forte report issues with the service brakes, specifically noting two distinct problems. One complaint describes a grinding noise when the brakes are applied, regardless of speed or whether the vehicle is in reverse or drive. This issue was noted shortly after purchase at 28 miles, and persists despite a caliper replacement by the dealership. Another owner reports a problem with the right brake light filling with water, leading to frequent bulb replacements due to moisture accumulation. These issues do not mention any direct safety implications such as crashes or loss of control, but they could indicate potential maintenance concerns for prospective buyers.
