MyCarTSB

2018 Kia Forte Other Problems

22 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

22
Complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
Jan 2019Dec 2022
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (22)

criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your car has shut off while you're driving it, which is a serious safety concern. The dealership has determined the engine is failing due to an oil pressure problem and needs to be completely replaced — this isn't covered under warranty. This is the second engine replacement your car has needed since you bought it new in 2018. The fix will require installing a new engine and diagnosing the underlying oil pressure system issue.

NHTSA #: 11714130
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine runs rough with shaking and rumbling while driving, and stalls at stops and on the highway. You notice a strong gas smell inside the car. Even after a mechanic replaced the oil, sensors, spark plugs, and cylinders, the same problems returned immediately. The repair will likely require diagnostic testing to identify the root cause, followed by fixing or replacing the faulty component causing the stalling and rough running.

NHTSA #: 11718356
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2026

After taking your car to a Kia dealership for an oil change and a recall repair, both of your key fobs stopped working. You're unable to lock or unlock your car, and the dealership has refused to fix the problem. You're concerned that your car's anti-theft system may not be functioning properly since the key fobs are completely unresponsive.

NHTSA #: 11716854
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2025

Your car's Pearl White hood paint is chipping and peeling in multiple spots, with the damage gradually spreading in a pattern that suggests the paint layers are separating from each other. You've noticed other Kia owners reporting similar issues with this paint color, but your local dealer dismissed it as rock damage and offered no solution. Fixing this will likely require the hood to be repainted or have the affected paint layers stripped and reapplied.

NHTSA #: 11665548
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2024

When the key is in the ignition and the car is running to warm up and I've forgotten something in my home and need to retrieve my item the car has automatically locks all of the doors with the car still running, I only was given one (1) key, so I have to eithe remember to roll down a window or leave a door standing open so I can get back in the car. To me it's a safety issue. What if I had a child in a car seat and this happened

NHTSA #: 11630720
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

I noitce a werid sound the cooling fan was making and car started run different so I turn around came home park it came out few hrs later ND oil spilled on floor and all over the engine

NHTSA #: 11613349
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jun 2024

My traction control light is coming on. It stops the transmission from working while I'm driving down the road at 55 miles an hour an the car stalls. And I have to restart the car. Sometimes the light will go off. Sometimes it wont for a while have to let car sit with the engine off but I have to shut the car down. And then start it back up. This is an accident waiting to happen. Sometimes this happens 7 times a day.And usually it's when i'm on about going 55 or 60 on a beltway was almost hit twice mechanic don't know what wrong no codes

NHTSA #: 11596732
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2024

1945 Credit one: 65 Nordstrom: 116 Taxes: 133 Discover: 148 Care credit: 54 Cap: 60 (small) Cap: 187 (big) *75* 2018 Kia Forte was brought to a Kia Dealership within standard time frame since release of Ignition Coil recall to remedy said issue (released recall dated: 2020). Ignition Coil has since went out, resulting in the 2018 Kia Forte being brought back to the [same] Kia Dealership for the [same] repair. Kia Dealership has stated the Ignition Coil that was placed in 2018 Kia Forte is not “under warranty”, and full market value price plus diagnostic, and labor is warranted. It appears the mileage of when the original 2020 Ignition Coil repair was complete, is “coincidentally” the exact mileage the Ignition Coil went out again (20k miles). Assuming the Ignition Coil used to remedy said recall back in 2020 is faulty; as Ignition Coils should last within 80k-110k miles. Thus, should not be the financial burden or responsibility of the consumer.

NHTSA #: 11584226
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2023

Viva Kia dealership in el paso texas was contacted 5 months ago about the recall pending for this car and has failed to respond in a timely manner.

NHTSA #: 11520800
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2023

My Vehicle stalls and shuts while driving in the midst of traffic

NHTSA #: 11516734
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? After driving for about 10 minutes, the car would stall when slowing to a full stop, slowing to make a turn, or driving below 40mph. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car would cut off without warning. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The first incident happened in December, 2022. The car cut off while I was at the light. It started right up, but cut off again while pulling into my parking space.

NHTSA #: 11508936
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2022

This complaint is NOT against any incident on this vehicle per say but concerning Kia customer care. I am a potential buyer of this vehicle from Autonation 104 here in Denver, CO. And, I contacted Kia to provide me with the vehicle recall information so that I can be better educated to make a decision on whether or not I should buy a vehicle with an open recall status. However, Kia customer care 1 (800) 333-4542 flagrantly denied disclosing any information pertaining the recall status. Now, I am aware that recall information is also available on NHTSA and other free forums, however, my desire with the above call was to understand more about the recall that may or may not be already available publicly. For instance, whether or not this is a stop-sale recall, their advisory on an open recall vehicle as it relates to me and my family's safety, current wait times if I were to service the recall etc. But, they denied to share any information on the recall at all. I also filed a complaint to their customer care department through a voicemail (seriously?) because apparently that was the only option they make available. Details on the incident: On-call Phone number: 18003334542 Time: 10:11AM MST Date: 12/20/22 Per Federal law a vehicle manufacturer has to notify the customers/potential customers of any vehicle recall information that applies to the vehicle that the customer is intending to buy. Please let me know if you need any more information from me. Thank you,

NHTSA #: 11498520
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2022

The 2018 Kia Forte LX that my daughter is the primary driver of (but I am on the loan) engine light has been on for several weeks and it has also had trouble starting, resulting in several days of missed work. We have taken it to two mechanics, whose partial diagnosis was that it needed a new timing chain kit which we had done on November 1, 2022 along with new spark plugs. However the engine light continues to stay on, with a loud idle and trouble starting. We took it back to the mechanic and after checking everything he could think of, he advised us that there is definitely an oil pressure issue and that we should take it to the Kia dealership and ask about a silent recall on the engine/oil pump. The issues we are having with the vehicle exactly match NHTSA Recall No. 21V-260; Manufacturers Recall No. SC210, however it is not showing up on my VIN number. I fear that this is only getting worse and as Recall SC210 states, if the vehicle is continually operated with this condition, the engine can be damaged (if not already) and loss of motive power may occur, increasing the risk of a crash. I have also attached Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-260. Your consideration in this matter would be greatly appreciated as we feel it applies to our vehicle and that we shouldn't have to spend even more than what we have already spent in repairs and job time loss. I can be contacted at [XXX] or by email at [XXX]. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA #: 11493667
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2022

I was driving on the parkway when I heard a rattling sound from the engine and white smoke started coming out of the back or the car. Car stopped accelerating and we pulled over (we didn't drive it for more than a minute once it started making that sound) all of the oil dumped out of the car on the side of the road and the engine seized and would not restart.

NHTSA #: 11469851
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2022

Hi, I am reaching out due to the recall notice ever since my wife and I have owned our vehicle the trunk has always randomly opened or refused to open with or without the key or vehicle latch being engaged.

NHTSA #: 11450650
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Crash / FireFiled: Aug 2021

While was driving the car Kia Forte spin out control or someone used an remote and became an hot engine but due to car getting repossession Kia saying can’t do nothing about it , my safety was put as risk due to car spinning out control and yes the car did deployed its airbags only driver side , no inspection due to Kia saying they can’t do nothing . It was 7 warnings lamps afterwards the incident , Made an report on June 3, 2021 14164508 with Kia consumers

NHTSA #: 11428083
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2020

GAS CAP COVER DOES NOT EFFECTIVELY OPEN WHEN I PULL THE LEVER INSIDE UNLESS I FIRST PUSH IN THE COVER. CAR IS STATIONARY.

NHTSA #: 11375333
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2020

MY VEHICLE KEEPS BEEPING AND SAYING THE DOORS ARE OPEN. THE LIGHT COMES ON & THE DASHBOARD SHOWS THE DOOR OPENING. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE WHENEVER ANYONE I SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES I CAN'T RELOCK THE DOOR BECAUSE OF THIS. THIS IS VERY SCARY & I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WILL BE GOING BACK AGAIN. I HAVE ALSO HAD MY PASSENGER TAKES VIDEOS. IT HAPPENS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND HIGH SPEEDS.

NHTSA #: 11315634
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2019

MY CAR HAS BEEN HACKED WHILE I WAS AT WORK. I HAD MY CAR PARKED IN THE MUSEUM PARKING LOT IN MILWAUKEE, WI.

NHTSA #: 11252592
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Jul 2019

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY PARENTS DRIVEWAY FOR 24 HOURS WHEN MY HUSBAND HEARD A POP AND IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE FLAMES WERE FORCEFULLY COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IT BURNED OUR HOUSE DOWN THE CAR WAS TOO BURNED FOR AN INSPECTION BY THE INSURANCE COMPANIES OR ANYBODY THE CAR WAS TOTALED IT WAS THE FIRST NEW CAR THAT I HAD EVER HAD THIS HAPPENED ON 10/31 2018 THE CITY OF ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA HAS THE FIRE REPORT WHICH STATES THAT IT WAS MY CAR THAT CAUSED THE WHOLE FIRE ACCORDING TO STATE FARM AND MERCURY CASUALTY IT IS A LARGE LOSS

NHTSA #: 11230452
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2019

MY CAR HAS NO ECO BUTTON OR SPORT BUTTON. THEY BOTH COME ON AND GO OFF FOR NO REASON

NHTSA #: 11220727
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2019

I HAVE HAD MY BRAND NEW KIA FORTE FOR 8 MONTHS STARTING IN APRIL. I CURRENTLY HAVE 16,581 MILES ON THE CAR. ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY ECO LIGHT CAME ON BY ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO TURN IT OFF SO I HAD TO TAKE IT TO KIA WHERE THEY UNSCREWED MY BATTERY AND IT WENT OFF. NOW I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR NOT WANTING TO TURN ON AND AFTER TAKING A TRIP TO AUTO ZONE WE FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS THE 'CRANK SHAFT'. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A BRAND NEW CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY HAD FOR EIGHT MONTHS. I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I BECAME REALLY CONCERNED AND THAT'S WHAT FORCED ME TO HAVE TO GO TO AUTO ZONE TO SEE WHY MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON.

NHTSA #: 11165436

Other 2018 Kia Forte Issues