The 2018 Kia Forte has a elevated safety risk profile with 1 recall campaigns and 134 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

134

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V2600002021-13-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

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.

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

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 134 owners have filed complaints about the 2018 Kia Forte. ENGINE issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Engine35

02Unknown Or Other14

03Air Bags8

04Electrical System6

05Unknown Or Other,engine5

134 total across 1 model years (2018–2018)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia Forte Fuel Economy

25–32mpg combined

23-29city

29-37hwy

$1,350-$1,750/yr

Across 6 configurations, the 2018 Kia Forte returns 25–32 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Forte - Automatic (S6)

32mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

29 city37 hwy~$1,350/yr7/10 Clean

Forte - Manual 6-spd

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr6/10 Average

Forte 5 - Automatic (S6)

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr6/10 Average

Forte 5 - Automatic (AM7)

27mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city30 hwy~$1,600/yr6/10 Average

Forte 5 - Manual 6-spd

25mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

23 city29 hwy~$1,750/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2018 Kia Forte

35States

25%in top 3

9% of the market sits in Florida, though listings span 35 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

FLFlorida

3379%

CACalifornia

3138%

TXTexas

3098%

PAPennsylvania

2196%

DCWashington DC

2035%

MDMaryland

1664%

NYNew York

1624%

NJNew Jersey

1554%

DEDelaware

1534%

OHOhio

1444%

AZArizona

1394%

GAGeorgia

1354%

ILIllinois

1303%

MOMissouri

1003%

NCNorth Carolina

942%

TNTennessee

742%

MIMichigan

732%

NH68

UT66

IN66

OROregon

602%

WA57

OK56

MA54

RI49

VA46

CO40

HI36

NV32

MN31

WI30

KY30

CT26

AL23

NE23

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2018.

2018 Kia Forte: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2018 Kia Forte a good car to buy?

The 2018 Kia Forte has its strengths and its watch-outs. 1 recall has been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report engine as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2018 Kia Forte?

Yes, 1 recall on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2018 Kia Forte?

Depending on configuration, the 2018 Kia Forte delivers 25–32 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2018 Kia Forte?

Out of 134 owner complaints, engine issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2018 compare to other Kia Forte years?

Each Kia Forte model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Kia Forte overview page.