NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 Kia Forte
The 2018 Kia Forte has 3 NHTSA recalls and 134 owner complaints on record — every open recall is repaired free at an authorized Kia dealer.
Complete safety data for the 2018 Kia Forte, including NCAP crash-test ratings. Data pulled live from api.nhtsa.gov.
AIR BAGS
NHTSA #22V031000Reported January 25, 2022 · Kia Motors America
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
NHTSA #21V622000Reported August 9, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
NHTSA #21V260000Reported April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.