10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,521 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Kia Forte engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Kia Forte:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2018 Kia Forte Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Jun 192023

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Kia Forte 2018 - the engine stopped working while driving (around 55mph) the car shut off and I could barely control the car as I no longer had speed control which made it risky going from one line to another to get off the road and pull over, putting myself and the other drivers at risk of an accident, and almost at the end when leaving the road the steering column became hard and I could not control the steering wheel very well. The car was towed to the dealer but they said they couldn't check it because they were overloaded for the next few weeks and the closest to check it would be at least 10 to 15 business days after they finished their current services (I called 4 other kia agencies around the winston-salem NC area and they all told me the same thing), so the car was towed to an independent service where they inspected it and determined that the engine had a problem with some internal components and that it is necessary to replace the whole engine, I called the dealer but they told me that because it has more than 100,000 miles the engine no longer has a warranty (currently it has 118,000 miles), a few days before the engine light on the dashboard came on but the next day it went off and then it did not turn on again.

- Winston-Salem , NC, USA

problem #23

Apr 192023

Forte

  • miles
Car shuts down for no reason. At low speeds, the car shuts down, oil light, check engine light and battery ligh illuminate. Have to stop, place the car in park, restart engine and drive again but car keeps stalling

- Laporte , IN, USA

problem #22

Apr 042023

Forte

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

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #21

May 012022

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car would idle and shake at stop signs. My car would turn off entirely while stopped at stop signs/lights on occasion. It turned off while driving on the freeway. The engine light and battery notification light would turn on. - I had several error codes related to my engine and exhaust system. After getting it -??fixed-?? at Kia and Firestone, I am still having the same issues. My engine is burning oil quickly but I do not have a leak. I will have no fuel within a month after filling it/getting an oil change. I also possibly have a coolant leak. yes it is available for inspection. - yes, my safety as well as other-??s safety have been at risk due to my car turning off while driving on the freeway without warning. My steering wheel and brakes would lock up. - yes the problem has been confirmed by Kia and Firestone. - yes the problem has been looked at by Kia service members. - my car began shaking and idling prior to any notification. It was approximately 3 weeks later that my check engine light turned on.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #20

Mar 022023

Forte

  • miles
Two weeks ago I started to experience issues with my car stalling in the engine making a knocking or clicking noise. Two days after this started the engine noise was so loud in the car kept stalling that I could not drive the vehicle. I have a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty on the vehicle. I told the vehicle to a Kia dealership and it was determined that the engine needs replaced. They have denied my warranty because I do not have all of my maintenance records for oil changes. Unfortunately for myself I didn-€™t take my vehicle to the dealer for oil changes I had a family member change the oil for me over the past 4 1/2 years of owning the vehicle. I bought this vehicle from Kia because of this warranty. This is the only vehicle I have it is impeding on me getting to and from work. I have several maintenance records of oil changes at a garage that I take my car for inspections, tire changes, brakes, alignment and oil changes. Is there anything that I can do to get Kia to honor this warranty. When I called Kiya of America customer service the woman that I spoke with told me that I needed to go to the places where I purchase oil and get receipts. I purchased oil at auto parts stores they never took my name so how am I supposed to get these receipts. And most of the time I paid cash. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

- Monaca , PA, USA

problem #19

Oct 252022

Forte 4-cyl

  • miles
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).

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #18

Nov 052022

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My kia broke down on the highway, I believe the engine is blown, No warning lights came on until the exact incident occurred. I wasn't able to get power from the accelerator and managed to pull to the side of the highway.My car had started a knocking noise a day and a half b4 the incident, I've seen online that my car model and year has had issues with engine failure, So far kia has ignored my calls, I was in touch on the day b4 incident

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #17

Sep 082022

Forte

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times in one day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the timing chain had slipped, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact stated that he was left on hold for two hours without a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #16

Aug 152022

Forte

  • miles
last fall my car would turn off while i was parked or driving at low speeds, i brought it to my Kia dealership and they could not find an issue, it happed a few more time in the winter, then in this summer it started happing more and more, including when i was driving at low speeds, my car would turn off, the battery and check engine light would come on, i would have to put the car in park in the middle of the road, then turn it back on and all the lights would go off and it would drive perfect again. I brought it to my Kia dealer again, they kept it all day and again found noting wrong. Now this care is Turing off while I'm driving 2-3 times a day including while i'm on the highway in bumper to bumper traffic. again when this happens i put the car in park take out the key, turn it back on and its fine. I have taken a few videos of this issue, and my dealer refuses to help anymore. This is an extremely dangerous situation that is putting my life in jeopardy because of a defect with this car

- Palatine, IL, USA

problem #15

Jun 302022

Forte

  • miles
I took my 2018 Kia Forte LX to get an oil change on June 28, 2022 at Jiffy Lube. A week after my oil change, I noticed that oil was leaking from my car. I went back to Jiffy Lube to have them inspect for a leak. I was informed that there was a puncture on the top of my oil pan and it would need to be replaced. I bought a new oil pan from advanced auto parts and had my mechanic change it. He informed me that it looked to be a manufacture defect. I googled recalls for 2018 Kia Forte's and saw there has been a recall for some models. Recall number SC210. I would like to know if I could be reimbursed for the oil pan. I have my receipt from Advanced Auto parts and I have pictures of the puncture. Also my mechanic put my old oil pan in a box, if that is needed as well.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #14

Jan 012021

Forte

  • 46,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an unknown strong fume odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact took the vehicle to Kia at Huffines McKinney (1201 N Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75069) where she was informed that oil in the engine had become sludge due to a lack of oil changes. The contact was informed that the repair for the vehicle would not be covered under the warranty. Months later, the contact stated that the check engine warning light had illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where two unknown recalls were serviced; the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. Months later, the check engine warning light returned and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a combustion chamber soak or an engine replacement. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #13

Feb 282022

Forte

  • miles
When driving the car will stall. I was in a parking lot moving forward at 3mph, hit the brakes and the car stalled. After work the other night, while exiting one freeway ti enter another driving about 45mph, the car just stall and shut off. I had to put it in neutral, turn the ignition to the off position(which turns the lights off), and restart the vehicle. This is extremly dangerous.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #12

Dec 192021

Forte

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle was approaching a train track when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue to drive to her residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that due to low oil consumption, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #11

Dec 122021

Forte

  • miles
On 12/12/2021 my car stalled while driving. I started it up got to my destination, when leaving just a few minutes later it stalled again. On 12/13/2021 I was almost rear-ended when my car stalled while turning a corner on my way to work. On 12/14/2021 my car stalled two more times while driving. I have not driven it since. I had two different mechanics come and look at the car, both told me that the engine has failed. One mechanic found the engine recall on line. I contacted the dealership 3 times that week (twice via live chat and one direct phone call) each time directed to leave my information and someone would get back to me. I was finally able to speak to someone on 12/20. I explained what happened and was told that my VIN doesn't have a recall because my car was made in Mexico. I contacted a second dealership and was told the same thing.

- Federal Way, WA, USA

problem #10

Mar 252021

Forte 4-cyl

  • miles
I got my 18 Kia was purchased with 25K miles on it and when it got around 72,000 miles the car started to shut off, make a grinding noise at times and the check engine light was on. I took the car to Kia and gave them all my oil change receipts. They said I was missing 1 maybe 2 so it wouldn't be covered. So picked the vehicle up took it by O riley's where they tested it and said it was a crank shaft sensor we replaced that and it did not fix the problem. We've been driving it because it's our only form of transportation so today my husband was driving it and thankfully not going very fast when it cut off, my husband tried to put it in neutral to restart and ended up going down a hill and hit a tree. Kia needs to do something about this issue! my husband could have been really hurt and thank god I was not in it I'm pregnant nor my 2 small children. This has really made me not ever want another Kia or will I ever recommend one to a friend or family member! what's Kia waiting for to fix this problem? someone to die first because the car cuts off in traffic and you get slammed!!! what if this was a teenage in their first car they would not know what to do I barley know what to do when it stalls I'm traffic. Just ridiculous!

- Beaverdam, VA, USA

problem #9

Jan 152021

Forte

  • 41,000 miles
Note: The individual submitting this statement of facts is prepared and willing to testify before congress or any court of law that all of which that is contained within this submission is based on facts and truth. Also let it be known a degree in "applied science in automotive & diesel technology and advanced drill fluids technology & engineering" is held by this individual and the later degree deals with the construction and engineering of newtonian and non-newtonian fluids (I.e.> water based and oil based fluids such as a engine oil ) is well within the individuals understanding of the molecular construction and deconstruction of elements. I was approached by a friend who had a situation that required quick action if any hopes of a remedy were to prevail, and the end result for myself would be owning a 2018 Kia Forte. The said vehicle had a total of 41,117 miles calculated and displayed on the information display attached to the instrument cluster. The vehicle was well maintained by the Kia dealership as promised up to the warranty period of 12000 miles as promised by Kia, at no extra charge to the customer. Afterwards the 1st original owner would continue the schedules service as outlined in the owners manual. This maintenance service would always be performed at the owners usual trusted repair shop and if not within the area at the time service was needed, a reputable repair shop would be the choice. With a well maintained vehicle in my possession I soon experienced an engine failure due to metal shavings causing poor oil circulation and paired with several other factors causing sludge build up which rendered my vehicle garbage. The dealership claimed it was due to negligence and improper maintenance. The failure happened while my children were in the vehicle during a thunderstorm with flash flooding. "satisfaction guarantee" is a lie !

- Palestine, TX, USA

problem #8

Nov 032020

Forte

  • 53,000 miles
53,000 no warning was driving along a highway car started to knock. Then all of the sudden car shuts off and I pull over. Come to find out engine through a rod in the block and was not cover under warranty because they said I didn't have enough proof oil was never change even though I gave them all my receipts.

- East Liverpool, OH, USA

problem #7

Sep 202020

Forte

  • 68,000 miles
Got my car at 60 miles. That was a lil over two years ago and now my car is at 68000. The engine is stalling and it's not accelerating properly. When I have to break or even break pulling into a parking spot the car cuts off. No lights are popping up and I've never had this issue before. I see a lot of other people on here who are also having these problems.

- Century, FL, USA

problem #6

Aug 252020

Forte

  • miles
Vehicle repeatedly stalls and must be restarted when travelling at low speeds. Manufacturer and dealership both recommended replacing aftermarket automatic starter and problem still persists.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #5

Apr 102020

Forte

  • 67,000 miles
While my daughter was driving this vehicle it started making a loud noise, then the motor stopped. There was no indication, ever, of an engine issue. No lights, warnings, temperature, nothing ever alerted her. We took it to two mechanics who diagnosed as total engine failure. All fluids were low, no oil. We never saw oil spots. She had the oil changed in February. We have to purchase a new engine as her warranty ran out at 60,000 miles. How convenient for Kia. She has 67,000 miles. None of the sensors alerted her to any engine issues! the mechanics noted a thick sticky covering over the bottom of the engine. We know Kia has had several motor recalls on other models. This model should be included. I noticed online several other Kia Forte owners with engine issues. Please advise.

- Dublin, OH, USA

Read the next 4 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?