How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Forte?

NHTSA has logged 69 engine complaints for the 2018 Forte, which makes up 51% of the 136 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Forte engine?

Yes. Recall 21V260000 covers 2017-2018 Forte vehicles with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, where foreign particles inside the oil pump can cause oil pump failure and engine damage. Kia's remedy is replacing the oil pan free of charge.

At what mileage do 2018 Kia Forte engine problems usually show up?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 51,000 for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Forte.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to 2018 Kia Forte engine complaints?

NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 1 fire among the engine complaints filed for the 2018 Forte, with no reported injuries.

2018 Kia Forte Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 69 engine complaints for the 2018 Kia Forte, 51% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 51,000. A recall (21V260000) covers oil pump failures on the 2.0L engine that can cause engine damage.

Engine complaints: 69; 51% of 136
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 51,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report stalling or shutting off with the check engine light on, in some cases linked to metal shavings found inside the engine.
Several drivers describe the accelerator pedal sticking or failing to release, sometimes right after startup.
Multiple complaints describe hesitation or a total loss of acceleration when depressing the gas pedal, including while merging or changing lanes.
Some owners report the vehicle unexpectedly surging forward on its own while starting or moving at low speed.
A few complaints mention the eco light triggering with no way to turn it off, followed by trouble restarting the car.
One report describes a fire originating in the engine compartment while driving on the freeway.

When 2018 Kia Forte engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 6, 2018, latest Aug 31, 2026.

69 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte

NHTSA 21V260000Apr 13, 2021Engine4,069 vehicles
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.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Engine complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201085 (39%)
201157 (37%)
2012170 (58%)
2013111 (57%)
2014226 (51%)
2015163 (63%)
201677 (57%)
2017163 (54%)
201869 (51%)
201945 (31%)
202025 (33%)
202123 (34%)
20227 (26%)
202311 (18%)
20247 (28%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Forte?: NHTSA has logged 69 engine complaints for the 2018 Forte, which makes up 51% of the 136 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Forte engine?: Yes. Recall 21V260000 covers 2017-2018 Forte vehicles with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, where foreign particles inside the oil pump can cause oil pump failure and engine damage. Kia's remedy is replacing the oil pan free of charge.
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Forte engine problems usually show up?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 51,000 for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Forte.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to 2018 Kia Forte engine complaints?: NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 1 fire among the engine complaints filed for the 2018 Forte, with no reported injuries.