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Electrical systemPart report

2018 Kia Forte Electrical system Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
12%of 136 total for the year
Median mileage
41,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Kia Forte, 12% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I initially submitted a complaint on Nov 6 with my 2018 kia about engine failure /possibly, my car was towed to Darcars kia Urbana pike in frederick md, I had just made an appointment with them b4 my car broke down to get the trunk & air bag recalls taken care of 11/09 my car sat there until yesterday, they never took care of the recalls? REGARDLESS my engine /break down shouldn't they have fixed those issues? …”

NHTSA complaint #11495674, filed 2022-12, 108,998 miles

“Trunk is constantly popping open, although no one is hitting the button on the keys nor pulling the lever. I can be in the house with my keys on the counter and it will pop open. Actually had stuff stolen because of this. This will happen whether it is stopped, when I'm driving, anywhere. I don't have to hit a bump or anything. Radio is crackly and cuts out and beeps but only when playing bluetooth. When I use an aux or just fm it works perfect.”

NHTSA complaint #11222215, filed 2019-06, 40 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 . …”

NHTSA complaint #11388762, filed 2021-01, 41,000 miles

“My vehicle was broken into and attempted to be stolen. My Kia was made within the years that is a KNOWN issue that thieves can simply use a USB to start the car. There is no immobilizer switch on the ignition. This issue has caused a rise of 400% in thefts of Kias and Hyundais. I personally had to pay $468 to get it repaired and another $700 to have accurate security put in the car. Kia knows and has known that this is a defect in their manufacturing.”

NHTSA complaint #11490900, filed 2022-10

“My radio speakers will sound like there are blown. At a certain speed, I will break and the seat will move in the passenger side and sometimes in the driver side by itself.”

NHTSA complaint #11633467, filed 2024-12

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024623%
20231117%
2022311%
2021812%
20201114%
20192315%
20181612%
20174715%
20162216%
20152911%
20145713%
20132513%
20123211%
20111610%
2010199%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Forte

Engine
57 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Forte

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology