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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2018 Kia Forte Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
6%of 136 total for the year
Median mileage
23,330miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Kia Forte, 6% of the 136 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,330 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“This problem happened 2 times this week & on 2 separate days while I was driving & since I only drive this car once or twice a week this has me concerned.. The car started ok and drove for a couple of miles just fine when suddenly the car felt like I was trying to drive while the car was in neutral & even with my foot was on the gas pedal the car wasn't going anywhere.. …”

NHTSA complaint #11186351, filed 2019-03, 5,660 miles

“Well at present my car only has about 400 miles on it I only picked it up on 4/4/2018 & it's starting to sound like the 2016 ford fiesta I traded in.. When stopped at a light the idle gets rough and if this was the 1960's I would say it had a bad spark plug or carburetor issues; however, this is 2018 so not sure but it's the only thing I can relate the idle issue with.. …”

NHTSA complaint #11088519, filed 2018-04, 200 miles

“I took a rd trip and downloaded root just to track my adventures and maybe side with quote offered. I've been tracking miles since I got the car! Listening to its functions. There's something off for sure. The hr ride there with speed performance was ok. The night rd back on hwy was the ultimate mind shifter for an indication of the gears not properly shifting and picking up speed. As I road about 70mph I left laned to pass vehicles slowing on right. As I accelerated to pick up speed it topped off at 80! …”

NHTSA complaint #11406618, filed 2021-04, 68,500 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

“Ive had my car since 38 miles. This is my second year owning it. It has been well kept and it started having problems about a month ago that has gotten worse. It shakes really bad at 30mph and stays in 6th gear. It also has major problems picking up speed and shifting in general. Sometimes it just stalls and dont go. When switching lanes on the interstate it slows way down and doesn't shift. It doesn't matter my speed. From 10-50mph and up it skips gears and stalls.”

NHTSA complaint #11289115, filed 2019-12

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024415%
2023812%
202227%
2021710%
20201621%
20194832%
201886%
2017124%
20161612%
2015176%
2014184%
2013105%
2012114%
20111812%
20102310%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Forte

Engine
57 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsFuel system
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 31, 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