2018 Kia forte LX Base
3KPFK4A71JE208954
Vehicle history report for the 2018 Kia forte LX Base (VIN 3KPFK4A71JE208954). Silver, sedan/saloon, 2.0L 4-cyl 147 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 56,610 mi reported. Registered in Id. 3 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
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What a full report checks for VIN 3KPFK4A71JE208954
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 3
AIR BAGS
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V031000 · 25/01/2022LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
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."
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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V622000 · 09/08/2021ENGINE 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V260000 · 13/04/2021We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia forte, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 134
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2018 Kia forte.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Have to replace running lights every 4-6 months on both of my headlights. Happened every 4-6 months since I got the car in 2017
NHTSA ODI #11734041ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The dealer kept the vehicle for nine months and performed an oil change. The fa…
NHTSA ODI #11726619ENGINE
Recently, while my boyfriend was driving my vehicle, the engine suddenly lost power without warning. He had the accelerator pedal fully depressed, yet the vehicle would barely move. He was fortunate to safely maneuver the vehicle off the road. Upon inspection, he discovered there was no oil present in the engine. Critically, neither the low oil warning light…
NHTSA ODI #11720401POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
While driving the car with the flow of busy traffic, the engine failed and the car stopped. It eventually turn back on (side of the road) but now drives with hesitation, a strange noise, and with the engine light on. This cycle continued until we arrived at the repair shop. And after much research, it seems that this experience is common for other Kia engine…
NHTSA ODI #11719191UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine would run fast and then sound like was going to stop and then it would start shaking and rumbling while driving on highway and in town. Car would stall while at a stop. Gas smells inside the car. Did not feel safe driving. Had the car towed to an independent garage on February 7th and They did an oil change, change 2 Sensors, changed all the spark pl…
NHTSA ODI #11718356UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to Kia dealership in Groton CT 06340 for an oil change. They also fixed a recent recall, and after I picked up my car, both of my key fobs weren’t working. I can’t open my car. I can’t lock my car and they are refusing to fix it. I contacted kia corporate. they were not helpful. What can I do here to have this situation resolved? I’m worried that the …
NHTSA ODI #11716854UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
The car turn off while driving it. This creates a serious safety concern. We took the car to a mechanic and he was not able to identify the problem, he suggested we take it to the dealership. We then took it to the kia dealer ( Covina) and they have had it for months and yet are not able to fix it. Yesterday we received a call telling us, the engine failur…
NHTSA ODI #11714130ENGINE
No warning lights/ indicators at all. Well taken care of vehicle 84,400 miles on the vehicle second owner. Had an oil change and my husband noticed bad blow by, had it diagnosed by a mechanic. They said we need a whole new engine. Dont understand how this would happen unless some manufacturer defect. No recalls apparently for this vehicle. Seems to be a comm…
NHTSA ODI #11714332+ 126 more complaints on record.
