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2018 Kia Forte5 EX

The 2018 Kia Forte5 EX is a 164-hp 2.0-liter with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,200 MSRP and is rated at 28 mpg combined.

It makes 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (28 mpg combined).

The Forte5 measures 171.3 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$22,200
MSRP with Destination$23,095
Destination Charge$895
Engine
Engine Type2.0L I-4, DOHC Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement1.999 L
Horsepower164 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque151 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC D-CVVT 16V/V
Bore and Stroke81.0 x 97.0
Compression Ratio11.5:1
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
3rd Gear1.834
4th Gear1.392
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.774
Reverse3.44
Final Drive3.065
Fuel Economy
City25 MPG
Highway34 MPG
Combined28 MPG
Recommended FuelUnleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher)
Suspension
Front SuspensionMcPherson Strut type
Rear SuspensionCoupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVented disc
Rear Brake DiscSolid disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front7.0J x 17
Wheels Rear7.0J x 17
Tires FrontP215/45R17
Tires RearP215/45R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length171.3 in
Width70.1 in
Height57.1 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Ground Clearance5.5 in
Approach Angle15.2°
Departure Angle25.1°
Cargo Volume56.4 ft³
Interior
Headroom Front39.4 in
Headroom Rear38.7 in
Legroom Front42.2 in
Legroom Rear35.9 in
Shoulder Room Front56.1 in
Shoulder Room Rear54.9 in
Hip Room Front53.8 in
Hip Room Rear53.1 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (10.3 % risk)
Tested variant: 2018 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia FORTE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 25, 2022 · 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.

Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury 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

Aug 9, 2021 · LATCHES/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."

Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

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

Apr 13, 2021 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 21V260000

2 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia FORTE5

Owner Complaints

2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia FORTE5. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 2, 2026 · Fuel/Propulsion System
“There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight”
Aug 31, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact's son owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2018 KIA FORTE5. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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