2018 Kia Forte · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 35owner reports
- 79,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
80 of the 136 complaints on this car are about the engine. 35 of those describe stalling, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Forte.
Tick what matches of 35 reports
Stalling on other Forte years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
All 3 recalls on the 2018 Kia Forte, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Forte
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 53,000 and 120,000 miles, from the 12 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight”
Filed Sep 2, 2026
“Oil pressure problems blew the engines. Yes itâs available to look at at this time Car stalled multiple times while driving Has been confirmed by two mechanics Oil light went on when stalled”
Filed Jun 9, 2025
“Check engine light came on, engine started vibrating while driving on highway and lost power. Could not continue driving, vehicle was towed to service workshop.”
Filed Jul 3, 2024
“Car with less than 100K in Miles requires a new camshaft and accuator. Kia will not replace as a warranty defect due to it being a second owner car. The car can stall and cut off due to this issue.”
Filed Oct 26, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 35 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works