KiaForte2018Overview/kia/forte/2018/base/

2018 Kia Forte

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Forte.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2018 Kia Forte is a passenger‑car sedan that relies on a 4.2‑qt oil capacity with 5W‑20 API‑rated lubricant, mates to a six‑speed automatic transmission, and returns EPA‑rated 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. Owner‑reported complaints for the model year total 134, with engine‑related issues leading the list and three recalls issued, situating it well below the 2014 peak of 437 complaints but above the 2009 low of just one. This positions the 2018 Forte as a mid‑range year in the Forte’s reliability timeline, reflecting fewer problems than the worst year but more than the earliest, trouble‑free model.

Model year20242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque79-94 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy29/37/32 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 121R · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 121R · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnMULTIOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215/45R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length179.5 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height56.3 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Curb weight2906 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined29 / 37 / 32 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume96 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Forte of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.4–8.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.40 sec — 2014 Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.00 sec201 hpFWD
2017Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.30 sec201 hpFWD
2017S Sedan 2.0L I-48.30 sec16.30 sec147 hpFWD
2017EX Sedan 2.0L I-48.40 sec16.50 sec147 hpFWD
2017S Sedan 2.0L I-48.70 sec16.80 sec147 hpFWD
2015Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.90 sec15.30 sec201 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.40 sec14.90 sec201 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.10 sec201 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF · GL-4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Clutch FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity6.2-6.5
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 qt
Manual Transmission FluidGL-4

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.7-56.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts145-152 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)14.4-28.9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)660 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerKia
Spark Plug Gap.039-.043 in
Spark Plug Torque11-18 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.11-1.22 lbs.
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.38-4.06 oz.
Standard BCI Group Number121R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)42.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)42.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum70.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
RPM70

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 58-; Rear: 47-
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .830; Rear: .331
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: .0002; Rear: .0004
Maximum Rotor Runout.0016
Maximum Drum Diameter8.079 / Rear: 8.079

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 4 stages
1M6 Bolts52 in
2M6 Bolts104–112 in
3M8 Bolts84 in
414.0-17.0
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

1108.0-120.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts108–120 in
114.0-17.0 ft. lbs.14–17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0-53.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 39-4148–53 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply a 2.0-3.0mm patch of RTV or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-9590 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
124-27 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
2Turn 90-95 degrees90–95 degrees
390-95
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miAir Intake Duct (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Intercooler (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In the 2018 model year, the 2018 Kia Forte generated 134 federal complaints, 3 recalls and 100 TSBs, which is lower than the 300 complaints recorded in 2017 but higher than the 146 complaints reported in 2019. The complaint trajectory peaked at 437 in 2014, declined through 2015‑2017, and 2018 represents a modest reduction before a further drop in 2019. The dominant complaint categories were engine‑related (35) and “unknown or other” (14), with air‑bag and electrical‑system issues accounting for 8 and 6 reports respectively, and the model recorded 13 crash‑related and 3 fire‑related complaints. Compared with the surrounding years, 2018’s complaint volume is moderate, with recalls and investigations remaining limited, indicating lingering issues but not a resurgence. Because the number of recalls and investigations remains limited and the complaint count is moderate relative to earlier years, the 2018 Forte can be considered a reasonable purchase provided the specific vehicle’s service history is reviewed.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
100
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
134
Owner complaints
13 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 134 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine35
Unknown Or Other14
Air Bags8
Electrical System6
Unknown Or Other,Engine5
Latches/Locks/Linkages4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Exterior Lighting3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V031000Air BagsReported 25/01/2022

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… 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…

21V622000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LatchReported 09/08/2021

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 100 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
PI2106_OWNR_5012026-04-01Electrical SystemPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2106 FLIGHT 501) - This document is…
TSB_CS2312_R12026-02-18StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS23122025-12-17StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2312_OWNR2025-12-17StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Forte. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Forte take?

4.2 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Forte have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Forte get?

EPA figures are 29 city / 37 highway / 32 combined mpg.