2018 Kia Forte LX Base
VIN: 3KPFK4A77JE198723 | 2018 | Kia Mexico S.a. De C.v. | TIJUANA, MEXICO
2018 Kia Forte LX Base — 2L 4 Cyl, FWD, Automatic. Sedan/Saloon.
C
69/100
Safety & Recall Score: Fair
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 3 open recalls
⚠ 134 owner complaints
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: PASSENGER CAR
- Body: Sedan/Saloon
- Plant: TIJUANA, MEXICO
NHTSA Recalls
3 Open Recalls- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona,...
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte...
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte...
Owner Complaints
134 filed with NHTSA- Have to replace running lights every 4-6 months on...
- The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact...
Fuel Economy
32 MPG Combined- City: 29 MPG
- Hwy: 37 MPG
- Combined: 32 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
3KPFK4A77JE198723
Model Year
2018
Make
Kia
Model
Forte
Trim
LX Base
Series
Not available
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Doors
4
Seats
5
Seat Rows
2
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Engine
2L 4 Cyl
Manufacturer
Kia Mexico S.a. De C.v.
Plant Location
TIJUANA, MEXICO
Country of Origin
MEXICO
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
3 → Mexico
Position 2 — Manufacturer
K → Kia Mexico S.a. De C.v.
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
P → PASSENGER CAR
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
FK4A7 → Forte LX Base
Position 9 — Check Digit
7 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
J → 2018
Position 11 — Plant Code
E → TIJUANA, MEXICO
Positions 12–17 — Serial
198723 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
MPI Nu
Engine Manufacturer
KMC
Cylinders
4 Cyl
Displacement
2 L
Displacement CC
2000.0
Displacement CI
122.04748818946
Engine Config
Not available
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
147 hp
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Not available
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
6
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
32 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
29 MPG
Hwy MPG
37 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,900
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$9,500
GHG Score
7/10
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
279 g/mi
Barrels/Year
9.3
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Not available
Lane Departure Warning
Not available
Lane Keep System
Not available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Not available
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Not available
Auto High Beams
Not available
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Curtain Airbags
1st and 2nd Rows
Knee Airbags
Unknown
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Not available
Steering Location
Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Doors
4
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
2
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
15
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Kia Mexico S.a. De C.v.
Manufacturer ID
21364
Make ID
499
Model ID
2462
Plant Company
Kia Motors Mexico S.A. De C.V. (KMM)
Plant City
TIJUANA
Plant State
Not available
Plant Country
MEXICO
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
3KPFK4A7*JE
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
3
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
Moderate Risk
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
🔔
Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Kia dealer with this VIN to confirm all 3 recall(s) are resolved.
🔒
NICB Stolen Vehicle CheckFree check at nicb.org to confirm no theft, salvage, or total-loss history.
💰
Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 3 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
📝
Review Title & Lien StatusEnsure no outstanding liens before transfer. Your state DMV can verify title.
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$6,600–$10,400
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
4 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
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...
Risk: 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...
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...
Risk: 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...
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.
Risk: 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...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2018 Kia Forte
$1,380/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$6,900
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$9,500
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$4,680
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Kia Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Kia dealer.
Find Kia Dealers →NICB VINCheck is a free federal database. Run a check to confirm this VIN has no theft, salvage, or insurance total-loss history.
Run Free NICB Check for 3KPFK4A77JE198723 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
Select any state to see its current emissions testing requirements and lemon law protections.
Select a state above to view its requirements.
OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
Have to replace running lights every 4-6 months on...
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
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact...
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...
Recently, while my boyfriend was driving my vehicle, the...
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....
While driving the car with the flow of busy...
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...
Engine would run fast and then sound like was...
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...
I went to Kia dealership in Groton CT 06340...
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...
The car turn off while driving it. This creates...
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...
No warning lights/ indicators at all. Well taken care...
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...
Showing 8 of 134 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 7,500 mi
Kia recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Due Soon
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
Due Now
Timing Belt Replacement
Every 60,000–105,000 mi
CRITICAL — timing belt failure destroys engine. Confirm if your model has belt vs chain.
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2018 KIA Forte based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2018
$8,500
2019
$7,500
-12%
2020
$6,600
-22%
2021
$5,800
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,380/yr
23%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
25%
Fuel/Energy
$1,900/yr
32%
Depreciation
$936/yr
16%
Registration
$250/yr
4%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$5,966/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
7.5
/ 10
Rank #9 overall
33 issues / 100 vehicles
Kia Reliability
Kia shares platforms with Hyundai. Similar reliability trajectory with competitive warranty coverage.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
25/01/2022
09/08/2021
13/04/2021
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2018 KIA Forte:
Private Party
$5,800–$9,600
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$6,900–$11,400
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$7,100–$12,000
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 3 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
32 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
32 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Consider winter tires if driving in snow or ice regions
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Kia Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60k
Powertrain
10yr/100k
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
⚠ At 8 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2018 KIA Forte.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2018 KIA Forte:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 3 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 134 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
Sign Up Free →🔌 Carfax Recall Alerts
Free recall tracking through Carfax. Notifies you about new recalls and tracks which ones have been repaired.
Check Free →
VIN 3KPFK4A77JE198723:
3 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,380/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 3KPFK4A77JE198723 decode to?
VIN 3KPFK4A77JE198723 decodes to a 2018 KIA Forte LX Base, assembled in TIJUANA, MEXICO.
How many recalls does this 2018 KIA Forte have?
This 2018 KIA Forte has 3 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2018 KIA Forte with open recalls?
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a KIA dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2018 KIA Forte?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2018 KIA Forte LX Base is estimated at $6,600–$10,400. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2018 KIA Forte get?
According to EPA data, the 2018 KIA Forte gets approximately 32 MPG combined (29 city / 37 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $1,900.
❤ Support VinForFree
VinForFree offers a free VIN check with no signup required. If this report helped you, consider supporting the site.
Bitcoin (BTC) Address:
3JjL1STPyfyhiQk1E91Xss8FSa5brW8LG3
Ethereum (ETH) Address:
0x962Efcc84463D599beC4F5F0575D1ebF60c83745
Litecoin (LTC) Address:
MUZk3ZDrpM4KmQjAZsnd5t12bYKqfhNtx4
Cardano (ADA) Address:
addr1vy8zgurtrdxyq4lyz9wzgpguj3eraxl79shu2hgh9r2ux6cdgmjc5
Free VIN Check — No Signup Required
Decode any 17-character VIN instantly. Recalls, specs, fuel economy, crash ratings, and market value.
🔍 Search Another VIN