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Service bulletins for the 2018 Kia Forte

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

100 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
SC264_OWNR2023-05-26. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2017-2018 MY Forte vehicles manufactured from January 9, 2016 through July 27, 2018 and 2012-2017 MY Rio vehicles manufactured from June 21, 2011 through March 31, 2017 that were originally sold in or are currently registered in one of the 28 states with high road salt usage.
CS2305_TSB_R12023-05-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2014-2018MY Forte (YD), 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm), and 2019-2021MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced within the dates outlined in page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation.
CS2305B_OWNRYDM2023-04-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a break-in.
CS2305A_OWNRYD2023-04-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a break-in.
CS2305_TSB2023-04-22. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2014-2018MY Forte (YD), 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm), and 2019-2021MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced within the dates outlined in page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation.
TSB_TRA046_R32022-12-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
TSB_CLI048_R12022-12-06. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR: COMPRESSOR FIELD COIL ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding A/C Compressor Field Coil Assembly inspection and replacement on some 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm) and 2019-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles.
TSB_ENG219_R12022-09-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equipped with the Oil Life Management System (OLMS) feature not included in table on page 2.
TSB_CHA085_R22022-07-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: SUB FRAME REPLACEMENT (SA323) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the sub frame on some 2018MY Forte (YD), produced from August 31, 2017 through September 4, 2017, and some 2018MY Forte (YDm) vehicles, produced from October 10, 2017 through October 23, 2017, which may experience a squeak noise at the sub frame area when driving.
PI2106YZ_TSB2022-05-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2106Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (PI2106) titled “Nu 2.0L GDI - Knock Sensor Detection System ECU Logic Improvement”. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
PS613_R12022-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This pitstop provides the KDS service procedure for mileage setting on the models listed below with newly replaced instrument clusters. Certain models allow for mileage setting with the KDS, which prevents the need to send out the instrument cluster to a 3rd party for mileage adjustment (refer to PS264). After a new cluster is installed, cluster (variant) coding may also need to be conducted using the KDS. Make sure the KDS software is also updated to the latest version. Mileage setting should be performed by using the KDS only, as described in this bulletin.
TSB_ENG222_R62022-03-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
TSB_ENG222_R52022-01-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
TSB_ENG222_R42021-12-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
SC203_POC2021-11-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. SC203_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
SC203_STKR2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. SC203_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER
SC203_TSB2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ECM UPDATE FOR OBD LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC203) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Engine Control Module (ECM) on some 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm) vehicles equipped with the NU 2.0L MPI engine, produced from May 27, 2016 through June 27, 2018. While this issue has no effect on the drivability of the vehicle, nor does it release any air pollutants, the vehicle may fail a SMOG check and/or may not illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) for certain fuel system failures. In order to improve On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) logic, apply the improved software logic to the Engine system using the KDS ECU Upgrade function as described in this bulletin.
SC203_OWNR2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC203_OWNR: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on your vehicle's Engine Control Module. Kia has become aware that certain 2017-2018 MY Forte vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) engine may have had a software update that turned off certain fuel system monitoring functions.
SC203_QA2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC203_QA: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Questions and Answers Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC203).
SC203_DPSM2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC203_DPSM: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia America, Inc is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Engine Control Module on certain 2017-2018 MY Forte vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) engines. While this issue has no effect on the drivability of the vehicle, nor does it release any air pollutants, the vehicle may fail a SMOG check and/or may not illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) for certain fuel system failures.
SC203_DP2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SC203_DP: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Engine Control Module on certain 2017-2018 MY Forte vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) engines. While this issue has no effect on the drivability of the vehicle, nor does it release any air pollutants, the vehicle may fail a SMOG check and/or may not illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) for certain fuel system failures.
TSB_CHA1112021-10-22. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noise when steering left and right. This may be caused by foreign substances in the MDPS worm shaft small bearing. On some vehicles when the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Small Bearing and does not affect the steering effort.
TSB_CHA084_R82021-10-22. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. On some vehicles when the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly and does not affect the steering effort.
PI2106_TSB2021-10-22. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: NU 2.0L GDI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2106) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. This update is for certain 2017-2018MY Forte (YD/YDm) vehicles equipped with Nu 2.0L GDI engines, produced from May 19, 2016 through May 7, 2018.
PI2106_QA2021-10-22. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Product Improvement Campaign (PI2106).

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.