2015 Kia Forte

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 259 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

149 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine144
2161
Air Bags21
1006
Unknown or Other20
224
Electrical System19
020
Service Brakes12
100
Exterior Lighting8
000
Power Train7
100
Steering3
000
Seat Belts3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Engine20V750000
Filed Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 10, 2026GA

While driving my 2015 Kia Forte5 at approximately 80 mph on GA-400, I was traveling in the far-left lane when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost acceleration and engine power. Pressing the accelerator produced little to no response. There was no gradual reduction in speed or sufficient warning that the vehicle was about to lose propulsion. Because I was in the far-left lane, I had to maneuver across approximately four lanes of highway traffic to reach the shoulder. Fortunately, this occurred at night when traffic was relatively light, allowing me to get the vehicle to safety. GA-400 normally carries very heavy traffic during the daytime, and I believe the same sudden loss of propulsion under those conditions could have resulted in a serious collision because the driver may have no safe way to cross multiple lanes while rapidly losing speed. After the initial incident, I was able to drive approximately five minutes to my brother’s house. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, and the following day we brought it to an authorized Kia dealership and explained the loss-of-power condition. At that time, the engine had not yet completely failed. The dealership did not proceed with an engine repair/replacement and indicated that the engine/check-engine-light condition needed to be present. After leaving Kia, the problem became substantially worse. While the vehicle was being driven back, the engine completely lost power and the vehicle became disabled. We had to physi

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2026OH

Recently had oil change . Right after B oil change engine light came on, a solid yellow light car is driving rough it’s a 2015 Kia Forte. Have an appointment Monday 7/13/2026 to have dealer to do a B diagnostic. The same place I had oil change

Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2026IN

Respectfully submit this correspondence to request formal assistance regarding my 2015 Kia Forte EX, a vehicle covered under the class settlement. The vehicle is exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with KSDS‑related engine failure, yet the required diagnostic protocol has not been completed by the servicing dealership. The KSDS software update was performed in May 2022, and the vehicle currently has only 92,000 miles on the odometer, placing it well within the settlement’s mileage parameters. Despite this, the dealership has failed to follow KSDS procedures and has not produced any written documentation of its findings. All communication with the dealership has occurred exclusively by telephone. Despite repeated attempts to obtain information, I have not received a diagnostic sheet, video recording, code report, KSDS documentation, or any written summary of the vehicle’s condition. All statements provided to me have been verbal and inconsistent. My **primary symptoms** include: - Persistent and worsening **engine ticking** - **Burning excessive amounts of oil** - Activation of **limp mode** - A **flashing check engine light** These symptoms align with known indicators of KSDS‑related engine failure and warrant immediate and proper diagnostic evaluation under the settlement terms. The dealership has verbally stated that the issue may be related to **spark plugs and ignition coils**. However, plugs and coils are a **well‑documented secondary symptom** of rod bearing failure,

Electrical System
Filed Jun 29, 202685,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that an anti-theft protection software update was performed in 2024. After the update was performed, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off without warning. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was reset and self-corrected after being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Fred Anderson Toyota of Raleigh (9101 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617); and the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2026VA

The car is jerking while driving. It's caused the car to overheat. It's hard to start up and usually stalls out. It has stalled out while driving almost causing a accident. The engine light came on. I took it for a diagnostic and it was code P0172 for high pressure fuel pump. Before the incident date it was already hard to start prior to the engine light coming on. It sometimes causes smoke to come out of the exhaust. There was also smoke from under the hood in the engine compartment and as soon as I put gas in the car it runs out very quickly. This issue could have caused and accident or even a fire. It's unsafe to drive and from other reviews I've seen several other Kia drivers have experienced issues with this same faulty part, which is expensive to fix.

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2026100,200 milesVA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving in the fast lane at 70 MPH on the interstate and attempting to move over to the emergency lane, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.

Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2026GA

Plese can you fex may car

Electrical System
Filed Feb 7, 2026MN

Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.

Engine
Filed Dec 18, 2025WA

The vehicle began experiencing persistent engine misfires and rough running. Fuel contamination was found in the engine oil, and the spark plugs were fouled with oil and fuel. The catalytic converter has become clogged and failed multiple times due to excess fuel and oil entering the exhaust system. The Kia dealership documented these conditions but refused to perform recall-related engine repairs. Kia Consumer Affairs stated the vehicle does not meet warranty extension guidelines and would not repair the engine. Due to fuel in the oil, misfires, overheating exhaust components, and repeated catalytic converter failure, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and presents a potential fire risk.

Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2025168,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the battery light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to pull into a gas station. The contact called his daughter, who went to the gas station and jumpstarted the vehicle. The contact stopped by Auto Zone to have the vehicle diagnosed, where it was diagnosed and DTCs: P2191, P0562, C1101, C1102, C1201, C1204, C1207, C1208, C1210, C1211, C1237, C1260, C1513, C1613, and C1688 were retrieved. In addition, the battery showed codes that fluctuated constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer pending an inspection. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that recently the low oil warning light was illuminated, and the fuel level was low; however, the oil level and fuel level were not low. The ABS, traction control, steering, and tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the brake warning light failed to function as intended. The contact replaced the brake lights however, t

Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2025TX

Engine burning oil and the recall had to do with the engine burning oil and could cause engine fire while driving. It was under the recall list but the dealership said the time frame for the warranty expired it has been inspected by a auto shop and the said it needs a engine because the engine burned oil really fast and there where no warning

Electrical System
Filed Nov 7, 2025OH

I own a 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) that experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle had been running normally until it began stalling and sputtering while driving. Shortly after, the engine would only run for 1–2 seconds before shutting off entirely. This exact issue mirrors those documented in previous recalls and class-action lawsuits involving Kia's 2011–2015 models with 2.0L and 2.4L engines. However, despite having the same failure and engine type, my VIN was excluded from the existing recall/warranty extension campaigns. Kia confirmed this is a known issue, but will not cover repairs. This failure occurred at approx. 180,000 miles. Engine failure without warning is a serious safety risk and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can review this issue and evaluate whether additional VINs — like mine — should be included in a broader investigation or recall. A case has been opened with Kia (Case #XXX), and full diagnostic documentation from a certified mechanic is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Oct 16, 2025SC

Vehicle started making a ticking noise under the hood. I immediately had it towed to a mechanics shop in town. They performed an inspection and said the ticking noise is from a Rod Bearing # 3 has come loose and the whole engine must be replaced. The car has only 108,000 miles. There were no check engine lights that came on either. I called Kia to see about getting a replacement engine from them and they informed me they no longer make that engine for that car anymore which is the 1.6 Liter Turbo Charged GDI 4 Cylinder Engine.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 25, 2025GA

I was driving today and upon braking trying to come to a four way stop, the brake pedal went to the floor with no stopping. My vehicle went through the 4 way stop endangering me and my passengers. The piston blew out where all fluid leaked over the place. This is dangerous.

Engine
Filed Sep 10, 2025AR

Rod knock in engine, catastrophic failure

Engine
Filed Aug 8, 2025FL

Oil leak with no warning signal what so ever . My car can completely run out of oil and the light won't turn in at all.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2025IA

Took care to kis for a recall picked it up and got down the street and it died on me brought it back to Kia and was told it was okay just the oil filter took Kia home and changed oil and filter and car kept going dead would restart but the die again after driving for a little bit. The car kept going dead in middle of road interstate turning into lane across from on going traffic very unsafe. Took care back to Kia the scanned it and checked recall they did and said it was ok took car home again and same problem it now has a loud knock or chattering sound while driving.and it's still going dead. Took care back to Kia again and now they say there is internal engine failure and that I don't have the extended warranty because my mileage is just over the limit for regular warranty. And they will not offer goodwill either because the Internal engine failure. My car drove just fine no problems until I took it to them for the recall and now they say they can't help with nothing. With being disabled and a student I worked really hard to get this car and I need it to get to appointments school and therapy. This has taken away my transportation my happiness and my hard work And effort. It takes a lot to accomplish things being disabled and this makes it even harder. I want to give up most days being able to get to school gave me a purpose and I felt like I belonged. I feel it is only far to have another opinion and to have goodwill being the issue occured after the recall took place. Ple

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2025CO

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 08/07/2025 [XXX] Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs P.O. Box 52410 Irvine, CA 92619-2410 Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Engine Replacement – 2015 Kia Forte Dear Kia Customer Care Team, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration regarding the recent denial of assistance for my 2015 Kia Forte ([XXX]), which has experienced a major engine failure at approximately 157,000 miles I was informed by your customer service department that my vehicle is not eligible for the engine replacement under the recall or extended warranty programs due to timing. However, I am aware that Kia has had significant and well-documented issues with the 2.0L GDI engines used in my vehicle model year. The problem in my car appears to be consistent with the same engine defects that have affected countless others — in my case, a serious piston-related failure that now requires a full engine replacement. As a loyal Kia owner who has taken good care of my vehicle, I am incredibly disappointed that such a severe defect would surface and that my only option, per current communication, is to replace the engine at my own expense — something that is financially unfeasible for me. My car has otherwise been well maintained and was expected to last many more miles. I respectfully ask that Kia extend goodwill assistance in this matter. Whether through an extended warranty exception, cost-sharing on the repair, or any alternative solution, I would greatly appreciate any support Kia c

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2025VA

The oil light flickered on and off intermittently despite oil in it and was making a cackling noise during acceleration for 2 days then my engine made loud screech noise and smelled like burnt oil and shut off . I had it towed to a mechanic who stated it showed a hole in the engine block .

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 24, 202590,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the certified mechanic, and an unknown repair was completed. The contact was unsure of the repair that was completed. After having the vehicle repaired a second time, while attempting to accelerate, the instrument panel was flashing the check engine and the oil light warning lights. The vehicle decelerated, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power shortly afterwards. The failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic twice. The mechanic repaired the knock sensor and drained and replaced the engine oil and cleared the codes. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to the mechanic, and was then towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the knock sensor had failed. The knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 90,000.

20 of 259 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202424000Routine
202361341Do not drive
202226110Routine
202167200Routine
202075020Routine
2019147240Routine
2018136330Routine
2017301394Fatalities reported
2016135160Routine
2015 — this page2591201Fatalities reported
20144403360High concern
20131955131Fatalities reported
20122914223Fatalities reported
20111533121Fatalities reported
2010221341Fatalities reported
20091000Routine

Compare every Forte year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 2, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.