2015 Kia Forte

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 259 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 259

Of the 2015 reports, 16 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 11 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernEngine157 reports · 61% of complaints
Owner complaints259Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship1 safety recallNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine157
  2. Other or unspecified31
  3. Electrical system29
  4. Air bags23
  5. Power train17
  6. Service brakes16
  7. Exterior lighting13
  8. Fuel/propulsion system10

Recalls and investigations

  1. EngineDec 2, 2020

    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.

    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    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.

    Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: electrical system

29 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Jun 15, 2019

    IS THEY A RECALL ON THE CAR KIA FORTE THE VIN NUMBER [XXX] ON THE BATTERY TERMINALS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

  2. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 19, 2019

    TAKATA RECALL: MY BRAKE LIGHTS FROM BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE ALWAYS GONG OUT. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO REPLACE BULBS. I'VE EVEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THE ENTIRE LIGHTING WIRES BRAND NEW AND STILL HAVE THIS ISSUE.

  3. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2018

    ENGINE IS BLOWN. HAD NO PRIOR WARNING. IT HAPPENED AT A TRAFFIC LIGH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY.. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON PRIOR TO ENGINE BLOWING. TEMPERATURE GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER HOT PRIOR TO ENGINE BLOWING. CHECK OIL LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AND STAY ON PRIOR TO ENGINE BLOWING.

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Jun 13, 2017

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT SUDDENLY PROGRESSED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY TO BE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (WORLD KIA JOLIET, 2525 W JEFFERSON ST, JOLIET, IL 60435, (815) 725-2575). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS A GDI MODEL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT DEVELOPED A REPAIR SOLUTION AND THAT THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE GDS MODEL TYPES. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHY THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION. THE REPAIR CONCERNS WERE TO BE ESCALATED BUT, WHEN THE CONTACT FOLLOWED UP, THEY HAD NOT BEEN ESCALATED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 08/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER CLAIMED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO POOR MAINTENENCE. THE CONSUMER LOCATED OIL CHANGE RECIEPTS. THE DEALER THE REPLACED THE ENGINE. *JS