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.
Of the 2015 reports, 16 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 11 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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: fuel/propulsion system
10 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2026
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2026
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, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2025
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, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2024
Over the last 5 years that I have owned the vehicle, the engine will stall when idle or at low speeds. This has happened at stop lights, on hills and while on the highway (which is obviously very dangerous). The engine the vehicle has to be turned off and restarted and usually it will stall again within a few minutes. For the most part, this happens after the vehicle has been driven for at least 15-20 minutes and there are few issues at higher speeds. As such, when taken to the dealer, they have been unable to replicate the issue. The issue is sometimes resolved after an oil change, however it may recur before the next oil change is due (ie within 3 months). The vehicle has otherwise had it's recommended service Many internet searches note many vehicles of my model and many other Kia's with the exact same issue
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2021
The engine has lower engine knocking. It has a rod knocking very loud. It could throw a rod through engine at any time, cause the vehicle to wreck and catch on fire. Yes, it was confirmed that it had a rod knocking in engine. yes, An ASE Certified mechanic. No check engine light came on. It just started knocking real bad and lost power.They appeared as I was driving down the road.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2021
LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT ON TO STREET AN DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT YOU HAVE TO STEP ON IT FOR IT TO GO. IDLES SLOW LIKE IT GOING TO KNOCK OUT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2021
ENGINE LITE KEPT COMING ON MAVIS TOLD US WE NEED FUEL FILLER & HOSE
Air bags, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, May 19, 2019
TAKATA INFLATORS? RECEIVE VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL NOTICE FROM KIA 1/16/18 TOOK CAR IN TO BE SERVICE FOR THE RECALL 2/3/18 TO KIA OF EAST HARTFORD, CT- DROVE CAR OFF THE LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. LOUD SOUND AND BLACK SMOKE FROM REAR END OF THE CAR, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR STALLED. CALL SERVICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD TO TURN CAR ON AND OFF, THAT THE COMPUTER HAD TO RESET. CAR CAME BACK ON BUT THE AIRBAG, LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. BROUGHT CAR BACK TO KIA OF EAST HARTFORD SEVERAL TIMES WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG, INSTEAD THAT THE SENSOR WERE OFF. THEN EVENTUALLY TOOK THE CAR TO COLUMBIA KIA AND WAS TOLD THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE BUT NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY, THE FUEL CANISTER WAS ALSO CRACKED BUT NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE TPS MODULE WAS ALSO DAMAGE (WHICH WAS REPAIRED BY COLUMBIA KIA THAT ACTUALLY TOOK MY CLAIM SERIOUS). MADE A COMPLAINT TICKET WITH KIA MANUFACTURER REF#12976894 BUT HAS GOTTEN NO WHERE. IN ADDITION COMPLAINT WAS MADE 07/07/18 THAT WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A STOP AND THE GROUND SURFACE IS UNEVEN THE CAR WOULD JERK AND PROPEL FORWARD. WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THAT IS HOW THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WORK. COMPLAINED TO KIA REGARDING THE MULTIPLE TIMES OF NEAR MISSED ACCIDENTS DUE TO MECHANICAL BRAKING SYSTEM AND CAR STALLS. AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR WITH ALL OF THE WARRANTY OFFERED, WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET KIA TO AGREE TO FIX THE TPS MODULE. ALL OF THE OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR WAS NOTED BY KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY WERE DEFECTIVE, NOT WEAR AND TEAR, BUT ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HAVING PROBLEM WITH FINDING ANYONE THAT WOULD EVEN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE AIRBAG ISSUE DUE TO POSSIBLE LIABILITY CONCERNS AND ONGOING RECALL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2018
ENGINE LIGHT ON WHEN DRIVING - JUST HAD FILLED WITH GAS THAT DAY - CAR HAS 38,000 MILES. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAD TO HAVE EVAPORATION CONTROL CANISTER REPLACED AS IT HAD A CRACK. I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED IMMEDIATELY TO GET MY STATE INSPECTION STICKER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN NO ACCIDENTS. THE TOTAL COST WAS $458.73.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 21, 2016
WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES FROM A STOP, THERE IS SEVERE VALVE PINGING SOUND. KIA MOTORS AMERICA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT ARE NOT TAKING ANY STEPS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE "AS IT DOES NOT DO ANYTHING TO THE CAR". THE NOISE IS VERY SEVERE ON THE 2015 FORTE AND IT IS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE CAR. THE WIND NOISE AND THE VALVE PING MAKE THE CAR VERY LOUD. THE DEALER SAYS THAT SINCE KIA MOTORS AMERICA IS NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE, NOTHING CAN BE DONE. KIA MOTORS AMERICA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS BUT HAVE FAILED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT AS THEY ARE DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE UPGRADING TO BETTER GAS, BUT THE NOISE STILL PERSISTS. KIA RECOMMENDS AND ADVERTISES REGULAR UNLEADED FOR THE FORTE, BUT A MORE EXPENSIVE PLUS OR PREMIUM GRADE IS NEEDED TO DECREASE THE SOUND OF THE PING. THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL ADDED EXPENSE TO THE CAR THAT KIA FAILS TO ADDRESS.