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: other or unspecified
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2025
I had a crack in my windshield. I called Safelite to come out and replace my windshield tape got left behind on the windshield and the roof of my car. I removed the tape and it brought the paint with it. I’ve been contacted safe flight and they told me that there was a recall on the white paint for the Kia forte coupe 2015 therefore they are not liable for any repairs on the vehicle. Now the roof of my car has two places where it’s missing paint from tape being pulled from it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 25, 2025
While driving car will shut off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 28, 2024
On approximately, 04/15/2024, 8:00 am, My 2015 Kia Forte with less 115,000 miles suddenly shut down going 65 MPH! A severe accident was avoided by manhandling the steering wheel to get it to the side of the road. When I called the Kia's Consumer Affair, to report the incident, I was told there was no recall on the motor so they were not labile. I am very frustrated, upset and stressed that Kia's doesn't care about it reputation.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2024
When driving it suddenly won't pull a hill. It will slow down to 20-30 mph even on an interstate. I've had it in the shop several time and they can't find anything wrong. It did it again and I took it in and the mechanic told me there was a recall on the computer system but I can't find it. If there's a recall please let me know at [XXX] . Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2023
My vehicle was broken into and there was an attempt to steal the car. I made a police report and they expressed that the car would have been driven recklessly and potentially crashed if it was stolen. The safety issues with KIA fortes have become a huge issue nation wide and the cars should be recalled to have standard security installed that a majority of other cars already have equipped.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2023
Trunk leakage, affecting the inside carpet floor, front and back area and the back seat every time it rains. As a consequence mold forms (white spots of powder like/mold) I inform the dealership but they said that’s not in the recall list. And they ask to go to a body shop.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 4, 2023
I start to notice the lamp as well as a knocking sound in October of 2022 I was concerned so I took it to a local mechanic and was told that this particular model car was on a recall for engine fire hazard. He then advised me to call the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. I then called them to let them know what is going on with the car, the employee tells me they can't do the work and referred me to another dealership that's a larger facility. To my knowledge of doing research, I then found out that the engine can catch fire when shut off or in process of being driven so it's very dangerous regarding me and my family. I then called the dealership and they asked for my VIN number, they then tell me yes, this car has 3 different recalls that are showing, and I made an appointment to have it inspected on Jan 2 of 2023 and I took my car to the dealership, and they confirmed I need a new engine. They then told me they will not repair my vehicle. I've never gotten anything in the mail stating there was a recall on any of the parts for my KIA 2015 until the knocking from the engine and the lamp coming on and was told by a local mechanic that there's a recall on this model.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 9, 2022
While driving the vehicle is completely shuts down without warning and stalls in the middle of traffic. It is a danger to safety do to risk of getting hit. There are no codes and no warnings. It starts back up but stalls again. I had it checked by a mechanic and even he couldn't figure out what is happening.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2022
There is a way to remove a piece of the steering component and start the car with a USB (general - doesn't need to be any specific USB, can be an iPhone charger). There are many Kia's being stolen and damaged, some to the point of unrepair. This needs to be recalled ASAP. Many people are getting hurt. They call themselves the "Kia Boys" and it's now a social media trend to steal Kia's. The government needs to step in and force Kia to recall their vehicles with this capability before more people die because of this stupid trend. I'm answering the following questions with what I know from other reports from news; not to my actual vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2022
Since 2019 I have been having an issue with unknown individuals hacking in to my car and verbally harrasing me while I'm driving. The have yelled at me and at times had clise calls due their disturbance. No matter how loud i raise the volume on the radio, they will yell louder at me. Calling me inappropriate names, talking inappropriatly to me, and multiple accusations, even though I don't know them. Help!
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2022
I was driving and the rear wheel broke off rendering the vehicle not able to be driven and at the same time If I had been on the highway, I could have been killed. In addition 2 wheel bearings were also been found to be defective. When I called NISSAN, the agents stated that this was not the concern of NISSAN and would not pay for the defective parts.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2021
The oil light will turn on intermittently, usually when pressure is applied to the brakes, or the vehicle is in park. While the vehicle is driving, the engine light, oil light, and battery light will turn on and the engine will turn off, effectively stalling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, and they could not determine the problem nor a solution. The car was then taken to a Kia shop, and a faulty oil sensor and faulty crank sensor were determined to be the problem. The sensors were replaced, and the car made it under 6 miles before it stalled again. A broken engine is now determined to be the problem. The car has approximately 66,500-66,600 miles on it, I bought the car when it had about 63,500 miles on it in November, so I only put 3k miles on it, so a broken engine due to consumer error is highly unlikely, since the car has been getting its oil changed and other upkeep regularly throughout the cars life. The car has stalled at 40mph, to like 5mph when i was backing out of a parking spot. The speed of the car does not seem to effect when it stalls, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to when it stalls. I have gone on a 5 mile trip and it stalls 5 times, and i have gone on a 30 mile trip where it only stalled twice.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2021
The oil light will turn on intermittently, usually when pressure is applied to the brakes, or the vehicle is in park. While the vehicle is driving, the engine light, oil light, and battery light will turn on and the engine will turn off, effectively stalling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, and they could not determine the problem nor a solution. The car was then taken to a Kia shop, and a faulty oil sensor and faulty crank sensor were determined to be the problem. The sensors were replaced, and the car made it under 6 miles before it stalled again. A broken engine is now determined to be the problem. The car has approximately 66,500-66,600 miles on it, so a broken engine due to consumer error is highly unlikely, since the car has been getting its oil changed and other upkeep regularly throughout the cars life. The car has stalled at 40mph, to like 5mph when i was backing out of a parking spot. The speed of the car does not seem to effect when it stalls, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to when it stalls. I have gone on a 5 mile trip and it stalls 5 times, and i have gone on a 30 mile trip where it only stalled twice.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2021, crash
Water leaks from under the dash covering the floor. And making the brand and acceleration peddles wet and slick. Slowing to stop at my hom and my foot slide from the brake peddle and was unable to safely slow down before impacting my husband’s truck.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
MY ENGINE JUST STARTED MAKING "KNOCKING" SOUNDS OUT OF NOWHERE...IM UP TO DATE ON OIL CHANGES AND I CHECK THE OIL OFTEN...IT KNOCKS WHILE IDLE AND IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2021
I TOOK THE CAR TO PHIL SMITH KIA AT 4250 N FEDERAL HWY, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL 33064 TELEPHONE (954) 545-7200 AND THEY REFUSED TO RECALL THE VEHICLE. WHAT PROCEDURE TO ADOPT IN THIS CASE?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 2, 2021
I FIRST NOTICED 3/1/2021 THAT MY CAR WAS USING HIGHER RPMS THAN NORMAL. THEN THE FOLLOWING MORNING OF 3/2/2021 WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON IT IMMEDIATELY STARTED MAKING A TICKING/WINDING SOUND WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL. BY THE END OF THE DAY THE NOISE AND ISSUE HAD GOTTEN WORSE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO DRIVE. IT STARTED NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE AT ALL AND FINALLY IT STARTED SMOKING AND TURNED COMPLETELY OFF AND LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2021
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR KEEPS CUTTING OFF
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2020
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, MY ANTENNA SHARK FIN BROKE OFF AND WENT FLYING. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ISSUE HAD IT HIT SOMEONE OR THEIR WINDSHIELD! I WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PART THAT FELL OFF.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2020, fire
RANDOMLY BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THEY CAR HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND NORMAL MAINTENANCE DONE TO IT.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2020
WHEN I TURN THE CAR KEY TO THE 1ST POSITION ( BEFORE THE CAR START ON) I HEAR A NOISE ( LIKE A BOILING WATER) COMING FROM A DASH BOARD. I TOOK MY CAR TO OLATHE KIA, KS THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I AM SEEKING SOLUTION FROM KIA ORGANISATION.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 16, 2019
I WAS SENT INFORMATION ON AN EMISSIONS RECALL ON MY CAR BUT DIDN'T TAKE MY CAR IN UNTIL I SAW THAT THE EMISSIONS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASHBOARD AROUND 07/01/19. I CALLED KIA MANUFACTURER, I BELIEVE ON 07/05/19, CASE # 13251901 AND INFORMED THAT REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE EMISSIONS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THAT THERE WAS RECALL ON MY CAR AND ASKED HOW TO GET CAR REPAIRED. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED TO TAKE IT TO A KIA DEALER AND THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE RECALL AND REPAIR. I CALLED KIA AND MADE AN APPT. FOR 07/18/19 SPOKE WITH DJ. KIA STATED THAT AN EMISSIONS UPDATE IN THE CAR COMPUTER WAS DONE, NO PAPERWORK WAS GIVEN TO ME. THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE GOING TO WORK, I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS SMOKING- A BIG CLOUD OF SMOKE AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL SO I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR BACK TO KIA AND 1ST SPOKE WITH DJ. THE SMOKE WAS LIGHTER BY THIS TIME BUT COULD BE SEEN. THEN, I SPOKE WITH KEVIN WHO STATED THAT THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING AND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SMOKING ANY LONGER. HE GOT ONE OF THE CAR TECHNICIANS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH ME TO SEE IF IT WILL START BACK SMOKING, IT DID NOT, THE EMISSIONS IGHT WAS NOT SHOWING SO KEVIN STATED TO BRING IT BACK IF THE EMISSIONS LIGHT COMES BACK ON. ON 07/27/19, A STRONG SMELL OF ENGINE FUMES CAME THROUGH THE VENTS INSIDE THE CAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO KIA AND SPOKE WITH ROB AND LEFT MY CAR THERE, HE STATED THAT IT WAS A SMALL LEAK AND HE BELIEVED IT WAS THE GAS CAP SEAL AND HE RAN DIAGNOSTIC 3 TIMES BUT DID NOT HAVE CAP BUT WILL ORDER IT. TWO WEEKS LATER, I CALLED ABOUT CAP, IT WAS NEVER ORDERED AND SPOKE WITH KEVIN AGAIN AND MADE ANOTHER APPT. TO BRING CAR IN AND GAS CAP WAS REPLACED BUT LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A PART TO DO ANOTHER DIAGNOSTICS AND PART IS NOT IN 2 WEEKS LATER. MY CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED WITH NO RESOLUTION IN SIGHT.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2019
A FEW DAYS AGO MY AIRBAG LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD TURNED ON. WHEN I USED MY OBD TO CHECK FOR THE PROBLEM, IT SAID THE DRIVER SIDE RESISTANT WAS TOO HIGH. I WENT IN TO GET THE CAR CHECKED AT A KIA DEALERSHIP, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO CALL AND SEE IF WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE PARTS, IF NOT IT'LL BE OVER $600 PLUS $165 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. THIS IS TOO MUCH FOR A PART OF A CAR I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER, AND ESPECIALLY TOO EARLY FOR A CAR THAT IS SAID TO BE A NEW MODEL. OUR OTHER CARS FROM OTHER MAKES THAT WERE PURCHASED IN 2010 AND 2012 DOESN'T EVEN HAVE AS MUCH PROBLEMS AS I DID WITH MY 2015 KIA FORTE IN THE 3 YEARS I'VE HAD IT. ANOTHER PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT THE CAR WOULD OCCASIONALLY JERK WHETHER ON A HIGHWAY OR STREETS, IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OFTEN BUT IT HAS BECOME AN EVERYDAY THING, WHERE IT WOULD LAG/HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. SPEED DOES NOT MATTER. WHEN DRIVING OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WOULD JERK, BUT ONCE THE DEALERSHIP DROVE THE CAR THEY SAID NOTHING HAPPENED AND DIDN'T TRY TO CHECK FOR THE PROBLEM. I INSTEAD WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CHECK IF I INFORMED THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER THE THIRD VISIT. OVER THE YEARS I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO GET A LEAK FIXED MONTHS AFTER MY PURCHASE, MY PAINT WAS COMING OFF AND WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER IT BECAUSE IT WAS USED( STILL WITHIN 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE) HAD TO CHANGED THE BREAKS, CHANGE THE TIRES, CHANGE THE HEADLIGHT AND BACKLIGHTS, CHANGE THE BATTERY, AND HAVE NOTICED THE LACK OF ACCELERATION MY CAR HAS COMPARED TO OTHER CARS. I'M TO RETURN MONDAY TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF WARRANTY COVERS THE AIRBAG LIGHTS, BUT NOT FEELING THAT IT WILL.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 2, 2019, fire
ON SATURDAY MARCH 30, 2019, I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE 110 NORTH HIGHWAY ( CALIFORNIA) WITH MY ONLY SON , MY MOTHER AND MY BOYFRIEND , I WAS GETTING SIGNALED TO PULL OVER BY OTHER DRIVERS AT THAT VERY MOMENT MY CAR STALLED AND HEAVY DARK SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT OF AIR VENT , MY BOYFRIEND SHOUTED FOR US TO GET OUT OF THE CAR QUICK , MY MOTHER IS DISABLED AND USES A WALKER TO WALK WE HAD TO MAKE SURE SHE GOT OUT FIRST , AS WE STARTED TO RUN FROM THE CAR I TURNED AROUND AND NOTICED A FIRE UNDER MY CAR ( I WAS DRIVING LIKE THAT , UNKNOWINGLY) MY CAR WENT INTO FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES AND IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE PROVIDED PICTURES FOR YOU REVIEW, I WAS VERY AFRAID FOR NOT ONLY MY LIFE BUT MY FAMILIES LIFE, IT CROSSED MY MIND THAT I WAS GOING TO DIE, IF THESE DOORS DON'T OPEN .
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR FROM THE BACK SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. BOTH POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.