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
259 reports, newest first.
Structure, Nov 27, 2023
I purchased a 2015 Kia Forte5 car (Pearl White) used but I noticed the paint peeling. It seems to be getting worse because the same spot is getting bigger and now a new spot on the top has appeared. I took the car to a body shop and was told it was a factory paint defect. I went online and saw that Kia and Hyundai had a factory issue with the pearl white paint for several years around my car year model. I was wondering if the paint chipping can be fixed or me compensated for the repairs. The damage is on the rear hatch and passenger side top of car next to sunroof. One is about a quarter size and the other a little smaller than a dime. Thanks in advance, [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.
Engine, Nov 3, 2023
The engine in my car began failing at 60,000 mile despite having all maintenance records. The KIA dealership expressed that this is happening to many similar cars and a recall was issued for a similar engine to mine with the same issue. They expressed that the engine could seize up while driving and cause a wreck unless I purchase a new/used one to put into my car. Again all routine maintenance was kept up to date.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Car has same issues for 4 years, shaking, stalling, loosing speed while driving. Check engine light on. Light knocking noise while driving can’t go above 45 miles an hour. Also 3 times car smelled like electrical burning. But was told by Kia nothing wrong with engine
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2023
The car keeps stalling out while stopped. No check engine lights or anything . It will then sit for a minute ot two then start back.
Engine, Oct 13, 2023
My daughter was driving it and all of a sudden the engine light came on then the oil it started to loose power so she pulled over right away so we had it towed to a mechanic and the motor needs to be replaced. We never had problems at all with it until then its been well taken care of.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
Three years ago, I took my car to 2 separate kia dealers regarding the knocking in engine. Both said it's "normal". I told them then that they wouldn't sell the car with it knocking. I was contacted in 2022 by credit karma of a safety recall regarding brakes. Another recall was from kia regarding safety from vehicles easily being stolen. I cleared these 2 safety recalls on my vehicle, but I am still being told nothing is wrong with the knocking I hear under the hood. My vin# states my car isn't affected, but I think it is. My brand of car should be included in this recall. Thank you
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2023
Going down an incline the brakes can go to the floor. Usually if the pavement is a little bumpy. It’s like you loose all braking.
Engine, Jul 29, 2023
Engine failure. I was stopped at a red light and when I pressed the accelerator to go, I didn't realize the engine shut down. I had to have the car towed and learned a day later of the engine recall for the 2015 Kia Forte EX 5
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
My engine blew up. It should be included in the recall but it says its not for the 2012-2015 kia forte.
Air bags, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 15, 2023
AIRBAG WARNING IS ON, BUTTONS/CONTROL OF THE WHEEL DONT WORK, CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. MOTOR SHAKES A LOT. WE GOT THIS CAR 2-3 WEEKS AGO LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN WE GOT IT FROM THE DEALER. IM NOT AN EXPERT BUT I THINK THAT SOMETHING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY... IM DO APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE
Engine, Jun 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after several oil changes, he noticed that the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of engine oil. Following a visual inspection, the contact stated that he noticed the engine was leaking oil and making an abnormal sound. The check oil level warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, May 9, 2023, crash
Car lost power, stalled in traffic at a stoplight on a slight incline, rolled back into another vehicle. Have been having repeated problems with stalling. Have taken it to 3 dealerships, none of whom have done anything beyond oil changes. They've even refused to scan it. Kia says it should be under warranty for a new engine after KSDS update, then says it's not. We've been lucky not to have injuries so far because it's done this stalling thing multiple times in traffic.
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the local mechanic informed the contact that the engine sounded rough. After performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed that engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Mar 22, 2023
ENGINE LITE CAME ON CAR RUNNING ROUGH... GOING TO KIA DEALER TO CHECK FOR THE KSDS MODULE ...SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED IN 11/2021
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver’s side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver’s side taillight brake wiring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine, Electrical system, Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, coils, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
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.
Service brakes, Feb 4, 2023
Kia issued recall to inspect/repair potential corrosion of brake lines. Dealer inspected car on 12/8/22 and advised repair/replacement was needed and parts would be order. Now almost 2 months later and still no part. Dealer states back ordered. Complaint filed with Kia customer service and no meaningful response. In fact other than acknowledging complaint no response whatsoever. Yet Kia advises this is a potential safety issue and should be repaired ASAP so as to avoid accidents/damage, etc.. Kia cannot or will not provided any information regarding parts availability and subsequent required repair. If transportation is needed we are forced to drive a vehicle with known safety issues because of manufacturers lack of response.
Engine, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall, and the contact shifted to neutral and turned off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 158,949.
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.
Engine, Dec 9, 2022
Was driving to work and heard a sound of metal as if something fell from the car. Looked back in my rear view to see a trail of fluid. Pulled over immediately and the car started to stall out at the same time. Called a tow. They advised to contact police and fire in case it was gas. Fire department came and confirmed it was oil. I had gotten my oil changed two weeks prior at valvoline. Towed the car home where it sat. Called valvoline and they sent a technician to confirm the oil dispersed throughout the engine bay. Lifted the car to redo the oil change and witnessed oil leaking from the engine with no seals/caps missing. Towed to a local mechanic where it was found that a bearing went out- rod shot through the engine. Confirming the noise I heard last week. When looking through KBB - showed recall for Forte engine issues 2012-2015. Case started with KIA
Service brakes, Dec 2, 2022
Received inspection letter dated 8/19/22 from Kia to inspect/replace if necessary brake line. First available appointment was 9/27/22. Inspection revealed a severely rotted brake line and invoice notation that vehicle is unsafe to drive. I contacted 3 other Kia dealerships and was given the familiar response that the parts are on back order with not estimate time for arrival. I contacted Kia customer service for a remedy but experienced hour long wait on hold only to be disconnected. Several attempts later customer service suggested I seek an off dealer shop and pay for the repair and be reimbursed by Kia. I was not able to get service through a third party either. I was assigned a case number 15188053 but no viable resolution.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed at night, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated approximately a second before the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a spun bearing inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Oct 26, 2022
Kia recalled my brake line but won’t fix claiming parts in Korea on back order going on months. They took pics of corrosion. They said if something happens it’s my fault.