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.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning smell would emit throughout the vehicle without warning. The contact also stated that due to this failure, the brake lights would intermittently fail to operate as needed upon depression. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they discovered burnt wires in the electrical box and had the box replaced; despite the replacement, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Engine, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then stalled without warning. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there was no oil in the engine although oil had recently been added. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Engine, Feb 10, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle started smoking while stopped at a traffic light. The smoke was coming from the engine. Additionally, while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was stopping and stalling while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
Engine, Feb 2, 2022, fire
The cylinder 3 connecting rod broke and shot a hole through my engine block. It also sucked metal pieces into my turbo and damaged my starter. This is the exact same issue that the 2.0 liter engines have and yet I have to pay out of pocket for my repairs. I was on the interstate going 70 mph when this happened. What if instead of shooting down, it shot back towards me? What if my child was in the car? Now Kia won’t cover this and I think they should. I took the car to multiple mechanics and not one of them told me this could happen. The check engine light kept coming on, I kept being told to replace the spark plugs and the ignition coils and it never resolved my issue. These were Kia certified dealers. Now one of these Kia certified dealers wants to charge me $13,000 to replace the engine and the turbo. That’s more than the car is worth and now I’m stuck with the car payment of a car that failed and not bc of my own doing.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 31, 2022
Every few months my car won’t crank. I have to get it towed to the dealership. They normally change the spark plugs and it runs again. Recently, they changed the spark plugs but I was also told that I had an engine oil leak(which is very hazardous), oil is leaking onto my engine which is causing my spark plugs to burn out so quick. They claimed they didn’t know what was causing it and told me I would have to wait until my car breaks down completely before being able to know exactly what’s causing it. Informed me that changing the spark plugs is only a temporary fix and I would go through this process again(my car not cranking and spark plugs needing to be replaced).
Engine, Jan 18, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning smoke odor was detected. The contact pulled over and noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood. Additionally, there were engine parts that had melted and a puddle of fluid on the ground. A bystander assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The VIN was included in the recall; however, the contact did not receive a recall notification. The failure mileage was 99,880.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2022
I recently went to the dealership to get a diagnostic's test on December 22nd, 2021. I bought the car October 14th, 2020. My vehicle had a recall on it that was issued in December 2020 and they claim it was fixed a few years ago despite the car only being 5 years old. I believe they did not fix it and sold the car to me As-Is knowing they installed a faulty aftermarket part. From my understanding, Catalytic Convertors are supposed to last around 10 years but the car was only 5 years old at the time of purchase, meaning they replaced it prior to me buying the car. I went in and they claim my catalytic converter was no good and I would have to spend $1700 to replace it. I feel like it is a money grab where they clear the codes on the vehicle, sell it knowing there are issues with no warranty, and then wait for the customer to return to pay to fix the vehicle. I believe the recall was never repaired despite them saying they did as I am having a lot of the issues customers faced with the recall and I am genuinely concerned for my safety and finances as this car cannot pass an emissions test despite them claiming it passed (again, probably cleared the codes to pass). I feel like the vehicle needs to be relooked at and repaired by them since they sold it with aftermarket parts they installed when a Kia dealership should only be repairing and replacing with genuine parts manufactured by Kia, not a third party. Again, just because they sold it "As is" with issues they potentially created should be illegal and they need to be held accountable. I will report to BBB and an consumer attorney. The engine idles and the vehicle slows down and speeds up while driving. There is a gurgling and knocking sound while the engine idles.
Engine, Dec 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change. The contact stated that while driving for approximately two miles down the road the knocking sound returned. The contact veered to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle and heard another loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as rod blown in the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed the previous diagnosis and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact spoke with local dealer about the recall and was informed that the vehicle no longer qualified for the repair because the vehicle had exceeded the 150,000-mile threshold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,100.
Engine, Dec 9, 2021
2015 forte with 1.8l engine. Rod nock noise developed after 104k miles. Loss of power and drivability is decreasing. No diagnostic lights on. Called Kia and was told that the 1.8L are not under the recall. However there are several 1.8 motors exhibiting the same symptoms. Oil changes have been done at suggested intervals. I believe the recall needs to be expanded. Kia wants me to take to dealer to verify. ASE mechanic has looked at it.
Engine, Nov 26, 2021
Engine has blown a rod. Inspected and confirmed by certified auto mechanic.(Lucky's Amoco Service) No warnings or lights were present at time of vehicle breakdown.
Air bags, Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light the driver-side airbag suddenly deployed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the passenger side tire had also flattened. During the incident, the driver sustained an injured right arm. The contact indicated that no collision or frontend damage had occurred to cause the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Engine, Oct 18, 2021, fire
My motor blew at 63k miles in Nov 2018. I was driving and it make a loud awful sound and was on fire and smoking and there was a huge hole in my engine. The kia warranty had just passed and they refused to cover the replacement
Engine, Aug 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
Engine, Aug 4, 2021, fire
Car engine caught on fire while driving without any indication. Car stopped and engulfed in flames. Car dashboard warning lights were not present until fire began but car shut off due to fire. The car was a total loss. Driver and passengers life were at risk. Exited car within seconds of car engulfing
Engine, Aug 2, 2021
Car was running great. No issues, had my regular oil changes and check ups. I was driving down the road and a piston rod blew in my engine. But oil was in my engine.
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.
Engine, Jul 31, 2021
The engine seized up and smoke was noted on April 29, 2021. The vehicle was towed to Woodstock Carriage Kia, after being told that vehicle would start being repaired within 1 to 3 days. The service dated has been changed 3 times. Three months later, the dealer still does not have the short block engine from South Korea. The dealer did state that Kia would reimburse me for towing and a rental car (will not pay taxes or insurance for a rental car) eventually after car is repaired. I do not have the financial resources to pay for a rental car upfront for an unknown time period. The dealer stated they only have one loaner car, which they will not loan to me. The dealer also explained there are vehicles on the lot that have been sitting there since Nov. 2020, waiting for engines due to this recall. This is unacceptable. I need my car to be repaired. Thank you.
Engine, Jul 21, 2021, fire
vehicle caught fire
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.
Engine, Jul 20, 2021
While driving, my engine started knocking. I stopped driving and turned off my car. I had it towed to a shop and was informed it was the same issue as the recall for 2.4 engines and told me to call Kia. Kia said it’s not covered under the recall so they won’t look at it.
Power train, Engine, Jun 29, 2021
My car engine burns oil like crazy. I received a recall notice and brought my vehicle to Gary Rome Kia in Enfield. I brought it in with the check engine light on as it was on listed conditions for the recall and when i was told everything passed i still had a check engine light and excessive burning of oil. The engine is not working properly and wasn't rectified during the recall process. I am afraid with how much oil it is burning it may lead to a fire in the engine compartment. I have followed all of the usual recommended services and was not made whole during the recall event.
Engine, Jun 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,022.
Air bags, Jun 23, 2021, crash
The contact's daughter owned a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at 15 MPH, another vehicle going 40 MPH crashed into the passenger front side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated his daughter sustained whiplash and was taken to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a lot, where it was totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.