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.
Engine, May 11, 2021
THE CAR WAS BOUGHT IN JAN 2021 FROM A DEALERSHIP WITH UNDER 20,000 MILES. IT WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO THEM SELLING IT.THEY DID NOT OFFER A WARRANTY ON THIS CAR. IN APRIL 2021, THE ENGINE DIED. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME, BUT CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR. 0
Engine, May 4, 2021
PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE, MECHANIC NOTICE METAL PIECES IN THE OIL FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS 120,289 MILES. ENGINE WAS KNOCKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, MAKES LOUD NOISES, PUTTERS, KNOCKS AND THEN STALLS. CANNOT USE ON HIGHWAY, TOO DANGEROUS, IT WONT GO HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE OIL CHANGES RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE 120K MILES.
Engine, May 1, 2021
JUST FINANCED FROM A DEALER ON 4/12, HAD MAJOR OIL LEAK, HAD TO RETURN TO DEALERSHIP. SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED, BUT CURRENTLY STILL HAVE A BAD OIL LEAK. STILL WAITING FOR A WEEK FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. ENGINE MAKES A NOISE WHEN IDLING, ALMOST LIKE A "MISS"
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.
Engine, Apr 15, 2021
THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT TURNED ON AT A TRAFFIC STOP. AT THE NEXT STOP. THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE IMMOBILIZER INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND AFTER ADDING OIL, THE ENGINE WILL NOT START.. KIA REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AS THE PROBLEM CAUSE IS DESCRIBED BY THE RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO FREDY KIA ON 04/08/21 AND IT WILL BE CHECKED UNTIL 04/19/21.
Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2021
THE TAIL LIGHTS THAT SURROUND THE BREAK LIGHTS CONSIST OF FOUR LED LIGHT BARS. IT IS ALWAYS RANDOM WITH OF THE LED ACTUALLY WORK. THE
Engine, Apr 2, 2021
OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO A THREADING PROBLEM, HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE AND I HAVE HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED AND WORKED ON AT A SHOP. THE VEHICLE STARTED POURING OIL WHILE DRIVING ON A 35MPH ROAD. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AS WELL. I HAVE VIDEOS OF THE CAR AND THE NOISE IT MADE
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.
Engine, Mar 29, 2021
2015 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. *JS
Engine, Mar 17, 2021
MY CAR LEFT MY CHILD STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE IN ORANGEBURG ON THE WAY HOME TO MACEDONIA, SC. IT WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND SHE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. APPARENTLY THERE IS A RECALL ON MY ENGINE & I NEVER RECEIVED IT. I NOW HAVE A UNUSABLE CAR IN THE SHOP THAT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE DUE TO OIL LEAKING. IT IS CURRENTLY AT SHOP LIFE @ 2005 N MAIN ST, SUMMERVILLE SC (843) 475-9366.
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?
Engine, Mar 10, 2021
I WILL BE DRIVING MY 2015 KIA FORTE AND IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. NO WARNING AT ALL. JUST THANKFUL THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT BY ANYONE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND HOW TO FIX IT. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN IT TO A AUTO PARTS STORE AND THEIR MACHINE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG SHOWING
Engine, Mar 5, 2021
ALMOST 2 WEEKS AGO MY 2015 KIA FORTE WITH LESS THEN 80000 MILES STARTED TO MAKE A NOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE ESPECIALLY NO MATTERIF THE CAR IS PARKEDOR MOVING IT MAKE A NOISE BUT IT GOES AWAY AND COMES BACK IT'SNOT CONSTANTLY LOUD NOISE BUT SOMETIMES ITS AND IT GETS REALLY ANNOYING. I DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. BECAUSE EVERY TIME I TRY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TRY TO CHARGE ME MORE MONEY FOR THE CAR EVALUATION AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WARRANTY IS NOT COVERING MY CAR BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL BASE ON MY VIN.. NUMBER KIA MOTORS HELP ME PLEASE
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.
Engine, Mar 1, 2021
I MADE A FORMER COMPLAINT REGARDING OIL CONSUMPTION. I THEN BROUGHT MY KIA FORTE5 IN DUE TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE & KNOCKING (OIL CONSUMPTION WAS THE SYMPTOM). IT ALSO HAD A RATTLING NOISE WHICH WE SUSPECTED MAY BE THE CAT. LONG STORY SHORT, KIA HASN'T PAID A DIME FOR THIS, DESPITE THERE BEING A RECALL WHICH INCLUDES MY VIN. THE DEALERSHIP HAS COME UP WITH EVERY EXCUSE IN THE BOOK TO NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. MY SHORT BLOCK MAY BE REPAIRED, BUT NOW THEY'RE SAYING I NEED TO PAY $2700 FOR A NEW CAT & MUFFLER... WHICH WAS DAMAGED FROM THE DEFECTIVE/RECALLED ENGINE. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP & CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER HAS BEEN DEPLORABLE AT BEST. THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST STRESSFUL EXPERIENCE. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THEIR SHOP FOR OVER A MONTH. THEY ALSO ARE CHARGER ME FOR NEW SPARK PLUGS, EVEN THOUGH I WOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO BUY THEM RIGHT NOW IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE. OH, THE TWO-WEEK LATE LOANER THEY FINALLY GOT TO ME? THEY DECIDED TO CALL ME AND TELL ME DAY-OF THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER COVERING IT AND WOULD CHARGE ME $35/DAY - NO WARNING. IT DOESN'T TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO FIGURE OUT THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED SYSTEMIC ISSUES, WHICH SHOULD MORE CERTAINLY BE COVERED BY KIA.
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2021
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR KEEPS CUTTING OFF
Engine, Feb 24, 2021
WHILE DRIVING IN CITY OR HIGHWAY, YOU HEAR ENGINE NOISE, SEE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, ILLUMINATION OF THE LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT. THEN VEHICLE PROPULSION STOPS SUDDENLY, CONTINUES TO COAST BUT PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR HAS NO EFFECT, THE ENGINE DOESN'T REV. STOPPING, TURNING OFF ENGINE FOR 30 OR MORE MINUTES MAY ALLOW VEHICLE TO START AND MOVE AGAIN. ALSO FUEL SMELL.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 24, 2021
VECHILE STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH OUT WARNING
Service brakes, Feb 21, 2021
AFTER HEARING THE CAR WAS MAKING A STRANGE SOUND WHILE IN MOTION AND BRINGING IT INTO THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE SPAN OF A YEAR, IT WAS IDENTIFIED THAT BOTH FRONT CALIPERS WERE FROZEN/BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BEFORE REALIZING THAT THIS WAS THE ISSUE, THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING, FRONT BRAKE PADS, AND REAR BRAKES ALL WERE REPLACED AS A RESULT OF OVERCOMPENSATING FOR THE CALIPERS.
Engine, Feb 19, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR DETECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE), THE CONTACT CALLED GREENWAY KIA NORTH (625 N US HWY 17 92, LONGWOOD, FL 32750; (407) 571-1234) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED KIA HAD EXPERIENCED A SYSTEM FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,152. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Engine, Feb 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF STREETSBORO (835 CLASSIC DR, STREETSBORO, OH 44241, (330) 531-8918) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2021
I HAD SUDDENLY ENGINE MADE SOUND SHUTTER , I ALMOST GOT HIT BY 18 WHEEL TRUCK, I MANAGER TO PULL FINELLY AND AVOID ACCIDENT AND MANAGE TO PULL RIGHT, FIRAR IT WAS CLOSE TO SIDE RAILS . THE CAR HAD SP MUCH ENGINE NOISE , AND IT CUTS OF. 1.8 ENGINE WAS WONDERFULL . I WANNA THIS ENGINE TO REPKACED BY DEALER HAS ONLY 78 THOUSANDS MILES
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2021
AT NIGHT WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND DRIVING OR NOT, WHEN YOU USE THE TURN SIGNAL THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL GO OFF. IF YOU WIGGLE THE BLINKER ARM, THEY WILL COME BACK ON. BUT YOU ARE DRIVING WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE BECAUSE THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2021
ENGINE LITE KEPT COMING ON MAVIS TOLD US WE NEED FUEL FILLER & HOSE
Power train, Jan 15, 2021
WHEN DRIVING MY 2015 KIA FORTE, IT SOMETIMES WHEN GIVING IT GAS TO GO IT WILL NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY, IT TAKING A SECOND OR TWO. AND RPM JUMP TO 3500 TO 4000 BEFORE IT SHIFTS. AND IT GET BAD FUEL MILEAGE SOMETIMES TOO.