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Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2015 Kia Forte — Known Issues & Recalls

1 Recall254 Owner Complaints10 Categories Affected
254
Total Complaints
1
Open Recalls
16
Crashes
20
Fires
11
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2021 to Dec 2018

The most reported issue is engine problems (120 complaints). 16 complaints involved crashes. 20 involved fires.

Open Safety Recalls (1)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Feb 2020

NHTSA Campaign: 20V750000

Component: ENGINE

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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 254)

Engine11 issues
criticalENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

Engine burning oil and the recall had to do with the engine burning oil and could cause engine fire while driving. It was under the recall list but the dealership said the time frame for the warranty expired it has been inspected by a auto shop and the said it needs a engine because the engine burned oil really fast and there where no warning

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NHTSA #: 11700481
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

I purchased my 2015 Kia Forte5 in May 2024 with just over 50,000 miles. In 2025, I began smelling burning through the air vents while accelerating.

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NHTSA #: 11669358
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving in the fast lane at 70 MPH on the interstate and attempting to move over to the emergency lane, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11720085
highENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

Vehicle started making a ticking noise under the hood. I immediately had it towed to a mechanics shop in town. They performed an inspection and said the ticking noise is from a Rod Bearing # 3 has come loose and the whole engine must be replaced.

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NHTSA #: 11693740
highENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

The oil light flickered on and off intermittently despite oil in it and was making a cackling noise during acceleration for 2 days then my engine made loud screech noise and smelled like burnt oil and shut off . I had it towed to a mechanic who stated it showed a hole in the engine block .

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NHTSA #: 11676469
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Oil leak with no warning signal what so ever . My car can completely run out of oil and the light won't turn in at all.

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NHTSA #: 11679307
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 08/07/2025 [XXX] Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs P.O.

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NHTSA #: 11679219
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

I was driving and it’s like the engine just gave out, I waited for a while started it back up and was able to make it home safely.I’m not sure what’s wrong with the engine but there are no lights on the dash on (no check engine)

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NHTSA #: 11662406
lowENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

Rod knock in engine, catastrophic failure

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NHTSA #: 11686444
lowENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Took care to kis for a recall picked it up and got down the street and it died on me brought it back to Kia and was told it was okay just the oil filter took Kia home and changed oil and filter and car kept going dead would restart but the die again after driving for a little bit. The car kept going dead in middle of road interstate turning into lane across from on going traffic very unsafe.

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NHTSA #: 11679060
lowENGINE
Filed: May 2025

My engine has started knocking and two pistons are not firing correctly. This is a common issue and has possible safety issues connected with it due to having an engine fail while driving.

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NHTSA #: 11661565
Engine,fuel/propulsion System1 issue
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 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.

NHTSA #: 11706002
Power Train,vehicle Speed Control,engine1 issue
criticalPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: May 2025

The engine in my 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced failure tied to recall code P1326, which is associated with bearing wear and potential engine seizure. The vehicle entered limp mode around [XXX] at 152,170 miles, despite early signs of failure starting at 131,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11660151
Electrical System,engine1 issue
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then stalled.

NHTSA #: 11702693
Power Train,electrical System,engine1 issue
highPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

I own a 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) that experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle had been running normally until it began stalling and sputtering while driving. Shortly after, the engine would only run for 1–2 seconds before shutting off entirely.

NHTSA #: 11698243
Engine And Engine Cooling,electrical System1 issue
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the certified mechanic, and an unknown repair was completed.

NHTSA #: 11675808
Service Brakes1 issue
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2025

I was driving today and upon braking trying to come to a four way stop, the brake pedal went to the floor with no stopping. My vehicle went through the 4 way stop endangering me and my passengers. The piston blew out where all fluid leaked over the place.

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NHTSA #: 11689697
Electrical System1 issue
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy.

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NHTSA #: 11654772
Air Bags,service Brakes,engine1 issue
lowAIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Plese can you fex may car

NHTSA #: 11717120
Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System1 issue
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 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.

NHTSA #: 11716424

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