repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
2015 Kia ForteProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 262 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia Forte, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 20V-750 the manufacturer reports only 50% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Zytonits, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Kia Forte has problems
262 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
160Engine19 crash/fire/injury
29Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
23Air bags11 crash/fire/injury
17Power train
15Service brakes
13Exterior lighting
10Fuel/propulsion system
5Vehicle speed control
4Steering
2210 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 160 | 19 |
| Electrical system | 29 | 2 |
| Air bags | 23 | 11 |
| Power train | 17 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 13 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 3 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 |
| 10 other systems | 22 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2015 Kia Forte recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
86kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 85 engine complaints. 62% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles53under 100k miles32100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other Forte year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forte median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2015 Kia Forte safety ratings
2015 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Kia Forte, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
In owners' words
What Forte owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
This is the report copy and reference number for 911. I have contacted Kia multiple times during lunch breaks sent emails, and they still are not responding even after photos were sent to them. They told me in 5 days I would here back form them an still Ive heard nothing.Reference # XXX The fire…
On October the 14th, around 10:30 AM I noticed smoke coming from my car and acceleration was lost. The vehicle continued to smoke further. As I Had someone maneuver the car out of traffic into the parking lot.\n While reaching the parking lot, more smoke was noticed, so I dispatch the Riverside…
Vehicle has developed a severe knocking during acceleration, that stops during deceleration, and returns when in idle. I'm sure it is poison slap. I know there is an extension warranty, but the dealer says my car doesn't qualify. Then NHTSA has the SC200 safety recall. I need help with this car. My…
Own a 2015 Forte?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.