2015 Kia Forte

◆ Worse than typical

2015 Kia Forte
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2015: 258 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	153
2012	290
2013	195
2014	439
2015	258
2016	134
2017	301
2018	134
2019	147
2020	74
2021	67
2022	26
2023	60
2024	24

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 60%

60% of complaints: engine — 156 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My car stopped while I was driving and I had a catastrophic engine failure. I had to use my engine warranty and also out of pocket pay. I want to issue a warning to the dealer who sold me this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241230

Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE CONTACT UNLATCHED THE HOOD AND FOUND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180611

Recently had oil change . Right after B oil change engine light came on, a solid yellow light car is driving rough itâs a 2015 Kia Forte. Have an appointment Monday 7/13/2026 to have dealer to do a B diagnostic. The same place I had oil change

NHTSA ODI report, 20260712

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing spark plugs and starter assembly.

FIRE

AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A SINGLE-CAR FRONT END COLLISION. THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL ON INTERSTATE 195 IN SWANSEA MA. THE CAR LEFT THE ROADWAY TO THE LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEED (APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH) AND CRASHED INTO THE WOODED MEDIAN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180323

OUR CAR WAS ROLLED END OVER END AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180317

DRIVER WAS IN MIDDLE LANE DRIVING AROUND 55 MPH. FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CAR BEGAN FLIPPING WHILE STILL IN THE ROADWAY, EVENTUALLY HIT A GUARD RAIL AND CONTINUED FLIPPING. DRIVER WAS EJECTED AND KILLED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150127

Also filed under STEERING and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2015 — complaint volume: 258

R 20210125 — 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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power