2015 Kia Forte

◆ Worse than typical

2015 Kia Forte
BUILT 2026-08-02

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: 257 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	152
2012	289
2013	195
2014	437
2015	257
2016	130
2017	300
2018	134
2019	145
2020	71
2021	67
2022	25
2023	56
2024	22

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 60%

60% of complaints: engine — 155 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

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file.

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

POWER TRAIN 7%

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

CRASH

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2015 — complaint volume: 257

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