Kia · Forte · 2015
2015 Kia Forte
1
Recall
254
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2015 Kia Forte has 1 recall and 254 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (120 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2015 Kia Forte page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 120 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2015 Kia Forte reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2015 Kia Forte currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 254 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (120), unknown or other (18), air bags (15).
- Vehicle
- 2015 Kia Forte
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 254
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 20V750000December 02, 2020
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 Status
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 Complaints
254 totalAIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Feb 10, 2026
Plese can you fex may car
ENGINE
Oct 2, 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. The car has only 108,000 miles. T...
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SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 25, 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. This is dangerous.
ENGINE
Aug 31, 2025
Rod knock in engine, catastrophic failure
ENGINE
Jul 24, 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 engi...
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POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Jul 1, 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. This exact issue mirr...
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ENGINE
May 28, 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. I took it to a Kia dealership, paid a $173 diagnostic fee, and was told they completed the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) reca...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 15, 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. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,010 and at the time...
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ENGINE
Apr 7, 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 beca...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 3, 2025
I had a crack in my windshield. I called Safelite to come out and replace my windshield tape got left behind on the windshield and the roof of my car. I removed the tape and it brought the paint with it. I’ve been contacted safe flight and they told me that there was a recall on ...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 254 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2015 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Forte Years
2016 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.1r127c2014 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.3r432c2017 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.3r296c2013 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.5r195c2018 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.3r133c2012 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.4r286c
More 2015 Kia Models
2015 Kia OptimaAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r986c2015 Kia SoulAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r886c2015 Kia SorentoAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r737c2015 Kia SportageAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r144c2015 Kia SedonaAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r133c2015 Kia RioAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r52c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Forte have?
The 2015 Kia Forte has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2015 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has received 254 owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Kia Forte.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2015 Kia Forte?
The 2015 Kia Forte received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Forte?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2015 Kia Forte are engine (120 reports), unknown or other (18 reports), air bags (15 reports).
Does the 2015 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2015 Kia Forte. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.