NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Kia Forte. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
ENGINE LITE CAME ON CAR RUNNING ROUGH... GOING TO KIA DEALER TO CHECK FOR THE KSDS MODULE ...SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED IN 11/2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the local mechanic informed the contact that the engine sounded rough. After performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed that engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall, and the contact shifted to neutral and turned off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 158,949.
I start to notice the lamp as well as a knocking sound in October of 2022 I was concerned so I took it to a local mechanic and was told that this particular model car was on a recall for engine fire hazard. He then advised me to call the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. I then called them to let them know what is going on with the car, the employee tells me they can't do the work and referred me to another dealership that's a larger facility. To my knowledge of doing research, I then found out that the engine can catch fire when shut off or in process of being driven so it's very dangerous regarding me and my family. I then called the dealership and they asked for my VIN number, they then tell me yes, this car has 3 different recalls that are showing, and I made an appointment to have it inspected on Jan 2 of 2023 and I took my car to the dealership, and they confirmed I need a new engine. They then told me they will not repair my vehicle. I've never gotten anything in the mail stating there was a recall on any of the parts for my KIA 2015 until the knocking from the engine and the lamp coming on and was told by a local mechanic that there's a recall on this model.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, coils, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Kia issued recall to inspect/repair potential corrosion of brake lines. Dealer inspected car on 12/8/22 and advised repair/replacement was needed and parts would be order. Now almost 2 months later and still no part. Dealer states back ordered. Complaint filed with Kia customer service and no meaningful response. In fact other than acknowledging complaint no response whatsoever. Yet Kia advises this is a potential safety issue and should be repaired ASAP so as to avoid accidents/damage, etc.. Kia cannot or will not provided any information regarding parts availability and subsequent required repair. If transportation is needed we are forced to drive a vehicle with known safety issues because of manufacturers lack of response.
Was driving to work and heard a sound of metal as if something fell from the car. Looked back in my rear view to see a trail of fluid. Pulled over immediately and the car started to stall out at the same time. Called a tow. They advised to contact police and fire in case it was gas. Fire department came and confirmed it was oil. I had gotten my oil changed two weeks prior at valvoline. Towed the car home where it sat. Called valvoline and they sent a technician to confirm the oil dispersed throughout the engine bay. Lifted the car to redo the oil change and witnessed oil leaking from the engine with no seals/caps missing. Towed to a local mechanic where it was found that a bearing went out- rod shot through the engine. Confirming the noise I heard last week. When looking through KBB - showed recall for Forte engine issues 2012-2015. Case started with KIA
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver’s side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver’s side taillight brake wiring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed at night, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated approximately a second before the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a spun bearing inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.
The engine in my car began failing at 60,000 mile despite having all maintenance records. The KIA dealership expressed that this is happening to many similar cars and a recall was issued for a similar engine to mine with the same issue. They expressed that the engine could seize up while driving and cause a wreck unless I purchase a new/used one to put into my car. Again all routine maintenance was kept up to date.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that she pushed the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact made the dealer of the recall campaign and was informed that the recall repair had been performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she was responsible for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Kia recalled my brake line but won’t fix claiming parts in Korea on back order going on months. They took pics of corrosion. They said if something happens it’s my fault.
Car has an electrical problem battery keeps draining changed alternator fuel pump starter and battery and still something draining the battery
Received inspection letter dated 8/19/22 from Kia to inspect/replace if necessary brake line. First available appointment was 9/27/22. Inspection revealed a severely rotted brake line and invoice notation that vehicle is unsafe to drive. I contacted 3 other Kia dealerships and was given the familiar response that the parts are on back order with not estimate time for arrival. I contacted Kia customer service for a remedy but experienced hour long wait on hold only to be disconnected. Several attempts later customer service suggested I seek an off dealer shop and pay for the repair and be reimbursed by Kia. I was not able to get service through a third party either. I was assigned a case number 15188053 but no viable resolution.
The oil plug in my vehicle came out on it's own after parking. The oil fell out of my vehicle. An oil change was then done and too much oil was put back in. Another oil change was done a few days later to fix the excessive amount of oil the Kia service department put in and when they were prepping for it, they noticed that the oil plug was finger tight and on the verge of falling out again. The engine is ruined according to the Kia dealership. No warning lamps came on during this process until the oil plug actually came out of the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and a third party mechanic. Within two weeks, my oil plug came out completely once and almost fell off another time. The dealership is refusing warranty coverage and recommending I do NOT file a complaint on the vehicle malfunction.
I received a recall notice from KIa Corporation notifying me of a recall for brake lines rusting on my car and told me to take it to dealer to have issue inspected. If found to be in need of replacement they would be replaced at no charge to me. I took the car into dealership and they took photos of the rusted brake lines and informed me they would be replaced by KIA at no charge. That was on September 14 2022. Dealership told me the parts would come in the week following and they would call me. They never called and I called them weekly and they told me on the last call that KIA did not have the parts and they did not know they would receive them.
Engine Oil over pressure caused my oil filter to explode oil in to my engine compartment. Destroyed my engine as well. My car is not listed in the recall list for cars with this exact same problem.
While driving the vehicle is completely shuts down without warning and stalls in the middle of traffic. It is a danger to safety do to risk of getting hit. There are no codes and no warnings. It starts back up but stalls again. I had it checked by a mechanic and even he couldn't figure out what is happening.
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.
Trunk leakage, affecting the inside carpet floor, front and back area and the back seat every time it rains. As a consequence mold forms (white spots of powder like/mold) I inform the dealership but they said that’s not in the recall list. And they ask to go to a body shop.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she checked the fluids and noticed that the oil was unexpectedly low. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the battery was recharged; however, a diagnostic test was undetermined. The contact then stated that without warning, the engine started to require an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had consumed 3.5 to 4 quarts of oil per 1,000 miles driven. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The consumer is reiterating the request for a engine replacement at no cost. Further stating the engine had multiple issues which includes failing to start, white smoke coming from the tailpipe of the vehicle, and extreme oil consumption. The consumer is requesting the dealer perform repairs to the vehicle stated in the recall at no expense to the owner.
Brake lines failed while driving. All of the brake fluid leaked out while driving making this a dangerous situation. Brake light came on and loss of all brakes came next. Had it towed to a service station where it was confirmed the brake lines had rusted causing the leak. This is a known issue for Kia and they have issued a voluntary recall. This should be made a mandatory recall ASAP.
I recently inherited this car from my mother and it appears that the engine may have issues. There is a loud noise that comes from the engine intermittently. It is louder at times then other times. The oil level is fine and recent. I've done a lot of research and it appears this is a common problem for the 2.0 engine. I feel as though this could turn into a bigger scenario if something is not done for the lack of expense a person must put into these engines.
There is a way to remove a piece of the steering component and start the car with a USB (general - doesn't need to be any specific USB, can be an iPhone charger). There are many Kia's being stolen and damaged, some to the point of unrepair. This needs to be recalled ASAP. Many people are getting hurt. They call themselves the "Kia Boys" and it's now a social media trend to steal Kia's. The government needs to step in and force Kia to recall their vehicles with this capability before more people die because of this stupid trend. I'm answering the following questions with what I know from other reports from news; not to my actual vehicle.
Engine is making a knocking noise, independent mechanic as well as Kia dealer inspected and said engine is about to fail, which could leave driver stranded or impede traffic. No warning lights are on, vehicle has been regularly maintained.
Since 2019 I have been having an issue with unknown individuals hacking in to my car and verbally harrasing me while I'm driving. The have yelled at me and at times had clise calls due their disturbance. No matter how loud i raise the volume on the radio, they will yell louder at me. Calling me inappropriate names, talking inappropriatly to me, and multiple accusations, even though I don't know them. Help!
I maintain the vehicle on a regular basis and have maintenance records. After recent oil change shortly there after the engine light came on then vehicle cut off. The vehicle towed to shop. The service station stated the vehicle engine seized. The vehicle has 120.000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that his daughter received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software was updated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software was reset. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Gerald Kia of Naperville (1661 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540), where it was diagnosed that the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software was operating as designed and the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the second dealer informed the contact that the first dealer had misdiagnosed the vehicle during the recall repair as the engine should have been replaced then. The dealer filed a claim with the manufacturer and informed the contact that the manufacturer would partially cover the repair. The contact followed up with the manufacturer, however, the manufacturer did not provide any additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 20 mph and making a right turn from being idle when the vehicle started smoking from the exhaust of the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over and turned off the vehicle where the smoke began to dissipate. There were no warning lights. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was a leak occurring that could possibly cause an engine failure, however, the specifics of what needed to be repaired were not known. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Was just told about recalls for oil leaks and I’m concerned about my daughter driving the car and the engine catching on fire as it seems this has happened to many of the 2015 Kia Forte’s and I haven’t received a recall, but seem to have all the same problems has the people who have had recalls on the same model car.
I have already filled out one of these forms a couple of years ago. It is absolutely ridiculous that every 2011-2015 Kia Forte engine has been recalled, but mine has not. My engine completely blew up a few years ago. It has the exact same problem all these other engines have. I called Kia and asked them to help me replace it bc the issue is exactly the same and they refused. A con-rod warped and then broke and it shot through the bottom of my engine. The rod could have shot back into the inside of the car. God forbid my daughter would be in my car and that happens. I had to replace the engine and the turbo which isn’t cheap at all. Then because of the strain of all of that, it made my transmission go out which has now been replaced. All of these other engines have the exact same problem. It’s the same problem as the 2.0L, but I guess because mine is a 1.6L and it’s a manual transmission, mine hasn’t been recalled yet? The only reason I’m making another report is because my check engine light is on, AGAIN, and the new engine in my car is starting to experience the exact same issues as my last one. Literally every other type of Kia Forte engine has been recalled except for my. I would like a recalled to be issued and a refund of the money I have sunk into this car. I can’t sell it because I owe too much on it, so the only option is to fix it. At this point I have put more than double the amount of money into this car than it’s even worth. Something needs to be done here. I’m really not trying to wait around until it blows up again and I have to replace another engine. I know I’m just one person, but there has to be other complaints like this.
I want to preface this by saying my car (2015 Kia Forte5 EX) has been burning or leaking oil for a while now and no one I brought it to could ever figure out where. I brought it in for the recall check up a few months ago and they claimed to not find anything either. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a fairly loud ticking or knocking noise coming from my engine, I thought that maybe my oil was low even though I had just gotten it changed 2 weeks prior but I checked it and it was fine. Fast forward a few days and I get a prompt on my navigation screen to immediately have the car services and my check engine light started blinking. I brought it in to my local Kia dealership and today they told me that the engine is unfixable, and that they determined that it was something that should be covered under the warranty. But when they submitted the claim to Kia, Kia denied it. I am currently waiting on hold with Kia's customer service to file a complaint and hopefully resolve the issue but I thought I'd submit a claim here as well because Kia has been sued a number of times over the last decade for this exact reason.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated when she drove across the lanes to get to the emergency lane the vehicle began to lose motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired by the independent mechanic but was instead towed to the local dealer. The dealer serviced the vehicle and completed an oil change and informed the contact that no fault codes had been retrieved. The vehicle was returned to the contact. The contact then stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, Lion County Kia (1334 Dreibelbis St, State College, PA 16801) and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed and she needed to pay out-of-pocket. The vehicle failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 136,636.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then stalled without warning. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there was no oil in the engine although oil had recently been added. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 62,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning smoke odor was detected. The contact pulled over and noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood. Additionally, there were engine parts that had melted and a puddle of fluid on the ground. A bystander assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The VIN was included in the recall; however, the contact did not receive a recall notification. The failure mileage was 99,880.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning smell would emit throughout the vehicle without warning. The contact also stated that due to this failure, the brake lights would intermittently fail to operate as needed upon depression. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they discovered burnt wires in the electrical box and had the box replaced; despite the replacement, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
The cylinder 3 connecting rod broke and shot a hole through my engine block. It also sucked metal pieces into my turbo and damaged my starter. This is the exact same issue that the 2.0 liter engines have and yet I have to pay out of pocket for my repairs. I was on the interstate going 70 mph when this happened. What if instead of shooting down, it shot back towards me? What if my child was in the car? Now Kia won’t cover this and I think they should. I took the car to multiple mechanics and not one of them told me this could happen. The check engine light kept coming on, I kept being told to replace the spark plugs and the ignition coils and it never resolved my issue. These were Kia certified dealers. Now one of these Kia certified dealers wants to charge me $13,000 to replace the engine and the turbo. That’s more than the car is worth and now I’m stuck with the car payment of a car that failed and not bc of my own doing.
Every few months my car won’t crank. I have to get it towed to the dealership. They normally change the spark plugs and it runs again. Recently, they changed the spark plugs but I was also told that I had an engine oil leak(which is very hazardous), oil is leaking onto my engine which is causing my spark plugs to burn out so quick. They claimed they didn’t know what was causing it and told me I would have to wait until my car breaks down completely before being able to know exactly what’s causing it. Informed me that changing the spark plugs is only a temporary fix and I would go through this process again(my car not cranking and spark plugs needing to be replaced).
Engine has blown a rod. Inspected and confirmed by certified auto mechanic.(Lucky's Amoco Service) No warnings or lights were present at time of vehicle breakdown.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change. The contact stated that while driving for approximately two miles down the road the knocking sound returned. The contact veered to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle and heard another loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as rod blown in the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed the previous diagnosis and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact spoke with local dealer about the recall and was informed that the vehicle no longer qualified for the repair because the vehicle had exceeded the 150,000-mile threshold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,100.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light the driver-side airbag suddenly deployed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the passenger side tire had also flattened. During the incident, the driver sustained an injured right arm. The contact indicated that no collision or frontend damage had occurred to cause the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
I was driving and the rear wheel broke off rendering the vehicle not able to be driven and at the same time If I had been on the highway, I could have been killed. In addition 2 wheel bearings were also been found to be defective. When I called NISSAN, the agents stated that this was not the concern of NISSAN and would not pay for the defective parts.
My car consistently is running out of and low on oil which is affecting my engine and how it runs. My car did break down and now Kia is performing an engine test over 3000 miles but have not recalled the engine/car even though they've told me this is a common issue with these cars. Prior to the breakdown, there were no warning lamps or messages for me to know this was happening.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle started smoking while stopped at a traffic light. The smoke was coming from the engine. Additionally, while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was stopping and stalling while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
Car engine caught on fire while driving without any indication. Car stopped and engulfed in flames. Car dashboard warning lights were not present until fire began but car shut off due to fire. The car was a total loss. Driver and passengers life were at risk. Exited car within seconds of car engulfing
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Water leaks from under the dash covering the floor. And making the brand and acceleration peddles wet and slick. Slowing to stop at my hom and my foot slide from the brake peddle and was unable to safely slow down before impacting my husband’s truck.
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. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
Car was running great. No issues, had my regular oil changes and check ups. I was driving down the road and a piston rod blew in my engine. But oil was in my engine.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026