VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 323 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Forte year — the 2015 model ranks #4 of 16 Forte years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 17 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 49% of all reports (158 of 323), far ahead of other at 31. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

323

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

17

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted639 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 317 complaints2011: 213 complaints2012: 403 complaints2013: 272 complaints2014: 639 complaints2015: 323 complaints2016: 195 complaints2017: 431 complaints2018: 188 complaints2019: 213 complaints2020: 95 complaints2021: 95 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 94 complaints2024: 40 complaints
Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine15849%
Other3110%
Electrical System309%
Airbags237%
Transmission175%
Brakes165%
Lighting134%
Fuel System103%
Speed Control52%
Body & Structure41%
Steering41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seat Belts31%
Driver Assistance21%

Does the 2015 Kia Forte have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

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. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 2, 2021 · fire

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 1, 2021 · crash

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2022 · fire

“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. AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED...UPDATED 11/13/15 *BF .....UPDATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 14, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. WHILE MOVING THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM DRIVE INTO PARK, THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ON ITS OWN, EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN TWO CRASHES DUE TO THE FAILURE. *ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 14, 2019 · crash

2015 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Forte reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 323 complaints put the 2015 model at #4 of 16 Forte years. It is one of the Forte years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (158 complaints), other (31 complaints), electrical system (30 complaints).

Does the 2015 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Kia Forte under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Forte years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011. The cleanest record among Forte years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Kia Forte earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.