RoadVitals

2015 Kia Forte Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
258
Latest Jul 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
36

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Forte, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

160
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Recently had oil change . Right after B oil change engine light came on, a solid yellow light car is driving rough it’s 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 ID 11749789 · filed Jul 12, 2026

respectfully submit this correspondence to request formal assistance regarding my 2015 Kia Forte EX, a vehicle covered under the class settlement. The vehicle is exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with KSDS‑related engine failure, yet the required diagnostic protocol has not been completed by the servicing dealership. The KSDS software update was performed in May 2022, and the vehicle currently has only 92,000 miles on the odometer, placing it well within the settlement’s mileage parameters. Despite this, the dealership has failed to follow KSDS procedures and has not produced any written documentation of its findings. All communication with the dealership has occurred exclusively by telephone. Despite repeated attempts to obtain information, I have not received a diagnostic sheet, video recording, code report, KSDS documentation, or any written summary of the vehicle’s condition. All statements provided to me have been verbal and inconsistent. My **primary symptoms** include: - Persistent and worsening **engine ticking** - **Burning excessive amounts of oil** - Activation of **limp mode** - A **flashing check engine light** These symptoms align with known indicators of KSDS‑related engine failure and warrant immediate and proper diagnostic evaluation under the settlement terms. The dealership has verbally stated that the issue may be related to **spark plugs and ignition coils**. However, plugs and coils are a **well‑documented secondary symptom** of rod bearing failure, caused by oil contamination and misfires resulting from internal engine damage. This further supports the likelihood of KSDS‑related engine failure. Kia corporate has not referenced documentation of any kind. They have not requested it, indicated they are awaiting it, or provided guidance regarding its submission. Instead, corporate has repeatedly stated that they “must defer to the dealership,” despite the dealership’s failure to perform or submit the required KSDS diagnostic materials.

NHTSA ID 11748470 · filed Jul 6, 2026
All 160 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that an anti-theft protection software update was performed in 2024. After the update was performed, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off without warning. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was reset and self-corrected after being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Fred Anderson Toyota of Raleigh (9101 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617); and the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID 11747107 · filed Jun 29, 2026

Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.

NHTSA ID 11716424 · filed Feb 7, 2026
All 29 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Plese can you fex may car

NHTSA ID 11717120 · filed Feb 10, 2026

AIRBAG WARNING IS ON, BUTTONS/CONTROL OF THE WHEEL DONT WORK, CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. MOTOR SHAKES A LOT. WE GOT THIS CAR 2-3 WEEKS AGO LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN WE GOT IT FROM THE DEALER. IM NOT AN EXPERT BUT I THINK THAT SOMETHING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY... IM DO APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

NHTSA ID 11527179 · filed Jun 15, 2023
All 23 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 mirrors those documented in previous recalls and class-action lawsuits involving Kia's 2011–2015 models with 2.0L and 2.4L engines. However, despite having the same failure and engine type, my VIN was excluded from the existing recall/warranty extension campaigns. Kia confirmed this is a known issue, but will not cover repairs. This failure occurred at approx. 180,000 miles. Engine failure without warning is a serious safety risk and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can review this issue and evaluate whether additional VINs — like mine — should be included in a broader investigation or recall. A case has been opened with Kia (Case #XXX), and full diagnostic documentation from a certified mechanic is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11698243 · filed Nov 7, 2025

The engine in my 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced failure tied to recall code P1326, which is associated with bearing wear and potential engine seizure. The vehicle entered limp mode around [XXX] at 152,170 miles, despite early signs of failure starting at 131,000 miles. These included loss of power, rough idle, and a check engine light (CEL) which triggered the P1326 code confirmed by both a pre-scan and Kia dealership. System that failed: The engine and powertrain system. Issue stems from rod bearing wear as identified in Kia’s engine class-action settlement. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Limp mode drastically reduced engine power on a main road. I could not safely accelerate, which created a hazard in traffic. Additionally, oil loss was confirmed on multiple occasions, and misfire codes were detected. This could have led to engine stall or seizure if I continued driving. Was issue confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Lupient Kia confirmed P1326 at 133,703 miles. Luther Kia later confirmed limp mode and conducted a diagnostic at 152,170 miles. Was vehicle/component inspected by others? Yes. Jiffy Lube documented "no oil on stick" at 130,367 miles. O’Reilly Auto and Economy Muffler later confirmed related secondary issues. Were there symptoms or warnings prior to failure? Yes. CEL appeared at 131,000 miles. Knock sensor was replaced at 131,165 miles. P1326 and oil loss symptoms were consistently documented between April 2024 and April 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11660151 · filed May 10, 2025
All 17 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Plese can you fex may car

NHTSA ID 11717120 · filed Feb 10, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11689697 · filed Sep 25, 2025
All 16 reports naming brakes

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine issues constantly

NHTSA ID 11631986 · filed Dec 21, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11508413 · filed Feb 21, 2023
All 13 reports naming exterior lighting

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car is jerking while driving. It's caused the car to overheat. It's hard to start up and usually stalls out. It has stalled out while driving almost causing a accident. The engine light came on. I took it for a diagnostic and it was code P0172 for high pressure fuel pump. Before the incident date it was already hard to start prior to the engine light coming on. It sometimes causes smoke to come out of the exhaust. There was also smoke from under the hood in the engine compartment and as soon as I put gas in the car it runs out very quickly. This issue could have caused and accident or even a fire. It's unsafe to drive and from other reviews I've seen several other Kia drivers have experienced issues with this same faulty part, which is expensive to fix.

NHTSA ID 11744259 · filed Jun 15, 2026

Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.

NHTSA ID 11716424 · filed Feb 7, 2026
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The engine in my 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced failure tied to recall code P1326, which is associated with bearing wear and potential engine seizure. The vehicle entered limp mode around [XXX] at 152,170 miles, despite early signs of failure starting at 131,000 miles. These included loss of power, rough idle, and a check engine light (CEL) which triggered the P1326 code confirmed by both a pre-scan and Kia dealership. System that failed: The engine and powertrain system. Issue stems from rod bearing wear as identified in Kia’s engine class-action settlement. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Limp mode drastically reduced engine power on a main road. I could not safely accelerate, which created a hazard in traffic. Additionally, oil loss was confirmed on multiple occasions, and misfire codes were detected. This could have led to engine stall or seizure if I continued driving. Was issue confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Lupient Kia confirmed P1326 at 133,703 miles. Luther Kia later confirmed limp mode and conducted a diagnostic at 152,170 miles. Was vehicle/component inspected by others? Yes. Jiffy Lube documented "no oil on stick" at 130,367 miles. O’Reilly Auto and Economy Muffler later confirmed related secondary issues. Were there symptoms or warnings prior to failure? Yes. CEL appeared at 131,000 miles. Knock sensor was replaced at 131,165 miles. P1326 and oil loss symptoms were consistently documented between April 2024 and April 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11660151 · filed May 10, 2025

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. And I want a reimbursement because I recently purchased the vehicle/

NHTSA ID 11633215 · filed Dec 30, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR STOPS - ANYWHERE - AND WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT IT RESUMES.

NHTSA ID 11350304 · filed Aug 19, 2020

STEERING HAS PLAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE.

NHTSA ID 11203054 · filed Apr 23, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a 2015 Kia Forte5 car (Pearl White) used but I noticed the paint peeling. It seems to be getting worse because the same spot is getting bigger and now a new spot on the top has appeared. I took the car to a body shop and was told it was a factory paint defect. I went online and saw that Kia and Hyundai had a factory issue with the pearl white paint for several years around my car year model. I was wondering if the paint chipping can be fixed or me compensated for the repairs. The damage is on the rear hatch and passenger side top of car next to sunroof. One is about a quarter size and the other a little smaller than a dime. Thanks in advance, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11556915 · filed Nov 27, 2023

I WAS DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD A LITTLE TO FAST AND MY CAR STARTED TO SLIDE FROM SIDE TO SIDE I TRIED TO GAIN CONTROL BUT COULDN'T AND ENDED UP HITTING A METAL BRIDGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. MY WHOLE FRONT RIGHT IN IS DAMAGED AND THE SPEED I WAS GOING THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE WENT OFF!.

NHTSA ID 11341498 · filed Jul 26, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GOT IN CAR SHUT DOOR AND REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARD, NOT HOT OR VERY COLD THIS DAY WAS NEAR 50 DEG. THIS WINDOW GLASS LOOKS TO BE VERY THIN IMO. IN MY 50 YRS. OF MANY CARS THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SUCH A THING HAS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID 11194982 · filed Apr 9, 2019

REAR WINDOW SHATTERED OVERNIGHT FOR NO REASON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10679790 · filed Jan 29, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SEATBELT WOULD STICK, I WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING IT TO GO IN AND PULL OUT. EVENTUALLY IT JUST STOPPED ALL TOGETHER. SO NOW MY DRIVER SEAT IS UNABLE TO WEAR A SEATBELT BECAUSE IT WILL NOT GO IN AT ALL. IT HAPPENS WHILE BOTH IN MOTION OR WHILE SITTING. IT STARTED MESSING UP ABOUT 70,000 MILES, NOW I'M ON 76,458 AND UNABLE TO USE MY SEATBELTS WHICH IS A HAZARD AND AGAINST THE LAW. *TR

NHTSA ID 11326338 · filed May 28, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE LOCK COULD NOT BE IMMEDIATELY UNLOCKED WHEN PRESSING THE BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RIO KIA (925 BARTOW RD, LAKELAND, FL), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

NHTSA ID 11280372 · filed Nov 15, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN CP671 TIRES, SIZE: P195/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AND BEADS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,500.

NHTSA ID 10925374 · filed Nov 10, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN N5000 TIRES, SIZE: 215/45ZR/17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THE BLOWOUT AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS AND THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES HAD BUBBLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100.

NHTSA ID 10839863 · filed Mar 4, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11461688 · filed Apr 21, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FAILED AND EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED A SECOND TIME, AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SUFFERED ANOTHER BLOWOUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A THIRD TIME AND THE CONTACT NOTED BLISTERING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES. THE TIRES EXPERIENCED ANOTHER BLOWOUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FOURTH TIME, AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE ALSO HAD A BLOWOUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAND OF THE TIRES VARIED, INCLUDING FIRESTONE, UHP, AND HANKOOK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO A TIRE SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S RIMS WERE TOO LARGE AND THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH DISTANCE BETWEEN THE RIM AND THE ROAD, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND SOLD THE CONTACT THE FIRST NEW TIRE. A DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE. FIRESTONE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE TIRES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250.

NHTSA ID 10984716 · filed May 10, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .