2015 Kia Forte Safety Report
2015 KIA FORTE Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Kia Forte
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Kia Forte. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (254) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 36 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Kia Forte with 63 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Kia Forte before buying across this generation. |
Kia Forte Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Forte years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Forte | 128 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Kia Forte | 295 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Kia Forte | 133 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Kia Forte | 138 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Forte | 63 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Forte | 64 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Kia Forte Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Kia Forte, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
120 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyAir Bags
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Kia onlyService Brakes
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Kia onlyElectrical System
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyExterior Lighting
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Kia Forte
Reliability Score
The 2015 Kia Forte receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Kia Forte
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Kia Forte
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Kia Forte:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Misfires Engine misfires and rough running have been reported, often due to fuel contamination in the engine oil. This can lead to engine failure and should be addressed immediately. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Brake System Failures Brake pedal going to the floor and loss of stopping power have been reported, indicating potential brake system issues that require immediate attention. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Burning Oil Engine burning oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure and should be addressed promptly. This issue is under recall, but owners should still check for signs of oil leakage. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Exterior Lighting Issues Several reports of exterior lighting issues have been noted, though this is less critical compared to engine and brake problems. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Kia Forte:
Engine issues are the most common problem, affecting 23% of the vehicles.
Brake system failures are reported in 9% of the vehicles.
Electrical system issues are reported in 8% of the vehicles.
Exterior lighting issues are reported in 7% of the vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2015 Kia Forte
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2015 Kia Forte by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 1-80...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Kia Forte
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Kia Forte with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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...
Plese can you fex may car
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.
The vehicle began experiencing persistent engine misfires and rough running. Fuel contamination was found in the engine oil, and the spark plugs were fouled with oil and fuel. The catalytic converter has become clogged and failed multiple times due to excess fuel and oil entering the exhaust system. The Kia dealership documented these conditions but refused to perform recall-related engine repair...
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to...
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 because the engine burned oil really fast and there where no warning
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 e...
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. There were no check engine lights that came on either. I called Kia to see about getting a replacement engine from them a...
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.
Rod knock in engine, catastrophic failure
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.
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 08/07/2025 [XXX] Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs P.O. Box 52410 Irvine, CA 92619-2410 Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Engine Replacement – 2015 Kia Forte Dear Kia Customer Care Team, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration regarding the recent denial of assistance for my 2015 Kia Forte ([XXX]), which has experienced a major engine failure at ...
Took care to kis for a recall picked it up and got down the street and it died on me brought it back to Kia and was told it was okay just the oil filter took Kia home and changed oil and filter and car kept going dead would restart but the die again after driving for a little bit. The car kept going dead in middle of road interstate turning into lane across from on going traffic very unsafe. Took ...
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 engine block .
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the certified mechanic, and an unknown repair was completed. The contact was unsure of the repair that was completed. After having the vehicle repaired a second time, w...
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) recall update, but I did not need an engine replacement because “everything looked fine.” They gave me no clear explanation ...
I was driving and it’s like the engine just gave out, I waited for a while started it back up and was able to make it home safely.I’m not sure what’s wrong with the engine but there are no lights on the dash on (no check engine)
My engine has started knocking and two pistons are not firing correctly. This is a common issue and has possible safety issues connected with it due to having an engine fail while driving.
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 bot...
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 of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 228,000.
Showing 20 of 254 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2015 Kia Forte
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2021-12-22 · Closed 2024-02-05
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failur...
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Kia Forte
Has the 2015 KIA FORTE been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 KIA FORTE has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 KIA FORTE have?
The 2015 KIA FORTE has 254 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 16 involved crashes. 11 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 KIA FORTE?
The 2015 KIA FORTE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 KIA FORTE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 KIA FORTE involve engine (120 complaints), unknown or other (18 complaints), air bags (15 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, electrical system, exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2015 KIA FORTE have?
There are 16 crash reports associated with the 2015 KIA FORTE out of 254 total complaints (6.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 KIA FORTE have?
There are 20 fire reports for the 2015 KIA FORTE out of 254 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 KIA FORTE?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 KIA FORTE. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 KIA FORTE?
11 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 KIA FORTE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 KIA FORTE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 KIA FORTE is extreme caution advised. It has 254 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 KIA FORTE?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 KIA FORTE are: 1. ENGINE (120 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (15 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 120 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 KIA FORTE?
Consider the engine and brake issues critical. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent potential failures. The 2015 KIA FORTE has 254 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2015 KIA FORTE?
The 2015 KIA FORTE receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 254 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 36 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Misfires and Brake System Failures.
What are the known issues with the 2015 KIA FORTE?
Known issues with the 2015 KIA FORTE include: Engine Misfires, Brake System Failures, Engine Burning Oil, Exterior Lighting Issues. These are based on patterns found across 254 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2015 KIA FORTE?
Engine misfires and brake system failures are the most common issues.
Is the engine burning oil a serious problem?
Yes, engine burning oil can lead to catastrophic failure and should be addressed immediately.
What should I do if I experience brake pedal going to the floor?
Take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately to check the brake system.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the engine and brake issues critical. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent potential failures.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Kia Forte
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Kia Forte. The data includes 254 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported crashes, 20 fire incidents, 11 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Kia Forte an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16