10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 16
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,351 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Kia Forte engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Kia Forte Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #106

Dec 312022

Forte

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Centereach, NY, USA

problem #105

Jan 252023

Forte

  • 158,949 miles
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.

- Fargo, ND, USA

problem #104

Jan 022023

Forte

  • miles
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.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #103

Nov 302022

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #102

Oct 172022

Forte

  • 133,000 miles
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.

- Holiday, FL, USA

problem #101

Sep 112022

Forte

  • miles
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.

- Stockbridge, GA, USA

problem #100

Sep 142022

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

problem #99

Sep 082022

Forte

  • miles
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.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #98

Oct 012020

Forte

  • 56,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #97

Feb 192022

Forte

  • 136,636 miles
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.

- Reynoldsville, PA, USA

problem #96

Aug 222022

Forte 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Darby, PA, USA

problem #95

Aug 082022

Forte

  • miles
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.

- Cedar Falls, IA, USA

problem #94

Jun 232022

Forte

  • 70,000 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.

- Streamwood, IL, USA

problem #93

Aug 122022

Forte

  • miles
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.

- Albion, NE, USA

problem #92

Sep 012017

Forte

  • miles
experienced engine knocking noise when driving on freeways, and it got progressively louder as time went on. brought the issue to the local Kia dealership and it was resolved at the time, but wanted to report the incident so NHTSA can document this. thanks.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #91

Jun 152022

Forte

  • 135,000 miles
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.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

problem #90

Jul 012021

Forte

  • miles
Engine burning through oil FAST, possible engine fire.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #89

Jun 232022

Forte

  • miles
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

- Washingtonville, NY, USA

problem #88

Apr 212022

Forte

  • miles
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.

- Seaford, DE, USA

problem #87

Jul 191998

Forte

  • miles
The car started to smoke and caught on fire not even 2 from My house I had called and scheduled a appointment for the recall butt kia set the date to far away I only had the car for maybe 2 weeks not even 150000 miles on

- Milton, KY, USA

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