2015 Kia Forte Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
71/100
#5 most-complained of 15 Forte years
The 2015 Kia Forte has a Complaint Index of 71 and ranks 5th worst out of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems, including fires, dominate at 63% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 86,000 miles.
- Complaints
- 259
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 20
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25 city / 34.5 hwy
Top 2015 Kia Forte problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine163 (63%)
- Electrical System37 (14%)
- Other31 (12%)
- Airbags23 (9%)
- Brakes17 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (7%)
- Fuel System10 (4%)
- Steering4 (2%)
- Structure & Body4 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported while driving at highway speeds, sometimes preceded by smoke or an abnormal noise before the engine stalls.
- Vehicle stalls or shuts off unexpectedly at speed just before smoke or fire appears under the hood.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple frontal and rollover crashes, including a fatal accident.
- Ignition or starter area emits a burning smell and intermittent electrical shock sensation, with the car sometimes failing to start.
- Burning odor throughout the cabin accompanied by intermittent failure of the brake lights.
2015 Kia Forte recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
2015 Kia Forte fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,275
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Kia Forte reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2015 Forte a Complaint Index of 71, ranking it 5th worst among the 15 model years tracked, so it carries a Caution verdict relative to other Forte years.
- What is the main problem with the 2015 Kia Forte?
- Engine problems are the top issue, making up 63% of complaints, including 16 reported fires, with a median failure mileage of 86,000 miles.
- Does the 2015 Kia Forte have a recall for engine fires?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup models for potential engine compartment fires while driving, addressed by dealer inspection for fuel or oil leaks.
- How does the 2015 Forte compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 71 is worse than 2016 (36), 2018 (29), 2019 (43), 2020 (14), 2021 (21), 2022 (0), and 2024 (7), but better than 2014 (100), 2012 (86), and 2017 (93).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Kia Forte?
- EPA rates it at 28.5 mpg combined (25 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,275.