How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Kia Forte?

NHTSA lists 17 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Forte, which is 7% of all 259 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Kia Forte transmission or engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this transmission & powertrain problem area on the 2015 Forte.

At what mileage do 2015 Kia Forte transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 72,500 miles.

What kind of transmission symptoms do 2015 Forte owners report?

Owners describe delayed shifting with RPM flaring to 3,500-4000, pulling or hesitation on hills, loud knocking noises, and stalling linked to oil pressure loss.

Did the 2015 Kia Forte have any crashes linked to transmission or powertrain issues?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires tied to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Forte, with 0 injuries reported.

2015 Kia Forte Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 17 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Kia Forte, 7% of its 259 total complaints. Median failure mileage is 72,500. No related recalls are listed for this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 17; 7% of 259
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 72,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report delayed or hesitant shifting when accelerating, with RPM climbing to 3,500-4000 before the transmission engages.
Some describe the car pulling backward or struggling when driving up a hill, as if power delivery is inconsistent.
Several owners report loud clanking or knocking noises from the engine area, worse on cold starts, sometimes linked to rod bearing damage.
One owner found the transmission case corroded and damaged, requiring replacement, with corrosion reportedly present before any crash.
Multiple reports describe loss of oil pressure or oil consumption issues that led to stalling or the engine shutting off while driving, especially at lower speeds.

When 2015 Kia Forte transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 28, 2016, latest Nov 7, 2025.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2016 to Nov 2025; peak May 2019 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Kia Forte

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201022 (10%)
201118 (12%)
201211 (4%)
201310 (5%)
201418 (4%)
201517 (7%)
201616 (12%)
201712 (4%)
20188 (6%)
201947 (32%)
202016 (21%)
20217 (10%)
20222 (7%)
20238 (13%)
20243 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Kia Forte?: NHTSA lists 17 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Forte, which is 7% of all 259 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Kia Forte transmission or engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this transmission & powertrain problem area on the 2015 Forte.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Forte transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 72,500 miles.
What kind of transmission symptoms do 2015 Forte owners report?: Owners describe delayed shifting with RPM flaring to 3,500-4000, pulling or hesitation on hills, loud knocking noises, and stalling linked to oil pressure loss.
Did the 2015 Kia Forte have any crashes linked to transmission or powertrain issues?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires tied to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Forte, with 0 injuries reported.