What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Forte?

The engine group leads with 162 complaints, then unknown or other with 31 and the electrical system with 29.

Is the 2015 Kia Forte reliable?

NHTSA has 260 complaints on file, and the engine group accounts for 162 of them. Look at the problems section and check the car's service history.

Does the 2015 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes. The by-year count shows 1 recall. The details are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

How many Kia Forte 2015 complaints involve fires?

The engine group reports 16 fires and the electrical group reports 2. The full total is on file with NHTSA.

What is the gas mileage of the 2015 Kia Forte?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

2015 Kia Forte Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 260 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Kia Forte^[1]. The engine group stands out, with 162 complaints^[2].

260owner complaints^[1]

1recalls^[3]

24–30MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups on file, biggest first.

Engine. 162 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe loud valve pinging and rattling noises, stalling after an oil warning, engines that seize while driving, and smoke or flames under the hood.
Unknown or other. 31 complaints^[6]. These reports do not point to one clear part, so the group is a mix.
Electrical system. 29 complaints^[7]. Owners describe cars that stall as the lights flicker, ignition parts that were replaced while the stalling came back, and brake lights that keep going out.
Air bags. 23 complaints^[8]. Owners describe crashes where the air bags did not open, and a warning light that led to a new control module.
Power train. 17 complaints^[9]. Owners describe a car that feels like it pulls back on hills, a corroded transmission case, and a car that lunged forward when shifted into park.
Brakes. 16 complaints^[10].
Exterior lighting. 13 complaints^[11].
Fuel and propulsion system. 10 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2015 Forte is necessarily included.

Engine (20V750), December 2020. About 294,756 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[14]	25 / 34 / 28	$2,400
Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[15]	24 / 33 / 27	$2,500
Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[16]	22 / 29 / 25	$2,700
Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[17]	22 / 29 / 24	$2,800
Forte, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[18]	25 / 36 / 29	$2,300
Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[19]	25 / 36 / 29	$2,300
Forte 5, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	25 / 33 / 28	$2,400
Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	21 / 29 / 24	$2,800
Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	21 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Forte, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	26 / 37 / 30	$2,250

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
5 HB FWD^[23]	n/a	n/a	5	4	10.3%
4 DR FWD^[5]	5	4	5	4	10.3%

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 2 DR FWD^[24].

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2015 Kia Forte with 1.6L 4-cylinder^[25]	201 hp
2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L 4-cylinder^[26]	145 hp
2015 Kia Forte with 2.0L 4-cylinder^[27]	166 to 173 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
FORTE EX/SX 4DR SEDAN^[28]	180 in	70 in	56 in	106 in	2,906 lb
FORTE KOUPE EX 2DR COUPE^[29]	178 in	70 in	56 in	106 in	2,820 lb
FORTE KOUPE SX/SX LUXURY 2DR COUPE^[30]	178 in	70 in	56 in	106 in	2,983 lb
FORTE LX 4DR SEDAN^[31]	180 in	70 in	56 in	106 in	2,804 lb
FORTE5 LX/EX 4DR HATCHBACK^[32]	171 in	70 in	57 in	106 in	2,862 lb
FORTE5 SX/SX LUXURY 4DR HATCHBACK^[33]	171 in	70 in	57 in	106 in	3,025 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Forte model year. The 2015 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2010	232	3
2011	162	3
2012	306	4
2013	211	5
2014	445	3
2015	260	1
2016	138	1
2017	305	3
2018	136	3
2019	149	2
2020	78	0
2021	69	2
2022	28	1
2023	65	3
2024	26	0

NHTSA's counts for the Forte show 260 complaints and 1 recalls for 2015^[3]. Among the 15 model years listed, 11 have fewer complaints than 2015 and 3 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2024 (26) and the most are for 2014 (445)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2015 Forte?

The 2015 Kia Forte has 260 complaints on file^[1]. The engine group makes up 162 of them^[2], so that is the area to check first on any used car. Air bag reports total 23^[8], and they include crashes, so they deserve a close look. These are unverified owner reports and the counts are not adjusted for sales. Read the recall list above and have a trusted shop inspect the car before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Forte?: The engine group leads with 162 complaints^[2], then unknown or other with 31^[6] and the electrical system with 29^[7].
Is the 2015 Kia Forte reliable?: NHTSA has 260 complaints on file^[1], and the engine group accounts for 162 of them^[2]. Look at the problems section and check the car's service history.
Does the 2015 Kia Forte have recalls?: Yes. The by-year count shows 1 recall^[3]. The details are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many Kia Forte 2015 complaints involve fires?: The engine group reports 16 fires^[2] and the electrical group reports 2^[7]. The full total is on file with NHTSA^[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2015 Kia Forte?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Kia Forte

2012 306 complaints, 4 recalls
2014 445 complaints, 3 recalls
2015 this page
2016 138 complaints, 1 recall
2017 305 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 136 complaints, 3 recalls
2019 149 complaints, 2 recalls
2020 78 complaints, 0 recalls
2021 69 complaints, 2 recalls
2023 65 complaints, 3 recalls
2024 26 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Kia Forte

Other Kia models from 2015

2015 Kia Optima 1,021 complaints, 4 recalls
2015 Kia Sedona 139 complaints, 3 recalls
2015 Kia Sorento 754 complaints, 3 recalls
2015 Kia Soul 908 complaints, 7 recalls

All Kia models

Similar cars from 2015: compact cars

2015 Nissan Versa 254 complaints, 2 recalls
2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport 79 complaints, 2 recalls
2015 Toyota Yaris 15 complaints, 4 recalls
2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI 322 complaints, 14 recalls
2015 Volkswagen Jetta 197 complaints, 8 recalls
2015 Volvo S60 59 complaints, 2 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 260 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Kia Forte (16 mention a crash, 20 a fire, 11 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
162 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 16 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Forte model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Forte, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
31 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
29 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
23 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,237). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,500). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
13 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,700). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V750, filed December 2, 2020: Engine. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte 5, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Forte with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 145 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Forte with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 166 to 173 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE EX/SX 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,906 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE KOUPE EX 2DR COUPE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,820 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE KOUPE SX/SX LUXURY 2DR COUPE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,983 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE LX 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,804 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE5 LX/EX 4DR HATCHBACK: length 171 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,862 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE5 SX/SX LUXURY 4DR HATCHBACK: length 171 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,025 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2015 Kia Forte: problems, recalls and fuel economy