2015 Kia Forte recalls and problems

1 recall and 260 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Kia Forte.

1
recalls
260
owner complaints
16
complaints mentioning a crash
20
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2015 Kia Forte recalls

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · reported December 2, 2020 · Kia Motors America · 294,756 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 30, 2026 · Engine

Vehicle has developed a severe knocking during acceleration, that stops during deceleration, and returns when in idle. I'm sure it is poison slap. I know there is an extension warranty, but the dealer says my car doesn't qualify. Then NHTSA has the SC200 safety recall. I need help with this car. My engine is failing…

Sep 10, 2026 · Engine

While driving my 2015 Kia Forte5 at approximately 80 mph on GA-400, I was traveling in the far-left lane when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost acceleration and engine power. Pressing the accelerator produced little to no response. There was no gradual reduction in speed or sufficient warning that the vehicle…

Jul 12, 2026 · Engine

Recently had oil change . Right after B oil change engine light came on, a solid yellow light car is driving rough it’s a 2015 Kia Forte. Have an appointment Monday 7/13/2026 to have dealer to do a B diagnostic. The same place I had oil change

Jul 6, 2026 · Engine

respectfully submit this correspondence to request formal assistance regarding my 2015 Kia Forte EX, a vehicle covered under the class settlement. The vehicle is exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with KSDS‑related engine failure, yet the required diagnostic protocol has not been completed by the servicing…

Jun 29, 2026 · Electrical system · 85,000 miles

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that an anti-theft protection software update was performed in 2024. After the update was performed, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off without warning. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted to continue…

Forte model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2012 42922023
2013 51951613
2014 34443236
2015 12601620
2016 1136166
2017 33052310
2018 3136133

Across all years, the 2014 Forte has the most complaints (444). All Kia Forte years →

Questions

Does the 2015 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2015 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on December 2, 2020 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 260 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (158 complaints), followed by unknown or other (31).
How many 2015 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?
16 of 260 complaints report a crash and 20 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 30, 2026.