What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Forte Koup

The engine in my car began failing at 60,000 mile despite having all maintenance records. The KIA dealership expressed that this is happening to many similar cars and a recall was issued for a similar engine to mine with the same issue. They expressed that the engine could seize up while driving and cause a wreck unless I purchase a new/used one to put into my car. Again all routine maintenance was kept up to date.

NHTSA ODI 11553465

My vehicle was broken into and there was an attempt to steal the car. I made a police report and they expressed that the car would have been driven recklessly and potentially crashed if it was stolen. The safety issues with KIA fortes have become a huge issue nation wide and the cars should be recalled to have standard security installed that a majority of other cars already have equipped.

NHTSA ODI 11553469

Car has same issues for 4 years, shaking, stalling, loosing speed while driving. Check engine light on. Light knocking noise while driving can’t go above 45 miles an hour. Also 3 times car smelled like electrical burning. But was told by Kia nothing wrong with engine

NHTSA ODI 11551982

The car keeps stalling out while stopped. No check engine lights or anything . It will then sit for a minute ot two then start back.

NHTSA ODI 11551310

My daughter was driving it and all of a sudden the engine light came on then the oil it started to loose power so she pulled over right away so we had it towed to a mechanic and the motor needs to be replaced. We never had problems at all with it until then its been well taken care of.

NHTSA ODI 11549753

Three years ago, I took my car to 2 separate kia dealers regarding the knocking in engine. Both said it's "normal". I told them then that they wouldn't sell the car with it knocking. I was contacted in 2022 by credit karma of a safety recall regarding brakes. Another recall was from kia regarding safety from vehicles easily being stolen. I cleared these 2 safety recalls on my vehicle, but I am still being told nothing is wrong with the knocking I hear under the hood. My vin# states my car isn't affected, but I think it is. My brand of car should be included in this recall. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11546861

Going down an incline the brakes can go to the floor. Usually if the pavement is a little bumpy. It’s like you loose all braking.

NHTSA ODI 11535593

Engine failure. I was stopped at a red light and when I pressed the accelerator to go, I didn't realize the engine shut down. I had to have the car towed and learned a day later of the engine recall for the 2015 Kia Forte EX 5

NHTSA ODI 11535257

My engine blew up. It should be included in the recall but it says its not for the 2012-2015 kia forte.

NHTSA ODI 11529412

AIRBAG WARNING IS ON, BUTTONS/CONTROL OF THE WHEEL DONT WORK, CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. MOTOR SHAKES A LOT. WE GOT THIS CAR 2-3 WEEKS AGO LIGHT WAS NOT ON WHEN WE GOT IT FROM THE DEALER. IM NOT AN EXPERT BUT I THINK THAT SOMETHING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY... IM DO APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

NHTSA ODI 11527179

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after several oil changes, he noticed that the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of engine oil. Following a visual inspection, the contact stated that he noticed the engine was leaking oil and making an abnormal sound. The check oil level warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526100

Car lost power, stalled in traffic at a stoplight on a slight incline, rolled back into another vehicle. Have been having repeated problems with stalling. Have taken it to 3 dealerships, none of whom have done anything beyond oil changes. They've even refused to scan it. Kia says it should be under warranty for a new engine after KSDS update, then says it's not. We've been lucky not to have injuries so far because it's done this stalling thing multiple times in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11521122

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service, the local mechanic informed the contact that the engine sounded rough. After performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed that engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11514131

ENGINE LITE CAME ON CAR RUNNING ROUGH... GOING TO KIA DEALER TO CHECK FOR THE KSDS MODULE ...SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED IN 11/2021

NHTSA ODI 11513216

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver’s side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver’s side taillight brake wiring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508413

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.

NHTSA ODI 11507814

Trunk leakage, affecting the inside carpet floor, front and back area and the back seat every time it rains. As a consequence mold forms (white spots of powder like/mold) I inform the dealership but they said that’s not in the recall list. And they ask to go to a body shop.

NHTSA ODI 11507080

Kia issued recall to inspect/repair potential corrosion of brake lines. Dealer inspected car on 12/8/22 and advised repair/replacement was needed and parts would be order. Now almost 2 months later and still no part. Dealer states back ordered. Complaint filed with Kia customer service and no meaningful response. In fact other than acknowledging complaint no response whatsoever. Yet Kia advises this is a potential safety issue and should be repaired ASAP so as to avoid accidents/damage, etc.. Kia cannot or will not provided any information regarding parts availability and subsequent required repair. If transportation is needed we are forced to drive a vehicle with known safety issues because of manufacturers lack of response.

NHTSA ODI 11505512

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.

NHTSA ODI 11504046

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.

NHTSA ODI 11500206

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

NHTSA ODI 11496804

Received inspection letter dated 8/19/22 from Kia to inspect/replace if necessary brake line. First available appointment was 9/27/22. Inspection revealed a severely rotted brake line and invoice notation that vehicle is unsafe to drive. I contacted 3 other Kia dealerships and was given the familiar response that the parts are on back order with not estimate time for arrival. I contacted Kia customer service for a remedy but experienced hour long wait on hold only to be disconnected. Several attempts later customer service suggested I seek an off dealer shop and pay for the repair and be reimbursed by Kia. I was not able to get service through a third party either. I was assigned a case number 15188053 but no viable resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11495728

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed at night, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated approximately a second before the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a spun bearing inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11495382

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.

NHTSA ODI 11491009

Kia recalled my brake line but won’t fix claiming parts in Korea on back order going on months. They took pics of corrosion. They said if something happens it’s my fault.

NHTSA ODI 11491079