What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Forte Koup

The cylinder 3 connecting rod broke and shot a hole through my engine block. It also sucked metal pieces into my turbo and damaged my starter. This is the exact same issue that the 2.0 liter engines have and yet I have to pay out of pocket for my repairs. I was on the interstate going 70 mph when this happened. What if instead of shooting down, it shot back towards me? What if my child was in the car? Now Kia won’t cover this and I think they should. I took the car to multiple mechanics and not one of them told me this could happen. The check engine light kept coming on, I kept being told to replace the spark plugs and the ignition coils and it never resolved my issue. These were Kia certified dealers. Now one of these Kia certified dealers wants to charge me $13,000 to replace the engine and the turbo. That’s more than the car is worth and now I’m stuck with the car payment of a car that failed and not bc of my own doing.

NHTSA ODI 11449992

Every few months my car won’t crank. I have to get it towed to the dealership. They normally change the spark plugs and it runs again. Recently, they changed the spark plugs but I was also told that I had an engine oil leak(which is very hazardous), oil is leaking onto my engine which is causing my spark plugs to burn out so quick. They claimed they didn’t know what was causing it and told me I would have to wait until my car breaks down completely before being able to know exactly what’s causing it. Informed me that changing the spark plugs is only a temporary fix and I would go through this process again(my car not cranking and spark plugs needing to be replaced).

NHTSA ODI 11449590

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning smoke odor was detected. The contact pulled over and noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood. Additionally, there were engine parts that had melted and a puddle of fluid on the ground. A bystander assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The VIN was included in the recall; however, the contact did not receive a recall notification. The failure mileage was 99,880.

NHTSA ODI 11447945

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change. The contact stated that while driving for approximately two miles down the road the knocking sound returned. The contact veered to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle and heard another loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as rod blown in the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed the previous diagnosis and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact spoke with local dealer about the recall and was informed that the vehicle no longer qualified for the repair because the vehicle had exceeded the 150,000-mile threshold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,100.

NHTSA ODI 11443362

2015 forte with 1.8l engine. Rod nock noise developed after 104k miles. Loss of power and drivability is decreasing. No diagnostic lights on. Called Kia and was told that the 1.8L are not under the recall. However there are several 1.8 motors exhibiting the same symptoms. Oil changes have been done at suggested intervals. I believe the recall needs to be expanded. Kia wants me to take to dealer to verify. ASE mechanic has looked at it.

NHTSA ODI 11443209

Engine has blown a rod. Inspected and confirmed by certified auto mechanic.(Lucky's Amoco Service) No warnings or lights were present at time of vehicle breakdown.

NHTSA ODI 11441701

My motor blew at 63k miles in Nov 2018. I was driving and it make a loud awful sound and was on fire and smoking and there was a huge hole in my engine. The kia warranty had just passed and they refused to cover the replacement

NHTSA ODI 11437111

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11429030

Car engine caught on fire while driving without any indication. Car stopped and engulfed in flames. Car dashboard warning lights were not present until fire began but car shut off due to fire. The car was a total loss. Driver and passengers life were at risk. Exited car within seconds of car engulfing

NHTSA ODI 11427673

Car was running great. No issues, had my regular oil changes and check ups. I was driving down the road and a piston rod blew in my engine. But oil was in my engine.

NHTSA ODI 11427464

The engine seized up and smoke was noted on April 29, 2021. The vehicle was towed to Woodstock Carriage Kia, after being told that vehicle would start being repaired within 1 to 3 days. The service dated has been changed 3 times. Three months later, the dealer still does not have the short block engine from South Korea. The dealer did state that Kia would reimburse me for towing and a rental car (will not pay taxes or insurance for a rental car) eventually after car is repaired. I do not have the financial resources to pay for a rental car upfront for an unknown time period. The dealer stated they only have one loaner car, which they will not loan to me. The dealer also explained there are vehicles on the lot that have been sitting there since Nov. 2020, waiting for engines due to this recall. This is unacceptable. I need my car to be repaired. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11427299

vehicle caught fire

NHTSA ODI 11425806

While driving, my engine started knocking. I stopped driving and turned off my car. I had it towed to a shop and was informed it was the same issue as the recall for 2.4 engines and told me to call Kia. Kia said it’s not covered under the recall so they won’t look at it.

NHTSA ODI 11425668

The engine has lower engine knocking. It has a rod knocking very loud. It could throw a rod through engine at any time, cause the vehicle to wreck and catch on fire. Yes, it was confirmed that it had a rod knocking in engine. yes, An ASE Certified mechanic. No check engine light came on. It just started knocking real bad and lost power.They appeared as I was driving down the road.

NHTSA ODI 11425714

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,022.

NHTSA ODI 11422771

My car engine burns oil like crazy. I received a recall notice and brought my vehicle to Gary Rome Kia in Enfield. I brought it in with the check engine light on as it was on listed conditions for the recall and when i was told everything passed i still had a check engine light and excessive burning of oil. The engine is not working properly and wasn't rectified during the recall process. I am afraid with how much oil it is burning it may lead to a fire in the engine compartment. I have followed all of the usual recommended services and was not made whole during the recall event.

NHTSA ODI 11422826

THE CAR WAS BOUGHT IN JAN 2021 FROM A DEALERSHIP WITH UNDER 20,000 MILES. IT WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO THEM SELLING IT.THEY DID NOT OFFER A WARRANTY ON THIS CAR. IN APRIL 2021, THE ENGINE DIED. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME, BUT CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR. 0

NHTSA ODI 11416215

PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE, MECHANIC NOTICE METAL PIECES IN THE OIL FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS 120,289 MILES. ENGINE WAS KNOCKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, MAKES LOUD NOISES, PUTTERS, KNOCKS AND THEN STALLS. CANNOT USE ON HIGHWAY, TOO DANGEROUS, IT WONT GO HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE OIL CHANGES RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE 120K MILES.

NHTSA ODI 11415203

JUST FINANCED FROM A DEALER ON 4/12, HAD MAJOR OIL LEAK, HAD TO RETURN TO DEALERSHIP. SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED, BUT CURRENTLY STILL HAVE A BAD OIL LEAK. STILL WAITING FOR A WEEK FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. ENGINE MAKES A NOISE WHEN IDLING, ALMOST LIKE A "MISS"

NHTSA ODI 11414702

MY ENGINE JUST STARTED MAKING "KNOCKING" SOUNDS OUT OF NOWHERE...IM UP TO DATE ON OIL CHANGES AND I CHECK THE OIL OFTEN...IT KNOCKS WHILE IDLE AND IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI 11414141

THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT TURNED ON AT A TRAFFIC STOP. AT THE NEXT STOP. THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE IMMOBILIZER INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON AND AFTER ADDING OIL, THE ENGINE WILL NOT START.. KIA REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AS THE PROBLEM CAUSE IS DESCRIBED BY THE RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO FREDY KIA ON 04/08/21 AND IT WILL BE CHECKED UNTIL 04/19/21.

NHTSA ODI 11408243

OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO A THREADING PROBLEM, HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE AND I HAVE HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED AND WORKED ON AT A SHOP. THE VEHICLE STARTED POURING OIL WHILE DRIVING ON A 35MPH ROAD. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AS WELL. I HAVE VIDEOS OF THE CAR AND THE NOISE IT MADE

NHTSA ODI 11406105

2015 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11404520

MY CAR LEFT MY CHILD STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE IN ORANGEBURG ON THE WAY HOME TO MACEDONIA, SC. IT WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND SHE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. APPARENTLY THERE IS A RECALL ON MY ENGINE & I NEVER RECEIVED IT. I NOW HAVE A UNUSABLE CAR IN THE SHOP THAT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE DUE TO OIL LEAKING. IT IS CURRENTLY AT SHOP LIFE @ 2005 N MAIN ST, SUMMERVILLE SC (843) 475-9366.

NHTSA ODI 11403485

I WILL BE DRIVING MY 2015 KIA FORTE AND IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. NO WARNING AT ALL. JUST THANKFUL THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT BY ANYONE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND HOW TO FIX IT. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN IT TO A AUTO PARTS STORE AND THEIR MACHINE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG SHOWING

NHTSA ODI 11400170