What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Forte Koup

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the certified mechanic, and an unknown repair was completed. The contact was unsure of the repair that was completed. After having the vehicle repaired a second time, while attempting to accelerate, the instrument panel was flashing the check engine and the oil light warning lights. The vehicle decelerated, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power shortly afterwards. The failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic twice. The mechanic repaired the knock sensor and drained and replaced the engine oil and cleared the codes. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to the mechanic, and was then towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the knock sensor had failed. The knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675808

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the parts were replaced; however, soon after the repairs, while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the transmission started slipping and failed to shift properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s husband was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to the same dealer for a second diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

NHTSA ODI 11647908

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

I recently went to the dealership to get a diagnostic's test on December 22nd, 2021. I bought the car October 14th, 2020. My vehicle had a recall on it that was issued in December 2020 and they claim it was fixed a few years ago despite the car only being 5 years old. I believe they did not fix it and sold the car to me As-Is knowing they installed a faulty aftermarket part. From my understanding, Catalytic Convertors are supposed to last around 10 years but the car was only 5 years old at the time of purchase, meaning they replaced it prior to me buying the car. I went in and they claim my catalytic converter was no good and I would have to spend $1700 to replace it. I feel like it is a money grab where they clear the codes on the vehicle, sell it knowing there are issues with no warranty, and then wait for the customer to return to pay to fix the vehicle. I believe the recall was never repaired despite them saying they did as I am having a lot of the issues customers faced with the recall and I am genuinely concerned for my safety and finances as this car cannot pass an emissions test despite them claiming it passed (again, probably cleared the codes to pass). I feel like the vehicle needs to be relooked at and repaired by them since they sold it with aftermarket parts they installed when a Kia dealership should only be repairing and replacing with genuine parts manufactured by Kia, not a third party. Again, just because they sold it "As is" with issues they potentially created should be illegal and they need to be held accountable. I will report to BBB and an consumer attorney. The engine idles and the vehicle slows down and speeds up while driving. There is a gurgling and knocking sound while the engine idles.

NHTSA ODI 11445899