2015 Kia Forte: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 62% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2015 Kia Forte
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2015 Kia Forte recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2015 Kia Forte. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Details 20V750000
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.
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.
2015 Kia Forte safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Brakes: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC238 Flight #501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a…
- Warranty extension: Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts.
- Steering: Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners.
- Doors and locks: Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
- Airbags: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON â DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2015 Kia Forte safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
259 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Kia Forte years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator