Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Kia Forte Koup problems

Owners filed 262 complaints about the 2015 Kia Forte Koup with NHTSA between Nov 2014 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (160).

Complaints
262
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
16
Reported by owners
Fires
20
Reported by owners
Injuries
11
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine160
  2. Electrical system29
  3. Air bags23
  4. Power train17
  5. Service brakes15
  6. Exterior lighting13
  7. Fuel/propulsion system10
  8. Vehicle speed control5
  9. Engine and engine cooling4
  10. Structure4
  11. Steering4
  12. Seat belts3
  13. Forward collision avoidance2
  14. Wheels2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20141
20155
201610
20177
201815
201924
202043
202147
202236
202321
202419
202523
202611

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

160 reports2 crashes16 fires1 related recall
“This is the report copy and reference number for 911. I have contacted Kia multiple times during lunch breaks sent emails, and they still are not responding even after photos were sent to them. They told me in 5 days I would here back form them an still Ive heard nothing.Reference # XXX The fire dep “# INCIDENT REPORT Reference #XXX **Vehicle Smoke Incident and 911 Emergency Call** **Date of Incident:** Monday, XXX **Time of 911 Call:** 10:11 a.m. **Location:** Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center [XXX] [XXX] **Vehicle Involved:** 2015 Kia Forte ### Description of Incident On Monday, XXX, at approximately 10:11 a.m., a 911 emergency call was placed regarding a 2015 Kia Forte that was experiencing smoke coming from underneath the hood in the engine compartment while at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, located at [XXX]. Due to the smoke coming from the engine compartment, the vehicle had to be parked in a red-designated area. The situation raised concerns about a potential vehicle fire and the safety of operating the vehicle. The fire department responded to the incident and inspected the area underneath the hood. Following the inspection, I was…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026EngineODI 11774120

Electrical system

29 reports2 fires
“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 driving. The vehicle was reset and self-corrected after being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Fred Anderson Toyota of Raleigh (9101 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617); and the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11747107

Air bags

23 reports10 crashes
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2023Air bags, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11527179

Power train

17 reports1 crash
“I own a 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) that experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle had been running normally until it began stalling and sputtering while driving. Shortly after, the engine would only run for 1–2 seconds before shutting off entirely. This exact issue mirrors those documented in previous recalls and class-action lawsuits involving Kia's 2011–2015 models with 2.0L and 2.4L engines. However, despite having the same failure and engine type, my VIN was excluded from the existing recall/warranty extension campaigns. Kia confirmed this is a known issue, but will not cover repairs. This failure occurred at approx. 180,000 miles. Engine failure without warning is a serious safety risk and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can review this issue and evaluate whether additional VINs — like mine — should be included in a broader investigation or recall. A case has been opened with Kia (Case #XXX), and full diagnostic documentation from a certified mechanic is available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 7, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11698243

Service brakes

15 reports2 crashes
“I was driving today and upon braking trying to come to a four way stop, the brake pedal went to the floor with no stopping. My vehicle went through the 4 way stop endangering me and my passengers. The piston blew out where all fluid leaked over the place. This is dangerous.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2025Service brakesODI 11689697

Exterior lighting

13 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 21, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11508413
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.