Problems · by component

2015 Kia Forte Koup electrical system problems

29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Forte Koup cite electrical system, 11% of all 262 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
29
11% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11716424
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the battery light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to pull into a gas station. The contact called his daughter, who went to the gas station and jumpstarted the vehicle. The contact stopped by Auto Zone to have the vehicle diagnosed, where it was diagnosed and DTCs: P2191, P0562, C1101, C1102, C1201, C1204, C1207, C1208, C1210, C1211, C1237, C1260, C1513, C1613, and C1688 were retrieved. In addition, the battery showed codes that fluctuated constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer pending an inspection. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that recently the low…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11702693
“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
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2025Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11675808
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,010 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 228,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 15, 2025Electrical systemODI 11654772

Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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

Other 2015 Forte Koup problem areas