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2015 Kia Forte Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Kia Forte carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering engine. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rod bearing knock and engine failure.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE

Campaign #20V750000 · Feb 12, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Kia Forte.

Reported to NHTSA

Rod bearing knock and engine failure

ENGINE

39 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-09

“Vehicle started making a ticking noise under the hood. I immediately had it towed to a mechanics shop in town. They performed an inspection and said the ticking noise is from a Rod Bearing # 3 has come loose and the whole engine must be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693740
“The contact stated while driving uphill at approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648327
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rod bearing failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11453691

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2025-11

“The contact stated that after several oil changes, he noticed that the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of engine oil. Following a visual inspection, the contact stated that he noticed the engine was leaking oil and making an abnormal sound”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526100
“The contact then stated that without warning, the engine started to require an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had consumed 3.5 to 4 quarts of oil per 1,000 miles driven”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481383
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11422771

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlights extinguish when turn signal is activated

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2021-01

“AT NIGHT WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND DRIVING OR NOT, WHEN YOU USE THE TURN SIGNAL THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL GO OFF. IF YOU WIGGLE THE BLINKER ARM, THEY WILL COME BACK ON. BUT YOU ARE DRIVING WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE BECAUSE THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389332
“ALL OF THE HEADLAMPS / ALL TAIL/PARK/MARKER / ALL I/P ILLUMINATION LAMPS GOES OUT WHEN TURNING ON THE TURN SIGNALS WHILE DRIVING & SIGNALING FOR AN UPCOMING TURN. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY & IS GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11378044
“THE KIA HEADLIGHTS REGULARLY AND SUDDENLY TURNED OFF AND FLICKERED BACK ON WITH VARYING DURATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS WAS NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT WHEN EVERYTHING WAS DARK AND SUDDENLY THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF WHEN WE NEEDED THEM AND QUITE OFTEN…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365855

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden stall or loss of power while driving

ENGINE

39 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that while driving in the fast lane at 70 MPH on the interstate and attempting to move over to the emergency lane, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720085
“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360397
“WHILE DRIVING IN CITY OR HIGHWAY, YOU HEAR ENGINE NOISE, SEE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, ILLUMINATION OF THE LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT. THEN VEHICLE PROPULSION STOPS SUDDENLY, CONTINUES TO COAST BUT PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR HAS NO EFFECT, THE ENGINE DOESN'T REV”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397814

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire and smoke

ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2022-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427673
“Engine Oil over pressure caused my oil filter to explode oil in to my engine compartment. Destroyed my engine as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488655
“The car started to smoke and caught on fire not even 2 from My house I had called and scheduled a appointment for the recall butt kia set the date to far away I only had the car for maybe 2 weeks not even 150000 miles on it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455734

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion and brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2025-09

“Brake lines failed while driving. All of the brake fluid leaked out while driving making this a dangerous situation. Brake light came on and loss of all brakes came next”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485759
“I received a recall notice from KIa Corporation notifying me of a recall for brake lines rusting on my car and told me to take it to dealer to have issue inspected. If found to be in need of replacement they would be replaced at no charge to me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488564
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689697

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2023-06

“The contact stated that after accelerating from a red light the driver-side airbag suddenly deployed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the passenger side tire had also flattened”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440991
“The contact stated while his daughter was driving at 15 MPH, another vehicle going 40 MPH crashed into the passenger front side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11421985
“SOMETIME DURING THE SUMMER MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT IT. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 YEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11373596

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

116 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

20

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Kia Forte reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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