2015 KIA Forte problems
Owners have filed 325 complaints about the 2015 KIA Forte with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 48% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 8.9%.
Complaints325
Crashes21
Fires21
Injuries17
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Engine 48.0% · 156
Unknown or other 9.5% · 31
Electrical system 8.9% · 29
Air bags 7.1% · 23
Power train 5.2% · 17
Service brakes 4.6% · 15
Exterior lighting 4.0% · 13
Fuel/propulsion system 3.1% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 21 describe a fire, 17 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the KIA Forte in this data, 2015 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2014 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 69 in the last three years against 124 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The engine in my car began failing at 60,000 mile despite having all maintenance records. The KIA dealership expressed that this is happening to many similar cars and a recall was issued for a similar engine to mine with the same issue. They expressed that the engine could seize up while driving and cause a wreck unless I purchase a new/used one to put into my car. Again all routine maintenance was kept up to date. Engine
My car left my child stranded on the interstate in orangeburg on the way home to macedonia, sc. It was in motion when the vehicle shut off and she had to coast to the side of the road. Apparently there is a recall on my engine & I never received it. I now have a unusable car in the shop that needs a new engine due to oil leaking. It is currently at shop life @ 2005 n main st, summerville sc (843) 475-9366. Engine · reported at 107,000 miles
Vehicle experiences engine power loss as low and highway speeds. Engine power loss is accompanied by plume of oil smoke from exhaust, momentary check engine and low oil pressure light. Loss of engine power results in rapid engine deceleration of vehicle until stopped at which point the engine regains power. Vehicle has received maintenance in accordance with manufacturer recommended maintenance cycle. Engine · reported at 60,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…