Known Recalls

Model year record

2015 Kia Forte

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 328 owner complaints on file.

Kia Forte, 2014–2018 generation
Pictured: the 2014–2018 generation. CapCase, CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V750000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Vehicles affected
294,756
Reported to NHTSA
2020-12-02
Owners notified
2021-01-25

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine15886,000 mi
Unknown or other3160,000 mi
Electrical system2482,000 mi
Air bags2350,000 mi
Power train1770,000 mi
Service brakes1520,000 mi
Exterior lighting1351,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system1038,000 mi
Vehicle speed control61,760 mi
Steering41,760 mi
Structure: body43,700 mi
Seat belts370,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: coil: spark plugs2106,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling285,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2137,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear2108 mi
Electrical system: ignition144,600 mi
Electrical system: instrument panel: speedometer/odometer175,010 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly1—
Electronic stability control (ESC)1200 mi
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control1100,601 mi
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking1—
Service brakes, hydraulic156,334 mi
Tires1100 mi
Tires: bead121,500 mi
Visibility/wiper169,543 mi
Wheels1—
Wheels: rim1250 mi

The 2014 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2016 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Kia Forte model years

2024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009

All Kia Forte recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.