Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Kia forte. While driving approximately 72 MPH, the front of the vehicle caught fire. The contact noticed that the fire was coming from the engine. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The…
2015 Kia Forte engine problems
severe 128 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
128
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
15fires
When does it fail?
Of the 128 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Kia Forte, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 128 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2015 Kia Forte engine failures are widespread and often catastrophic: rod and bearing breakdowns cause sudden loss of power at highway speeds, excessive oil consumption precedes failure, and many owners face denial of warranty coverage due to mileage thresholds or timing of recall services. Before buying a used 2015 Forte, have an independent shop perform a compression test and oil-consumption baseline over 500 miles, and verify whether the vehicle received Campaign 20V750000 repair and when.
2015 Kia Forte engine failures cluster around rod and bearing collapse, excessive oil consumption, and stalling events that leave drivers stranded on highways. The most common sequence: owners report ticking or knocking noise, then oil consumption spikes (3–4 quarts per 1,000 miles), then sudden loss of power and stall. Rod pieces puncture the block or damage turbos and starters. Mileage ranges from 33,000 to 201,100 miles, but failures cluster around 70,000–160,000.
The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) recall update (Campaign 20V750000) appears in 30+ complaints. Owners report dealerships performed only the software update, marked the recall complete, then the engine failed within weeks or months. Some engines failed after the recall visit despite the recall being marked complete.
Owners report burning smells from vents during acceleration, and at least three documented under-hood fires. Recall SC200 (engine compartment fire risk) was identified in some cases, but owners state no mechanical repairs followed the software update.
Oil drain plug failure occurred in one case; the plug fell out while parked and came loose again within two weeks, ruining the engine. The dealership refused warranty and discouraged filing a complaint.
Denial of repair is routine. Common reasons: vehicle mileage exceeded the extended 150,000-mile warranty by a few thousand miles, the recall was already marked complete, or Kia simply declined goodwill assistance. Parts shortages delayed engine replacements for months (short blocks sourced from South Korea).
Owners describe multiple trips to Kia dealerships with no resolution. Knock sensor replacement did not stop stalling. Fuel contamination in oil required repeated catalytic converter replacements.
Same Kia Forte engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Rod/Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure
Connecting rods warp, break, or bearing surfaces fail, leading to metal fragments in the engine, loss of motive power, and catastrophic engine seizure. Rod pieces can puncture the engine block or damage adjacent components like turbos and starters.
When: 50,000–201,100 miles; varies widely, from early-life to aging engines
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking or rattling noise from engine; Loss of motive power while driving; Engine stalls without warning; Check engine light illuminates; Metal shavings or debris in oil; Engine will not restart or barely turns over; Hole visible through engine block
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), P0301-P0308 (cylinder-specific misfire), P0016 (camshaft/crankshaft correlation)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; owners cite $10,000–$13,000+ repair costs; many denial cases involve mileage just over warranty thresholds (e.g., 4,000 miles over 150,000-mile extended warranty limit)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V750000 (Knock Sensor Detection System software update); owners report recall marked complete after software update alone, without mechanical inspection; extended 10-year/150,000-mile warranty mentioned but disputed on eligibility; many denials citing mileage or post-recall timing; no mention of TSBs or goodwill programs in narratives
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine consumes oil at abnormally high rates (e.g., 3.5–4 quarts per 1,000 miles), often with no visible external leaks. Oil level drops rapidly despite regular maintenance and recent oil changes. This precedes or co-occurs with piston/ring and bearing failures.
When: 62,000–154,000 miles; often develops months or years into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil level warning light illuminates; Oil level drops between services despite no visible leaks; Vehicle consumes 3.5–4 quarts per 1,000 miles; Burning smell from air vents during acceleration; Ticking or knocking noise after oil level drops; Dirty oil found at service intervals
Repairs/costs cited: Owners often top off frequently at service shops; one owner mentions free top-offs became routine; no repairs attempted in most narratives; oil filter type mentioned (owners report FRAM filters blow out under pressure; recommend black aftermarket filters)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned for oil consumption alone; some dealers dismiss as 'normal' behavior; no warranty coverage documented for consumption-only cases
Burning Smell and Potential Fire Hazard
Owners report strong burning or oil-smell odors from engine compartment, particularly during acceleration or idling. In several cases, smoke and flames appeared under the hood, suggesting fuel/oil accumulation or ignition risk. Recall SC200 (engine compartment fire risk) mentioned but owners assert mechanical fixes were not performed.
When: 33,000–135,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning or strong fuel/oil odor from vents or under hood; Smell persists or worsens despite recall software update; Smoke visible under hood; Flames under hood (multiple cases); No warning lights initially, then check engine light appears; Smell occurs especially during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: In fire cases, burned parts, damaged timing components, and oil pump/camshaft replacements attempted but failures recurred; KSDS recall update applied but mechanical issues remained; no repairs fully resolved burning smell in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC200 mentioned; KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update applied to several vehicles, but owners report software update alone did not eliminate burning smell or fire risk; no mechanical repair or engine replacement documented as completed under recall in these narratives
Engine Stalling/Loss of Power While Driving
Engine loses motive power and stalls suddenly while vehicle is in motion, at speeds from idle to 80 mph. Vehicle may or may not restart. Occurs sporadically or repeatedly. No warning lights in some cases; check engine light in others. Extremely dangerous on highways and interstates.
When: 62,500–158,949 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly without warning; Loss of motive power; vehicle cannot accelerate; Check engine light illuminates (sometimes after stall); Vehicle fails to restart or restarts intermittently; Stalling occurs on highways, at stop lights, and on hills; Stalling may recur within minutes of restart; Hesitation before full stall; High engine RPM but vehicle does not accelerate
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), Various undefined fault codes cleared by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple visits to dealers often result in no diagnosis; knock sensor replaced in several cases without resolving stalling; no permanent fix documented; vehicle remains stalled or dies again shortly after dealer visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 20V750000 mentioned; KSDS software reset attempted; engine replacement determined necessary by some dealers but not approved by Kia or owner could not afford it; no TSBs referenced
Knock Sensor Failures
Knock sensor malfunctions or misdiagnosis; KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update applied as recall fix but does not resolve underlying engine problems. Sensor replacement attempted but failures recur.
When: 70,000–90,000 miles (often coinciding with first major symptom appearance)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Abnormal knocking or rattling noise from engine; Vehicle loss of power or stalling after KSDS software update; Sensor code triggers but sensor replacement does not solve problem
Codes mentioned: Knock sensor-related codes (exact codes not specified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor replaced; KSDS software reset or updated; multiple service visits without resolution; one dealer misdiagnosed vehicle during recall repair, missing underlying engine failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V750000: KSDS software update applied; one owner notes dealer said first dealer should have recommended engine replacement during initial recall repair; manufacturer approval delays for engine replacement; partial coverage only in one case documented
Oil Plug Failure (Loosening)
Oil drain plug loosens or falls out completely without visible cause, allowing engine oil to drain. Plug becomes finger-tight and nearly falls out a second time within two weeks, ruining the engine due to oil loss. No warning lights alert driver until oil is already leaking.
When: Unknown mileage; occurs after routine parking
Symptoms owners cite: Oil plug comes out on its own while vehicle is parked; Oil drains completely from engine; Oil plug found finger-tight on follow-up inspection; Oil plug nearly falls out a second time within two weeks; No warning lights illuminate until oil is lost; Engine ruined after oil loss
Repairs/costs cited: Engine declared ruined; dealership recommends owner NOT file complaint; no repairs performed; third-party mechanic confirmed the loose-plug issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refusing warranty coverage; actively discouraging complaint filing
Misfire, Rough Idle, and Cold-Start Issues
Engine misfires, runs rough at idle, or produces unusually loud/rough cold starts with high RPM. Fuel contamination in oil, fouled spark plugs, and repeated catalytic converter clogging reported. Vehicle hesitates or shakes during operation.
When: 62,000–115,446 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, rough cold start with high RPM; Ticking or knocking noise during acceleration or idle; Rough idle or shaking while driving at low speeds; Engine misfires; black smoke from exhaust; Fuel odor in cabin; Check engine light and oil warning light flashing; Fouled spark plugs with oil and fuel residue; Vehicle sputters while driving
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), P0301-P0308 (cylinder-specific misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced multiple times without resolving underlying issue; catalytic converter replaced 2–3 times due to repeated clogging; fuel contamination in oil discovered during diagnostics; one owner cites Fram and aftermarket filters blow out under pressure; black filter type recommended as alternative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Consumer Affairs denied engine repair, stating vehicle does not meet warranty extension guidelines; dealership documented misfire/fuel-contamination conditions but refused to perform recall-related repairs
Valve Pinging/Detonation Noise
Engine produces severe valve pinging sound during acceleration from stop. Noise persists even with premium fuel despite Kia recommendation for regular unleaded. Kia Motor America aware but claims no defect.
When: Ongoing issue; model-year vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe valve pinging sound during acceleration from stop; Wind noise and valve ping make vehicle very loud; Noise persists despite higher-octane fuel use
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggests upgrading to premium or plus-grade fuel (added owner expense); no repairs performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Motor America aware of issue but states it 'does not do anything to the car' and takes no corrective steps; dealer unable to address since manufacturer does not acknowledge defect
Engine Failure Post-Recall Service
Engine fails shortly after vehicle is serviced for the recall (KSDS software update or inspection). Failures occur within days to weeks of dealer recall visit. Dealership marks recall complete despite mechanical failure occurring thereafter.
When: Days to weeks after recall service; 70,000–157,000 miles cumulative
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and warning lights illuminate after recall visit; Knocking or rattling noise develops shortly after recall service; Engine stalls or loses power post-recall; Burning smell develops or worsens post-recall; Engine requires replacement, discovered after recall marked complete
Codes mentioned: Multiple warning lights; exact codes often unclear
Repairs/costs cited: Owners allege dealers missed mechanical issues during recall inspection; one owner reports dealer performed only software update and marked recall complete, then engine failed 4,000 miles later (outside extended warranty)—owner alleges dealer should have detected ring failure during recall service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall marked 'complete' despite mechanical failure; manufacturer denies engine replacement or goodwill assistance, citing timing or mileage; parts distribution delays noted in several cases (e.g., short-block engines from South Korea unavailable for months)
Catalytic Converter Failure (Secondary to Engine Issues)
Catalytic converter fails due to fuel contamination, oil entry, or damage from rod-bearing failure in engine. Replacement required multiple times; new converters fail again within months due to unresolved engine condition.
When: Varies; secondary to primary engine failure; one case at 5 years of age (early for converter lifespan)
Symptoms owners cite: Clogged catalytic converter; Vehicle fails emissions test; Repeated converter failure despite replacement; Metal debris or fluid entering exhaust system
Codes mentioned: P0420/P0430 (catalyst system efficiency), P0420 (catalyst below threshold)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement $1,700 cited; one owner notes aftermarket part installed by Kia dealer at pre-purchase recall service; replacements necessary 2–3 times in same vehicles; $2,700 for catalytic converter and muffler replacement cited in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia sold vehicle As-Is after installing aftermarket catalytic converter; no warranty applied; Kia Consumer Affairs denied engine repair claim, which would have prevented repeated converter failures
Synthesized from 128 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
The engine began, without warning, consuming the oil. The engine then began making a knocking noise that is now irreparable without replacement. This knocking noise, due to low oil, was not preceded by the "oil light," as I had recently received an oil change. The car now struggles to accelerate and I have to add oil every 2 weeks or so. This is a similar issue with other Kia models, with the…
We were not experiencing any issues with the vehicle. My husband was driving home from work in the city and the car stopped running due to engine issues. It appears to be exactly what is in the recent recall but our car is not included. There was an oil leak that was not noticeable at all.
The vehicle began experiencing persistent engine misfires and rough running. Fuel contamination was found in the engine oil, and the spark plugs were fouled with oil and fuel. The catalytic converter has become clogged and failed multiple times due to excess fuel and oil entering the exhaust system. The Kia dealership documented these conditions but refused to perform recall-related engine…
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…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change. The contact stated that while driving for approximately two miles down the road the knocking sound returned. The contact veered to the…
Was driving to work and heard a sound of metal as if something fell from the car. Looked back in my rear view to see a trail of fluid. Pulled over immediately and the car started to stall out at the same time. Called a tow. They advised to contact police and fire in case it was gas. Fire department came and confirmed it was oil. I had gotten my oil changed two weeks prior at valvoline. Towed…
2015 forte with 1.8l engine. Rod nock noise developed after 104k miles. Loss of power and drivability is decreasing. No diagnostic lights on. Called Kia and was told that the 1.8L are not under the recall. However there are several 1.8 motors exhibiting the same symptoms. Oil changes have been done at suggested intervals. I believe the recall needs to be expanded. Kia wants me to take to dealer…
While driving, my car just shut off and wasn't working. I was unable to start it again. No oil lights, no engine lights, or any other warning lights came on prior to it dying. The dealership is telling me there is no oil in the motor and I am not understanding. I had the oil changed every 3-5,000 miles. The car shouldn't have stopped operating with no warning lights. The car was in motion when…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed at night, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated approximately a second before the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a spun bearing inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
Had engine trouble with your 2015 Kia Forte?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 128 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 73 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 70,000 and 116,799 miles, with the median around 86,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 116,799. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Kia/Forte.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.