general problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte - part 1

Rod knock in engine, catastrophic failure.

The oil light flickered on and off intermittently despite oil in it and was making a cackling noise during acceleration for 2 days then my engine made loud screech noise and smelled like burnt oil and shut off . I had it towed to a mechanic who stated it showed a hole in the engine block .

I purchased my 2015 kia Forte5 in may 2024 with just over 50,000 miles. In 2025, I began smelling burning through the air vents while accelerating. I took it to a kia dealership, paid a $173 diagnostic fee, and was told they completed the ksds (knock sensor detection system) recall update, but I did not need an engine replacement because “everything looked fine. ” they gave me no clear explanation for the burning smell. When I called back and told them the smell hadn’t stopped, they said, “that’s just your oil burning — that’s normal!” and then hung up on me. I contacted 1-800-kia, and my case was assigned to a woman named tina. I explained that the dealership didn’t perform a thorough inspection and dismissed a very real concern. Tina sided with the dealership immediately and showed zero care for the danger I described. What kia called “fine” has now made my car unsafe to drive. The smell has persisted, worsening, and is clearly a fire hazard. This model is under recall sc200 for engine compartment fire risk, and yet they marked the recall “complete” — just by running a software update. No mechanical inspection or repair was done. After researching NHTSA complaints, I found multiple reports from other Forte5 owners who described this exact burning smell shortly before experiencing complete engine failure or fires. After the ksds update, kia advertised a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for engines. But my vehicle doesn’t hit 10 years until January 2026, and it feels like they’re intentionally dragging this out to avoid honoring the warranty. I reported the issue months in advance, and I believe they’re delaying on purpose so I’ll age out of eligibility while the danger keeps growing. Kia is putting people in danger by closing out recalls without resolving the actual mechanical issues. This really needs urgent investigation and fast. I do not feel safe in this vehicle at all and and it’s stressing me out so much.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. 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. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was restarted. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine was damaged due to rod bearing failure, and metal shavings were found in the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine) and related the failure to the recall. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the engine had already failed; however, the contact stated that the recall repair involved the replacement of the engine assembly as necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,061. Parts distribution disconnect.

While driving car will shut off.

I was driving and it’s like the engine just gave out, I waited for a while started it back up and was able to make it home safely. I’m not sure what’s wrong with the engine but there are no lights on the dash on (no check engine).

At 85,400 miles just outside of warranty the engine began knocking and the kia dealer is saying that the motor is in bearing failure and the engine needs to be replaced. Kia is doing nothing.

[xxx] [xxx] [xxx] 08/07/2025 [xxx] kia America, inc. Consumer affairs p. O. Box 52410 irvine, CA 92619-2410 subject: request for reconsideration of engine replacement – 2015 kia Forte dear kia customer care team, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration regarding the recent denial of assistance for my 2015 kia Forte ([xxx]), which has experienced a major engine failure at approximately 157,000 miles I was informed by your customer service department that my vehicle is not eligible for the engine replacement under the recall or extended warranty programs due to timing. However, I am aware that kia has had significant and well-documented issues with the 2. 0l gdi engines used in my vehicle model year. The problem in my car appears to be consistent with the same engine defects that have affected countless others — in my case, a serious piston-related failure that now requires a full engine replacement. As a loyal kia owner who has taken good care of my vehicle, I am incredibly disappointed that such a severe defect would surface and that my only option, per current communication, is to replace the engine at my own expense — something that is financially unfeasible for me. My car has otherwise been well maintained and was expected to last many more miles. I respectfully ask that kia extend goodwill assistance in this matter. Whether through an extended warranty exception, cost-sharing on the repair, or any alternative solution, I would greatly appreciate any support kia can offer in helping resolve this issue. I believe in your brand and want to continue to support it, but I also believe this issue is not just due to normal wear and tear. Please reconsider this decision and help me get back on the road safely. I am open to speaking with a representative if more information is needed and look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My engine has started knocking and two pistons are not firing correctly. This is a common issue and has possible safety issues connected with it due to having an engine fail while driving.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud rattling sound. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed an undisclosed speed and later became undrivable. Additionally, the contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated while there was sufficient oil in the engine. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the knock sensor detection system (ksds) software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back after the manufacturer had approved the request for the engine replacement. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure worsened while driving. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the recall was marked completed. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,330.

Engine issues constantly.

The engine lost pressure while being driven on the interstate. My daughter was able to pull over and then the car began to smoke. She and a passenger immediately exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the nearest shop and was diagnosed with engine failure. My daughter indicated that no check engine light illuminated nor did the temperature gauge note that the vehicle was overheating, but it just began to lose pressure even when she tried to accelerate. I was researching cost to have the engine replaced and came across other Forte owner's testimony that they have had engine problems as well, but the Forte was not listed under the kia recall for engine issues. But perhaps, it should be.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 119,597. Parts distribution disconnect.

Took care to kis for a recall picked it up and got down the street and it died on me brought it back to kia and was told it was okay just the oil filter took kia home and changed oil and filter and car kept going dead would restart but the die again after driving for a little bit. The car kept going dead in middle of road interstate turning into lane across from on going traffic very unsafe. Took care back to kia the scanned it and checked recall they did and said it was ok took car home again and same problem it now has a loud knock or chattering sound while driving. And it's still going dead. Took care back to kia again and now they say there is internal engine failure and that I don't have the extended warranty because my mileage is just over the limit for regular warranty. And they will not offer goodwill either because the internal engine failure. My car drove just fine no problems until I took it to them for the recall and now they say they can't help with nothing. With being disabled and a student I worked really hard to get this car and I need it to get to appointments school and therapy. This has taken away my transportation my happiness and my hard work and effort. It takes a lot to accomplish things being disabled and this makes it even harder. I want to give up most days being able to get to school gave me a purpose and I felt like I belonged. I feel it is only far to have another opinion and to have goodwill being the issue occured after the recall took place. Please help me get my car back and running I've given life and my education my all and my best with what circumstances I have to go through to make it through a day and not having the one things that I earned and worked so hard for taken away from me is really defeating and hard.

My car stopped while I was driving and I had a catastrophic engine failure. I had to use my engine warranty and also out of pocket pay. I want to issue a warning to the dealer who sold me this vehicle. And I want a reimbursement because I recently purchased the vehicle/.

At 60,000 miles the engine began knocking and recently the engine blew through the bottom and cracked.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle did not accelerate as intended. In addition, the rpms were elevated extremely high. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). In addition, the contact was informed that the recall notification had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

On approximately, 04/15/2024, 8:00 am, my 2015 kia Forte with less 115,000 miles suddenly shut down going 65 mph! a severe accident was avoided by manhandling the steering wheel to get it to the side of the road. When I called the kia's consumer affair, to report the incident, I was told there was no recall on the motor so they were not labile. I am very frustrated, upset and stressed that kia's doesn't care about it reputation.

Over the last 5 years that I have owned the vehicle, the engine will stall when idle or at low speeds. This has happened at stop lights, on hills and while on the highway (which is obviously very dangerous). The engine the vehicle has to be turned off and restarted and usually it will stall again within a few minutes. For the most part, this happens after the vehicle has been driven for at least 15-20 minutes and there are few issues at higher speeds. As such, when taken to the dealer, they have been unable to replicate the issue. The issue is sometimes resolved after an oil change, however it may recur before the next oil change is due (ie within 3 months). The vehicle has otherwise had it's recommended service many internet searches note many vehicles of my model and many other kia's with the exact same issue.

Engine seized at the light. I was stuck in the middle of a 6 lane road located in greenville midnight. Engine can cause a fire and burn up while I’m inside. The problem was confirmed by a test machine by the mechanic “knock sensor 1 circuit range/performance (bank 1)” no warning lights at all! … the traffic light was red and once it turned green I let off the brake and then it shut off.

Engine malfunctioned while driving vehicle on busy street. There were no engine lights on prior to malfunction. Oil change and routine maintenance was completed. Unknown if problem is reproduced, just word of mouth that other kia have had problems with engines. No inspections completed.

Purchased the car certified preowned from a kia dealer with 45,000 miles on it, meaning I would have the the remaining 55,000 miles of the 100,000 mile powertrain coverage. At 77,000 miles a small ticking noise started on the way to work and became a knock on the way home. I pulled over where it was safe and towed it to the dealer. They replaced the engine under warranty. Now at 154,000 everything has been running great except for burning oil rather quickly. Where I get my oil changes done offers free top-offs so I would return frequently to make certain the oil level was always in the safe zone. Driving home from work one night, I was on a busy freeway when suddenly and without warning a small squeak noise came from the engine and it stalled. Luckily I just happened to be in the right lane and there happened to be a narrow but safe shoulder to coast over to. Had this happened while I was close to the fast lane, the consequences could’ve been dire. The engine would not hardly turn over and would not start. I had it towed to my mechanic who said it sounds like a serious engine problem and you should contact the dealer. I towed it to the local kia dealership where the service department informed me that there was an extended 50,000 mile warranty added to the original 100,000 warranty (which I was never notified about) but since I was 4,000 miles over I did not qualify. This means the replacement engine quit after 77,000 miles just like the original. I feel that they should in good faith honor the warranty - had I been informed I could brought the car in just 4,000 miles earlier and they would’ve checked the compression and determined that the rings were failing which is why it used so much oil, and they would’ve replaced this second engine under warranty.

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 was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Full engine failure at around 110,000 miles. Metal shavings in oil. Car stalls suddenly when driving. Unsafe to drive.

Engine shuts off while driving.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

My daughter was driving it and all of a sudden the engine light came on then the oil it started to loose power so she pulled over right away so we had it towed to a mechanic and the motor needs to be replaced. We never had problems at all with it until then its been well taken care of.

Engine failure. I was stopped at a red light and when I pressed the accelerator to go, I didn't realize the engine shut down. I had to have the car towed and learned a day later of the engine recall for the 2015 kia Forte ex 5.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that after several oil changes, he noticed that the vehicle was burning oil abnormally fast. Following a visual inspection, the contact stated that he noticed the engine was leaking oil and emitting an abnormal sound. The check oil level warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the issue, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but a case was not opened. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Airbag warning is on, buttons/control of the wheel dont work, cruise control does not work. Motor shakes a lot. We got this car 2-3 weeks ago light was not on when we got it from the dealer. Im not an expert but I think that something is not working properly. . . Im do apologize for the inconvenience.

My engine blew up. It should be included in the recall but it says its not for the 2012-2015 kia Forte.

Car lost power, stalled in traffic at a stoplight on a slight incline, rolled back into another vehicle. Have been having repeated problems with stalling. Have taken it to 3 dealerships, none of whom have done anything beyond oil changes. They've even refused to scan it. Kia says it should be under warranty for a new engine after ksds update, then says it's not. We've been lucky not to have injuries so far because it's done this stalling thing multiple times in traffic.

Engine lite came on car running rough. . . Going to kia dealer to check for the ksds module . . . Software was updated in 11/2021.

The contact owns 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for service the local mechanic informed that the engine sounded rough. After performing a diagnostic test on the vehicle the mechanic informed that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed that engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle started shaking with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall, and the contact shifted to neutral and turned off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine) and the contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The manufacturer was contacted confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 158,949.