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2015 Kia Forte: misfire or rough idle

5 of the 262 complaints about the 2015 Kia Forte describe misfire or rough idle.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Misfire or rough idle by model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    2
  • 2021
    1
  • 2018
    3
  • 2017
    13
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    5
  • 2014
    6
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    3
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    2

What owners say

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · IN

respectfully submit this correspondence to request formal assistance regarding my 2015 Kia Forte EX, a vehicle covered under the class settlement. The vehicle is exhibiting severe symptoms consistent with KSDS‑related engine failure, yet the required diagnostic protocol has not been completed by the servicing dealership. The KSDS software update was performed in May 2022, and the vehicle currently has only 92,000 miles on the odometer, placing it well within the settlement’s mileage parameters. Despite this, the dealership has failed to follow KSDS procedures and has not produced any written documentation of its findings. All communication with the dealership has occurred exclusively by telephone. Despite repeated attempts to obtain information, I have not received a diagnostic sheet, video recording, code report, KSDS documentation, or any written summary of the vehicle’s condition. All statements provided to me have been verbal and inconsistent. My **primary symptoms** include: - Persistent and worsening **engine ticking** - **Burning excessive amounts of oil** - Activation of **limp mode** - A **flashing check engine light** These symptoms align with known indicators of KSDS‑related engine failure and warrant immediate and proper diagnostic evaluation under the settlement terms. The dealership has verbally stated that the issue may be related to **spark plugs and ignition coils**. However, plugs and coils are a **well‑documented secondary symptom** of rod bearing failure, caused by oil contamination and misfires resulting from internal engine damage. This further supports the likelihood of KSDS‑related engine failure. Kia corporate has not referenced documentation of any kind. They have not requested it, indicated they are awaiting it, or provided guidance regarding its submission. Instead, corporate has repeatedly stated that they “must defer to the dealership,” despite the dealership’s failure to perform or submit the required KSDS diagnostic materials.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

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 repairs. Kia Consumer Affairs stated the vehicle does not meet warranty extension guidelines and would not repair the engine. Due to fuel in the oil, misfires, overheating exhaust components, and repeated catalytic converter failure, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and presents a potential fire risk.

Filed May 10, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · MN

The engine in my 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced failure tied to recall code P1326, which is associated with bearing wear and potential engine seizure. The vehicle entered limp mode around [XXX] at 152,170 miles, despite early signs of failure starting at 131,000 miles. These included loss of power, rough idle, and a check engine light (CEL) which triggered the P1326 code confirmed by both a pre-scan and Kia dealership. System that failed: The engine and powertrain system. Issue stems from rod bearing wear as identified in Kia’s engine class-action settlement. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: Limp mode drastically reduced engine power on a main road. I could not safely accelerate, which created a hazard in traffic. Additionally, oil loss was confirmed on multiple occasions, and misfire codes were detected. This could have led to engine stall or seizure if I continued driving. Was issue confirmed by a dealer or service center? Yes. Lupient Kia confirmed P1326 at 133,703 miles. Luther Kia later confirmed limp mode and conducted a diagnostic at 152,170 miles. Was vehicle/component inspected by others? Yes. Jiffy Lube documented "no oil on stick" at 130,367 miles. O’Reilly Auto and Economy Muffler later confirmed related secondary issues. Were there symptoms or warnings prior to failure? Yes. CEL appeared at 131,000 miles. Knock sensor was replaced at 131,165 miles. P1326 and oil loss symptoms were consistently documented between April 2024 and April 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 3, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 91,000 miles · NC

Hello. My name is [xxx] . I drive a 2015 kia forte5. It's the sx model with right around 91000 miles right now; and as of recently it has fallen ill. I took it to the dealership after I noticed a slight knocking sound as well as some weird misfires I was feeling. After diagnosis they told me and I quote "internal damage to the cylinder head&possibly pistons from what the technician gathers so far. A tear down to visually inspect is the next step. For the diagnosis though the cost is $134.98". Based on the information received from them I contacted the warranty company, expecting them to cover the costs but for some reason was turned away. I am now coming aware that the issues listed above have been subject to many recalls for the exact same engine as mine, however I learned this information though a third party technician. Not once did the dealership mention it. I looked further and found several cases on many online kia forums of people claiming to have the same issues with the same engine. I am just looking to have some help getting this situation resolved as I've had many people tell me that I shouldn't be having these kinds of problems with a car this young. Not to mention that my car still falls under the power train warranty as well as the extended warranty. Below I have sent copies of all the diagnostic information I received. Please respond as soon as possible. I thank you for your time. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 3, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 91,000 miles · NC

Hello. My name is [xxx] . I drive a 2015 kia forte5. It's the sx model with right around 91000 miles right now; and as of recently it has fallen ill. I took it to the dealership after I noticed a slight knocking sound as well as some weird misfires I was feeling. After diagnosis they told me and I quote "internal damage to the cylinder head&possibly pistons from what the technician gathers so far. A tear down to visually inspect is the next step. For the diagnosis though the cost is $134.98". Based on the information received from them I contacted the warranty company, expecting them to cover the costs but for some reason was turned away. I am now coming aware that the issues listed above have been subject to many recalls for the exact same engine as mine, however I learned this information though a third party technician. Not once did the dealership mention it. I looked further and found several cases on many online kia forums of people claiming to have the same issues with the same engine. I am just looking to have some help getting this situation resolved as I've had many people tell me that I shouldn't be having these kinds of problems with a car this young. Not to mention that my car still falls under the power train warranty as well as the extended warranty. Below I have sent copies of all the diagnostic information I received. Please respond as soon as possible. I thank you for your time. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported December 2, 2020 · 294,756 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 20V750000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2015 Kia Forte misfire

Is misfire or rough idle a common problem on the 2015 Kia Forte?

5 of 262 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia Forte (2%) mention misfire or rough idle. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Kia Forte?

There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2015 Kia Forte

Knocking 51Check engine light 44Engine failure 42Stalling 36Fire or smoke 20No deployment 10Loss of power 8Oil consumption 8Airbag light 7Headlights 6Won't shift 5Won't start 5

All model years of the Kia Forte

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