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.
2015 Kia Forte engine complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 164, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the battery light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to pull into a gas station. The contact called his daughter, who went to the gas station and jumpstarted the vehicle. The contact stopped by Auto Zone to have the vehicle diagnosed, where it was diagnosed and DTCs: P2191, P0562, C1101, C1102, C1201, C1204, C1207, C1208, C1210, C1211, C1237, C1260, C1513, C1613, and C1688 were retrieved. In addition, the battery showed codes that fluctuated constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer pending an inspection. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that recently the low oil warning light was illuminated, and the fuel level was low; however, the oil level and fuel level were not low. The ABS, traction control, steering, and tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the brake warning light failed to function as intended. The contact replaced the brake lights however, the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Engine burning oil and the recall had to do with the engine burning oil and could cause engine fire while driving. It was under the recall list but the dealership said the time frame for the warranty expired it has been inspected by a auto shop and the said it needs a engine because the engine burned oil really fast and there where no warning
I own a 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) that experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle had been running normally until it began stalling and sputtering while driving. Shortly after, the engine would only run for 1–2 seconds before shutting off entirely. This exact issue mirrors those documented in previous recalls and class-action lawsuits involving Kia's 2011–2015 models with 2.0L and 2.4L engines. However, despite having the same failure and engine type, my VIN was excluded from the existing recall/warranty extension campaigns. Kia confirmed this is a known issue, but will not cover repairs. This failure occurred at approx. 180,000 miles. Engine failure without warning is a serious safety risk and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency can review this issue and evaluate whether additional VINs — like mine — should be included in a broader investigation or recall. A case has been opened with Kia (Case #XXX), and full diagnostic documentation from a certified mechanic is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle started making a ticking noise under the hood. I immediately had it towed to a mechanics shop in town. They performed an inspection and said the ticking noise is from a Rod Bearing # 3 has come loose and the whole engine must be replaced. The car has only 108,000 miles. There were no check engine lights that came on either. I called Kia to see about getting a replacement engine from them and they informed me they no longer make that engine for that car anymore which is the 1.6 Liter Turbo Charged GDI 4 Cylinder Engine.
Rod knock in engine, catastrophic failure
Oil leak with no warning signal what so ever . My car can completely run out of oil and the light won't turn in at all.
[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)
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.
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 .
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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)
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 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)
While driving car will shut off.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the parts were replaced; however, soon after the repairs, while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the transmission started slipping and failed to shift properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s husband was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to the same dealer for a second diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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/
Engine issues constantly
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 the federal safety agency 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.
At 60,000 miles the engine began knocking and recently the engine blew through the bottom and cracked.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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.
I have already filled out one of these forms a couple of years ago. It is absolutely ridiculous that every 2011-2015 Kia Forte engine has been recalled, but mine has not. My engine completely blew up a few years ago. It has the exact same problem all these other engines have. I called Kia and asked them to help me replace it bc the issue is exactly the same and they refused. A con-rod warped and then broke and it shot through the bottom of my engine. The rod could have shot back into the inside of the car. God forbid my daughter would be in my car and that happens. I had to replace the engine and the turbo which isn’t cheap at all. Then because of the strain of all of that, it made my transmission go out which has now been replaced. All of these other engines have the exact same problem. It’s the same problem as the 2.0L, but I guess because mine is a 1.6L and it’s a manual transmission, mine hasn’t been recalled yet? The only reason I’m making another report is because my check engine light is on, AGAIN, and the new engine in my car is starting to experience the exact same issues as my last one. Literally every other type of Kia Forte engine has been recalled except for my. I would like a recalled to be issued and a refund of the money I have sunk into this car. I can’t sell it because I owe too much on it, so the only option is to fix it. At this point I have put more than double the amount of money into this car than it’s even worth. Something needs to be done here. I’m really not trying to wait around until it blows up again and I have to replace another engine. I know I’m just one person, but there has to be other complaints like this.
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.
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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). In addition, the contact was informed that the recall notification had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
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