2015 Kia Forte transmission problems

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

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)

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 Oct 28, 2024 · Transmission · VA

While driving on interstate 81 my transmission went out while going up a hill. I was almost rear ended by the driver behind me and while trying to get into the right lane I almost side swiped someone. This is the third time something has gone out on this car while I was driving. First the engine went out and when I contacted Kia and told them that my engine went out because of the same problem that their other cars have, they told me that there was nothing they could do. So I replaced it with my own money. A few months later the transmission goes while I'm driving. Almost causing an accident once again. Because Kia told me there was nothing they could do with my engine, I didn't even bother to call about the transmission. Once again, I replaced it with my own money. Now the same problem with the transmission has happened again and I can't put another transmission in this car. I still owe $8,500 on my loan and my car is basically a paper weight. I have made a complaint to you guys every time and nothing is being done about this. Every other Kia Forte's engine has been recalled except for mine. Something is going on with Kia cars and parts and it's leaving people in a really crappy position. I owe money on a car that I cannot drive. All because I bought a Kia. This situation is getting absolutely ridiculous. Someone needs to do something about this. It's not right that a company can have such an unreliable car and leave people in these types of situations. I have no other options here. There's nothing I can do. I hope you are the right organization to contact about this. I am done putting money into a car that is a death trap and a hazard to drive. If I do end up fixing the transmission and this happens again, I'm worried that the outcome is going to be worse. I've almost been in two accidents because of this faulty equipment. Hopefully someone does something before there's a third.

Filed Aug 13, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NE

I recently inherited this car from my mother and it appears that the engine may have issues. There is a loud noise that comes from the engine intermittently. It is louder at times then other times. The oil level is fine and recent. I've done a lot of research and it appears this is a common problem for the 2.0 engine. I feel as though this could turn into a bigger scenario if something is not done for the lack of expense a person must put into these engines.

Filed Jul 20, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · KY

The engine has lower engine knocking. It has a rod knocking very loud. It could throw a rod through engine at any time, cause the vehicle to wreck and catch on fire. Yes, it was confirmed that it had a rod knocking in engine. yes, An ASE Certified mechanic. No check engine light came on. It just started knocking real bad and lost power.They appeared as I was driving down the road.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · CT

My car engine burns oil like crazy. I received a recall notice and brought my vehicle to Gary Rome Kia in Enfield. I brought it in with the check engine light on as it was on listed conditions for the recall and when i was told everything passed i still had a check engine light and excessive burning of oil. The engine is not working properly and wasn't rectified during the recall process. I am afraid with how much oil it is burning it may lead to a fire in the engine compartment. I have followed all of the usual recommended services and was not made whole during the recall event.

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Transmission · 113,319 miles · OK

When driving my 2015 kia forte, it sometimes when giving it gas to go it will not shift correctly, it taking a second or two. And RPM jump to 3500 to 4000 before it shifts. And it get bad fuel mileage sometimes too.

Filed Nov 18, 2020 · Transmission · 82,141 miles · FL

On april 2020 we noticed that our 2015 kia forte was making loud, clanking noise. We took it to a local mechanic. Here is the problem in his words: * c/s there is a noise in the engine area, worse when cold. Engine has internal damage; unclear exactly where, but listening to a cold start from under the car seems to indicate a rod bearing. Removing the oil pan could help diagnose, but it isn't recommended as a replacement engine is the best solution regardless. He added 2.5 qts. Of oil since it was buring oil. He recommended we take it to a kia dealer for further diagnosis. We called the dealer twice to setup an apt. To have the car looked at. The dealer said we didn't need to bring it in for diagnostics. They said based on our description that we need an engine replacement.

Filed Jun 2, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · PA

The vehicle cuts off in the middle of driving. Car has been checked by a mechanic and was told that there is no oil pressure getting to the engine. Mechanic replaced the oil pressure valve and it is still shutting off while driving. It happens more often in lower speeds/stop and go traffic.

Filed Oct 13, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 68,000 miles · FL

I have had a 2015 kia forte with the gdi engine in it. I have been paying on it for over 2 years now. I went to the store last night and when I started the car after I got out of the store I heard a loud clanking noise. Come to find out there was no oil even though I have it serviced regularly. Was running fine, no indicator lights. Went up the road yesturday it was making loud clacking noise. I immediately pulled over. Called my daughter and she came to the location and said I had no oil! Even though I just had it changed. We put 4 qts in and had it towed home. Plz help!!! We have taken good care of this vehicle and it is still under financing!! I'm a disabled widow with no vehicle now!