Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Kia Forte owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning smell would emit throughout the vehicle without warning. The contact also stated that due to this failure, the brake lights would intermittently fail to operate as needed upon depression. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they discovered burnt wires in the electrical box and had the box replaced; despite the replacement, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
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 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 an anti-theft protection software update was performed in 2024. After the update was performed, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off without warning. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was reset and self-corrected after being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Fred Anderson Toyota of Raleigh (9101 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617); and the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver's side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side taillight brake wiring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, coils, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,010 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 228,000.
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. …
I own a 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [redacted] ) 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. …
Every few months my car won't crank. I have to get it towed to the dealership. They normally change the spark plugs and it runs again. Recently, they changed the spark plugs but I was also told that I had an engine oil leak(which is very hazardous), oil is leaking onto my engine which is causing my spark plugs to burn out so quick. They claimed they didn't know what was causing it and told me I would have to wait until my car breaks down completely before being able to know exactly what's causing it. Informed me that changing the spark plugs is only a temporary fix and I would go through this process again(my car not cranking and spark plugs needing to be replaced).
Electrical complaints in other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2015 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 Kia Forte, 11% of the model year's 260 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › coil › spark plugs (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Forte electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2015 Kia Forte, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Forte electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.