The Lemon Index2015 Kia Forte.
The 2015 Kia Forte is better than average by owner complaints: 38 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 50, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 1 recall, and it gets 24 to 30 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 260 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 44K to 102K miles on the car (149 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 66K–110K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 46K–116K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 25K–83K miles
Recalls 1
- engine 2020
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 146 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Airbag controller diagnosed by dealer as failed. The vehicle has not been in an accident or had any repair work associated with this part of the vehicle. Vehicle is 3 years old and should not have had this failure.
2015 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 11145218
More owner reports
Air bag light or indicator came on solid. No other issues. Took into Kia rochester, mn and they indicate a new primary airbag module is required. Part on order. Vehicle has 30,500 miles on odometer.
NHTSA complaint 11079987
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 50; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2015 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (26%), engine (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Forte have?
1 safety recall (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Forte get?
24 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Forte problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 44,700 and 102,000 miles. The middle report was at 75,000 miles, from 149 complaints.
Does the 2015 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Kia Forte have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works