The Lemon Index2015 Kia Forte. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 6
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Auto (S6) | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 | Regular | $2,500 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 22 / 29 / 24 | Regular | $2,600 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Auto (S6) | FWD | 26 / 37 / 30 | Regular | $2,100 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 25 / 36 / 29 | Regular | $2,150 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto (S6) | FWD | 25 / 34 / 28 | Regular | $2,200 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 33 / 27 | Regular | $2,300 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 44,700 and 102,000 miles. Median 75,000, from 149 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 86,000 | 66,500–110,000 | 85 |
| Electrical | 85,000 | 46,000–116,000 | 17 |
| Airbags | 50,200 | 25,000–83,500 | 16 |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 72,500 | 27,600–91,000 | 10 |
| Lights | 67,700 | 48,500–81,000 | 9 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Airbags | 26% |
| Engine | 18% |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 8% |
| Visibility | 5% |
| Speed control | 5% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 260 | 16 | 20 | 9 | 1 | 32 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 1
20V750000 Dec 2020 Engine
Defect. 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 1-80
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Loss of motive power | 2022 | 2023 |
| Closed | Engine fires | 2021 | 2024 |
Manufacturer communications 146
Kia filed 146 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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)
Crash ratings by version
| 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 |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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