2015 Kia Forte · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 73owner reports
- 90,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Jul 6, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
161 of the 258 complaints on this car are about the engine. 73 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2015 Forte.
Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (43 reports)
Tick what matches of 73 reports
Engine failure on other Forte years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (71 reports) and the turbo (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
The recall on the 2015 Kia Forte, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Forte
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
What owners paid
12 of the 73 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $300 to $7,702.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 63,000 and 110,000 miles, from the 47 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2015 Kia Forte that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled “Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement”.
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement".
What owners wrote
“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.”
Filed Feb 21, 2025 · 85,400 miles
“At 60,000 miles the engine began knocking and recently the engine blew through the bottom and cracked.”
Filed Nov 22, 2024 · 60,000 miles
“Full engine failure at around 110,000 miles. Metal shavings in oil. Car stalls suddenly when driving. Unsafe to drive.”
Filed Apr 19, 2024 · 110,000 miles
“Engine has blown a rod. Inspected and confirmed by certified auto mechanic.(Lucky's Amoco Service) No warnings or lights were present at time of vehicle breakdown.”
Filed Nov 26, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 73 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 53 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 34 reports