2015 Kia Forte · symptom sheet

Engine knocking or ticking

43owner reports
85,400median miles
$173median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 6, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

43 of the 73 reports of engine failure on the 2015 Forte describe engine knock.

Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (73 reports)

Tick what matches of 43 reports

a knocking noise from the engine

a ticking noise on startup

it got louder over time

oil consumption came with it

the dealer called it normal

the engine needed to be replaced

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the knock sensor (6 reports), the engine (4 reports) and the rod bearing (4 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.

20V-750Dec 2, 2020

Engine

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 and remedy

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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Forte

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2010 to 2015

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2012 to 2015

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

What owners paid

5 of the 43 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $134 to $1,700.

$134$173$1,700

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 65,000 and 110,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.

118

219

920

721

822

323

324

925

126

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

“engine seized at the light. i was stuck in the middle of a 6 lane road located in greenville midnight. engine can cause a fire and burn up while iâm inside. the problem was confirmed by a test machine by the mechanic âKnock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)â no warning lights at all! â¦ the traffic light was red and once it turned green i let off the brake and then it shut off”
Filed Mar 24, 2024

“Car has same issues for 4 years, shaking, stalling, loosing speed while driving. Check engine light on. Light knocking noise while driving canât go above 45 miles an hour. Also 3 times car smelled like electrical burning. But was told by Kia nothing wrong with engine”
Filed Oct 26, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 43 reports involved a crash. 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.