Model year guide

2015 Kia Forte

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2015 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 105 on record.

2015 Kia Forte — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2015 Kia Forte at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints258
Combined29 mpg
Typical price$11,683

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2015 Kia Forte recalls 1

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

Fix: 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,…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2015 Kia Forte common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2015 Kia Forte MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway36 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,083

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2015 Kia Forte worth?

Low
$8,490
Typical price
$11,683
High
$13,400

From 100 comparable 2015 Kia Forte listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2015 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,415
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,700
Total$16,115
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($11,683) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,962), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2015 Kia Forte trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · GLS / JSL / TAX (Middle Grade) · GL(Middle-low grade) · EX · TOP (High)
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 2.0L · 1.6L

2015 Kia Forte vehicles on record

2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A6XF5260803 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A61F5261564 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A63F5261582 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A67F5277042 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A65F5307754 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A63F5306702 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A6XF5288036 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A6XF5293480 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A65F5291411 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A64F5269576 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A63F5311222 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A66F5268669 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A68F5312865 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A61F5277829 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A6XF5262200 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A66F5301573 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A69F5272149 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A62F5310403 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A60F5303206 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A60F5257099 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A61F5258861 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A69F5280038 2015 Kia Forte 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFK4A6XF5305495 2015 Kia Forte LXKNAFX4A62F5274471

Other Kia Forte model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

2015 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2015 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Forte?

Based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Forte get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2015 Kia Forte at about 29 mpg combined (25 city / 36 highway).

How much is a 2015 Kia Forte worth?

Comparable 2015 Kia Forte listings run roughly $8,490–$13,400, typically around $11,683 (from 100 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.