2015 Kia Forte electrical system problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
25 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2015 Kia Forte, 13% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 87,000 mi.
- Electrical System complaints
- 25
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 87,000 mi
Specific components reported
Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 20 |
| Electrical system:ignition:coil:spark plugs | 2 |
| Electrical system:ignition | 1 |
| Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer | 1 |
| Electrical system:starter assembly | 1 |
Electrical System complaints across Kia Forte years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Jun 29, 202685,000 miNCElectrical System
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that an anti-theft protection software update was performed in 2024. After the update was performed, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off without warning. The transmission was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was reset and self-corrected after being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The…
NHTSA complaint #11747107 · source - Filed Feb 7, 2026MNElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Car goes into limp mode or cuts power when trying to accelerate. Refuses to shift or will shift down and revs highers rpms then necessary, especially at any incline. Started around 70k miles and got worse when brought in for other recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11716424 · source - Filed Dec 3, 2025168,000 miFLElectrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while…
NHTSA complaint #11702693 · source - Filed Nov 7, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
I own a 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) that experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle had been running normally until it began stalling and sputtering while driving. Shortly after, the engine would only run for 1–2 seconds before shutting off entirely. This exact issue mirrors those documented in previous recalls and class-action lawsuits involving Kia's 2011–2015 models with 2.0L and 2.4L engines. However, despite having the same failure and engine type, my VIN was…
NHTSA complaint #11698243 · source - Filed Jul 24, 202590,000 miNCElectrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the certified mechanic, and an unknown repair was completed. The contact was unsure of the repair that was completed. After having the vehicle repaired a second time, while attempting to accelerate, the instrument panel was flashing the check…
NHTSA complaint #11675808 · source - Filed Apr 15, 202575,010 miTNElectrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,010 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 228,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654772 · source - Filed Mar 12, 2025137,000 miTXElectrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the parts were replaced; however, soon after the repairs, while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the transmission started slipping and failed to shift properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s husband was able…
NHTSA complaint #11647908 · source - Filed Aug 1, 2024MIElectrical System
Vechile was parked & an attempted theft took place at 4am. It happened due to No immobilizer & No security system at all!
NHTSA complaint #11605775 · source - Filed May 28, 2024ARElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
On approximately, 04/15/2024, 8:00 am, My 2015 Kia Forte with less 115,000 miles suddenly shut down going 65 MPH! A severe accident was avoided by manhandling the steering wheel to get it to the side of the road. When I called the Kia's Consumer Affair, to report the incident, I was told there was no recall on the motor so they were not labile. I am very frustrated, upset and stressed that Kia's doesn't care about it reputation.
NHTSA complaint #11591009 · source - Filed Nov 3, 2023TNElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
My vehicle was broken into and there was an attempt to steal the car. I made a police report and they expressed that the car would have been driven recklessly and potentially crashed if it was stolen. The safety issues with KIA fortes have become a huge issue nation wide and the cars should be recalled to have standard security installed that a majority of other cars already have equipped.
NHTSA complaint #11553469 · source - Filed Oct 23, 2023OHElectrical System
The car keeps stalling out while stopped. No check engine lights or anything . It will then sit for a minute ot two then start back.
NHTSA complaint #11551310 · source - Filed Feb 21, 202368,000 miCAElectrical SystemLighting
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver’s side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver’s side taillight brake wiring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…
NHTSA complaint #11508413 · source
Other 2015 Kia Forte problem areas
- Engine (144)
- Other / Unknown (21)
- Brakes (12)
- Lighting (10)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (9)
- Airbags (8)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)
- Body & Structure (2)
- Seats & Seat Belts (1)
- Steering (1)
- Wheels & Tires (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology