There's a lot to like in the Kia Forte for those in the market for a small car. Unassuming in nature, yet considerably more refined than previous Kia compact sedans, this iteration of the Forte feels mature and solid, thanks to a quiet cabin and one of the most comfortable rides in its class. The spacious, nicely finished interior also wins praise. Braking performance is excellent too. Overall, the Forte is now one of the top-rated cars in the category.
Controls are quite simple -- which is impressive for a car brimming with the latest connectivity features. The 1.8-liter engine provides adequate power. Stepping up to the EX trim level adds a bigger 2.0-liter engine plus available luxury-class options, like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats, that are uncommon in this class.
In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.
Read more about extended warranties
4-door hatchback
coupe
sedan
6-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Kia Forte owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.
"required major brake maintenance after less than 20K km"
Anonymous, QC (2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)"Vibrations due to worn shocks"
Anonymous, (2015 Kia Forte LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"recall"
Anonymous, IL (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
"Alignment was so bad, wore out the inside of my tire to threads. Was told the extended warranty I paid for such items ended 18 days earlier! ugh"
Anonymous, NV (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Worn shocks caused vibration when braking."
Anonymous, (2015 Kia Forte LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"They failed at 25000 miles. Replaced by warranty"
Guy G., WI (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.
"Passenger side mirror motor runs whenever you use the key fob for any action."
Anonymous, NV (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)"had to continue taking vehicle back to shop for tire pressure monitor and problem still exists"
Richard S., NC (2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)"The motor and arm assembly just stopped working."
Anonymous, (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"Driver's side fog light fell out of it's bracket. It was re-attached under warranty."
Anonymous, CA (2015 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"Paint began to fade on the rear spoiler of the vehicle after about 6 months"
Anonymous, FL (2015 Kia Forte EX)"Paint peeling around both fog lights"
Anonymous, MD (2015 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.
"AIR LEAKS THROUGH AN IMPROPERLY SEALED WINDSCREEN"
Anonymous, ON (2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)"NOISE CREATED BY POOR PLACEMENT OF EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRRORS- IE A DESIGN FLAW"
Anonymous, ON (2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.
"For several weeks, sunroof would not close. Spontaneously resolved and no issue found when brought to dealer for warranty service"
Anonymous, MD (2015 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)"power window failed on 1 door"
Anonymous, QC (2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
"All systems were go except engine would not start. Transmission locked"
Albert C., WA (2015 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"Oil pan plug was leaking a lot of oil upon delivery after purchase of car."
Anonymous, CA (2015 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
"Engine had a knock coming from the crankshaft. The lower end had to be rebuilt. There was a spun crank bearing. Cost was covered under warranty."
Anonymous, MD (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)"Turbo replaced under warranty between 1st owner trade-in, and my pre-owned purchase. Dealership installed new turbo incorrectly before sale to me. It took three visits to the dealership before the original mistake was found and rectified. Car was at dealership a total of 19 days, although the dealership did pay for a rental car. Chalk this up to a growing lack of skilled auto technicians."
Timothy F., MD (2015 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.
"Cracked vapor canister. Replaced, covered by warranty."
Anonymous, CT (2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)"When I fill up the tank, the fuel gauge drops to E when not moving, then back up to F, then back to E. I also got a Engine Control Systems warning that went away when I opened the fuel cap and re-seated. The fuel cap has been replaced twice already for engine light coming on."
Anonymous, NV (2015 Kia Forte EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.
"Sometimes the system will not connect with my phone, and I have to restart the vehicle for it to connect."
Anonymous, NY (2015 Kia Forte EX Unsure)Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system
Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.
"Right front caliper did not work properly (would not release completely) and wore out pads rapidly. Replaced under warranty"
Anonymous, MA (2015 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)