Compact cars · YD generation

2015 Kia Forte: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 12 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $11,448 to own, including $3,004 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Forte.

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Reliability

12/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$3,004

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,800

30 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$6,342

$5,581 – $7,103, estimate

Recalls

on record

Owner complaints

262

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$2,051

Transmission & drivetrain$496

Electrical system$115

Steering$103

Driver-assist & stability$59

Body, glass & interior$57

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

EngineDec 2, 2020 · campaign 20V750000
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.

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.

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Other years of the Kia Forte

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2017 worst (8/100).

Year	Reliability
2024	36/100
2023	26/100
2022	68/100
2021	41/100
2020	40/100
2019	14/100
2018	28/100
2017	8/100
2016	32/100
2015	12/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2015 Kia Forte a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 12 out of 100, among the least reliable compact cars of 2015–2024. The 2022 Forte scored much better.

Is the 2015 Kia Forte reliable?

It scores 12 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 262 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $3,004 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2015 Kia Forte cost to own?

About $11,448 over 5 years: $1,644 in lost value, $3,004 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $6,342 today.

What are the best years of the Kia Forte?

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2017 worst (8/100).

How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Forte have?

1 recall on record with NHTSA.