VehicleVerdict

2014 Kia Forte Koup problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2014 Kia Forte Koup — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Forte Koup years?

Forte Koup NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted22 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 9 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 22 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 0 complaints
Forte Koup NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte Koup years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Kia Forte Koup problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System133%
Engine133%
Fuel System133%

Does the 2014 Kia Forte Koup have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

17V773000BrakesDecember 1, 2017 · 134,366 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

Consequence

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE THE FORTE KOUP SX TGDI TRIM. I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 75-80 MPH. I NOTICED I WAS NOT ABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH SPEED TO PASS SLOWER TRAFFIC. ALSO NOTICED THAT ONCE SPEED SLOWED TO 65-70 MPH THE WAS NO POWER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. HOWEVER THE CAR STILL WAS ABLE TO REGAIN SPEED AND MAINTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 5, 2018

“I HAVE THE FORTE KOUP SX TGDI TRIM. I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 75-80 MPH. I NOTICED I WAS NOT ABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH SPEED TO PASS SLOWER TRAFFIC. ALSO NOTICED THAT ONCE SPEED SLOWED TO 65-70 MPH THE WAS NO POWER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. HOWEVER THE CAR STILL WAS ABLE TO REGAIN SPEED AND MAINTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 5, 2018

“I HAVE THE FORTE KOUP SX TGDI TRIM. I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 75-80 MPH. I NOTICED I WAS NOT ABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH SPEED TO PASS SLOWER TRAFFIC. ALSO NOTICED THAT ONCE SPEED SLOWED TO 65-70 MPH THE WAS NO POWER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. HOWEVER THE CAR STILL WAS ABLE TO REGAIN SPEED AND MAINTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 5, 2018

2014 Kia Forte Koup — common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Forte Koup reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2014 Kia Forte Koup have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Kia Forte Koup. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Kia Forte Koup under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Forte Koup years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte Koup years to avoid are 2013, 2010, 2012, 2011. The cleanest record among Forte Koup years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.