VehicleVerdict

2014 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 639 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Forte year — the 2014 model ranks #1 of 16 Forte years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 52 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 216 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

639

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

60

Crash-involved

52

Fires reported

52

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted639 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 317 complaints2011: 213 complaints2012: 403 complaints2013: 272 complaints2014: 639 complaints2015: 323 complaints2016: 195 complaints2017: 431 complaints2018: 188 complaints2019: 213 complaints2020: 95 complaints2021: 95 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 94 complaints2024: 40 complaints
Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine21634%
Airbags6310%
Electrical System6310%
Steering6210%
Other528%
Brakes284%
Fuel System254%
Tires & Wheels234%
Lighting223%
Body & Structure183%
Transmission173%
Seat Belts142%
Speed Control132%
Seats81%
Driver Assistance61%
Suspension51%
Visibility & Wipers41%

Does the 2014 Kia Forte have recalls?

3 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.

15V015000Electrical SystemJanuary 16, 2015 · 86,880 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.

Consequence

If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and for vehicles produced from December 5, 2012 to January 27, 2014, dealers will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit. For vehicles produced from January 28, 2014 to April 17, 2014, dealers will replace the multi-fuse unit only. Owners of vehicles with a 1.8L engine will also have the engine control unit software updated. The recall began on February 20, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC113.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CAR WAS HAVING SOME ... PAUSE, WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS SO IT WAS TAKEN TO A KIA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTION SO WE PAID THE 200 PLUS DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED, THIS HAPPEN ON A FRIDAY, AFTER THE FIX WE FEULED UP AND SATURDAY THE CAR WAS NOT USED ON SUNDAY MORNING GETTING TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 25, 2020 · fire

“ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2014, MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2014 KIA FORTE WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. AS SOON AS I PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER, FLAMES CAME OUT OF THE HOOD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. KIA CORPORATE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 14, 2014 · fire

“After T-boning a Toyota Prius, my air bag did not go off and my driver seat belt did not lock. As a result, I suffered a collapsed right lung, my left hand punched the windshield fracturing my wrist and had to have surgery from that. Also suffered my 7th right rib fractured. There was no warning…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 18, 2025 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP INCLINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR TURN THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 19, 2015 · crash

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while it was parked outside her residence. The origin of the fire was unknown. The fire started from the rear of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire, and the report was not yet available. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 29, 2023 · fire

2014 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 639 complaints put the 2014 model at #1 of 16 Forte years. It is one of the Forte years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (216 complaints), airbags (63 complaints), electrical system (63 complaints).

Does the 2014 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Kia Forte. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Kia Forte years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011. The cleanest record among Forte years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2014 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Kia Forte earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.