2014 Kia Forte Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 15 Forte years
The 2014 Kia Forte ranks worst of 15 model years, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 442 complaints, mostly tied to the Engine (51%). NHTSA lists 3 recalls, including one for engine compartment fires. It's rated Avoid relative to other Forte years.
- Complaints
- 442
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 32 / 36
- Injuries / deaths
- 29 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 24 city / 34 hwy
Top 2014 Kia Forte problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine226 (51%)
- Electrical System72 (16%)
- Steering64 (14%)
- Airbags63 (14%)
- Other53 (12%)
- Brakes33 (7%)
- Fuel System25 (6%)
- Structure & Body24 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (4%)
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in crashes, including rollovers and collisions at low-to-moderate speeds.
- Engine compartment catches fire while driving, sometimes with no warning lights beforehand.
- Steering wheel suddenly freezes or jerks during normal turning maneuvers, in one case at only 1,000 miles.
- Electrical shorts near the engine cause smoke and flames that can total the vehicle.
- Vehicle loses steering and braking control while backing down an incline, leading to a collision.
2014 Kia Forte recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 17V773000Dec 1, 2017Brakes134,366 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 15V015000Jan 16, 2015Electrical System86,880 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Risk: 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.
2014 Kia Forte fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 Forte has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all 15 model years covered, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Forte years.
- What is the main problem area for the 2014 Kia Forte?
- The Engine accounts for 51% of complaints (226 of 442), with a median failure mileage of 78,500 miles for the model year overall and 92,746 miles specifically for engine complaints.
- Does the 2014 Kia Forte have a recall?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Forte: an engine compartment fire recall, a brake pedal stopper pad recall, and a cooling fan resistor recall that can overheat and melt.
- How does the 2014 Forte compare to other model years?
- The 2014 model has a Complaint Index of 100 and ranks worst of 15 years, while years like 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 rank as Best with indexes of 14, 21, 0, and 7 respectively.