YearToAvoid

2014 Kia Forte Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 33 brake complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, 7% of that year's 442 total complaints, with 7 crashes and 8 injuries reported. A related recall (17V773000) covers a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate and affect the brake light switch.

Brakes complaints
33
7% of 442
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
8
Median mileage
63,533 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the brake pedal feels stiff and the brake lights fail to illuminate when the pedal is pressed, sometimes tied to an ESC warning light.
  • Some describe violent shaking or vibration through the pedal and steering wheel when braking, even on rotors with very low mileage.
  • Others report the brakes failing to stop the vehicle at low speed, leading to collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects.
  • A few owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating or failing to hold while the brake pedal was fully depressed, especially in reverse.
  • Reported brake failures occurred at a median mileage of 63,533 miles, though some incidents were reported at much lower mileage.

When 2014 Kia Forte brake complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 28, 2013, latest Jan 27, 2026.

2014 Kia Forte brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Oct 2013Apr 2015Jan 2018Feb 2019Oct 2020Mar 2023Oct 2025
33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2013 to Jan 2026; peak Apr 2014 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201023 (11%)
  2. 201132 (21%)
  3. 201253 (18%)
  4. 201337 (19%)
  5. 201433 (7%)
  6. 201517 (7%)
  7. 201613 (10%)
  8. 201712 (4%)
  9. 20184 (3%)
  10. 20194 (3%)
  11. 20202 (3%)
  12. 20212 (3%)
  13. 20222 (7%)
  14. 20233 (5%)
  15. 20242 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Kia Forte?
NHTSA lists 33 brake complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, which is 7% of the 442 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2014 Kia Forte?
Yes. Recall 17V773000 covers 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup models for a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate, allowing the brake light switch plunger to stay extended after the pedal is released.
Have the brake problems caused crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this component shows 7 crashes and 8 injuries among the reported complaints for the 2014 Forte.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2014 Forte?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 63,533 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
How does the 2014 Forte compare to other Forte years for brake complaints?
The 2014 Forte's brake complaint share of 7% is lower than several earlier years, including 2011 at 21%, 2012 at 18%, and 2013 at 19%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.