How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Kia Forte?

NHTSA lists 72 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, which is 16% of the 442 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2014 Kia Forte electrical system?

Yes. Recall 15V015000, reported January 16, 2015, covers a cooling fan resistor that may overheat and melt in 2014 Forte vehicles built between December 5, 2012 and April 17, 2014.

Have there been fires linked to the 2014 Kia Forte electrical system?

NHTSA data shows 11 fires and 1 injury among the Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, along with 3 crashes.

At what mileage do 2014 Kia Forte electrical problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2014 Kia Forte is 73,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.

2014 Kia Forte Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 72 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, 16% of all complaints that year, including 11 fires and 1 injury. A related recall (15V015000) covers a cooling fan resistor that can overheat and melt, at a median failure mileage of 73,000 miles.

Electrical System complaints: 72; 16% of 442
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 11
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 73,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report smoke or flames coming from the charger port or 12v outlet while driving or shortly after parking.
Several describe a burning odor from the blower motor connector followed by smoke filling the cabin.
Some report the vehicle catching fire while parked or idling, with the fire reported as starting near the dashboard or engine area.
One owner reported the steering wheel freezing and jerking along with the ignition shutting off while driving.
Owners describe being unaware of an open recall until after a fire had already occurred and been investigated by fire department personnel.

When 2014 Kia Forte electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 31, 2014, latest Sep 22, 2026.

72 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2014 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q1 (5).

Electrical System recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte

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.

Electrical System complaints by Forte model year

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

201031 (14%)
201121 (14%)
201247 (16%)
201330 (15%)
201472 (16%)
201537 (14%)
201628 (21%)
201776 (25%)
201822 (16%)
201931 (21%)
202012 (16%)
20219 (13%)
20224 (15%)
202312 (19%)
20246 (24%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Kia Forte?: NHTSA lists 72 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, which is 16% of the 442 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2014 Kia Forte electrical system?: Yes. Recall 15V015000, reported January 16, 2015, covers a cooling fan resistor that may overheat and melt in 2014 Forte vehicles built between December 5, 2012 and April 17, 2014.
Have there been fires linked to the 2014 Kia Forte electrical system?: NHTSA data shows 11 fires and 1 injury among the Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, along with 3 crashes.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Forte electrical problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2014 Kia Forte is 73,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.