2014 Kia Forte Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 226 engine complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte, 51% of its 442 total complaints, with 23 fires and 5 crashes reported. A related recall (20V750000) covers engine compartment fires from fuel or oil leaks on 2012-2015 Forte models.
- Engine complaints
- 226
- 51% of 442
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 23
- Injuries reported
- 8
- Median mileage
- 92,746 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report engine knocking or rod-through-block failures, sometimes followed by smoke or fire under the hood.
- Several complaints describe sudden loss of acceleration or power while driving at highway speed, in some cases while merging onto a freeway.
- Multiple owners report an abnormal odor, rattling, or popping noise from underneath the vehicle just before the engine loses power or stalls.
- A number of complaints describe the engine catching fire while driving at a steady speed with no prior warning lights.
- Some owners report the oil light and engine light coming on together, followed by smoke filling the cabin and the engine shutting off.
- One owner reported that a fuel pump and line issue was known to Kia but not disclosed to dealerships, occurring after an engine replacement under warranty.
When 2014 Kia Forte engine complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 12, 2014, latest Sep 22, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte
- 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.
Engine complaints by Forte model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints on the 2014 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA lists 226 engine complaints for the 2014 Forte, which is 51% of the 442 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2014 Kia Forte engine?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000, reported December 2, 2020, covers 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup models for engine compartment fires caused by fuel or oil leaks.
- Do 2014 Kia Forte engine failures involve fire?
- NHTSA data shows 23 fires and 8 injuries linked to complaints in the engine category for this model year, alongside 5 crashes.
- At what mileage do 2014 Kia Forte engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2014 Forte is 92,746 miles.
- How does the 2014 Forte compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2014 Forte's 51% engine complaint share is close to 2013 (57%), 2018 (51%), and lower than 2015 (63%) and 2012 (58%).