2014 Kia Forte
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 443
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2014
Opened by NHTSA
49% of complaints
Complaints per year
2014: 443 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 153 |
| 2012 | 291 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 443 |
| 2015 | 260 |
| 2016 | 136 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 77 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 63 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
49% · 215 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while exiting the contact's residence and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-27
2014 Kia Forte experienced an unexplained catastrophic engine fire while driving down the road at a steady 40MPH in 40 deg. F. Weather. All suspension components showed no obvious damage, and the owner did not perform any recent service work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16
The systems affected appear to be engine, powertrain, and vehicle speed control. My 2014 Kia Forte, VIN [XXX] has approximately 118,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12
Also filed under Power train
Steering
14% · 64 reportsAir bags
14% · 64 reportsMost commonly citing side/window and air bag/restraint control module.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-09
Also filed under Seat belts
Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Kia Forte. While the contact's vehicle was stopped, another vehicle rear ended the contact's vehicle at an unknown speed. The air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-20
Also filed under Seats
I was involved in a car accident in which a man ran a red light as I was going through an intersection. He hit my car right at the "Hinge" Of the driver's side door and hit me into the car next to me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-08
Electrical system
13% · 57 reportsService brakes
6% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2014Complaint volume 443 complaints filed for this model year.
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2015-02-20Electrical system15V015000 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.
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.
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2018-01-30Service brakes, hydraulic17V773000 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.
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.
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2021-01-25Engine20V750000 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.
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.
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I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2014 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 215 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 64 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V015000 · Electrical system
- Recall 17V773000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 20V750000 · Engine
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Kia Forte is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.