MYRModel Year Report

2014 Kia Forte

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2014 Kia Forte
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Forte Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2014 highlighted. 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2011: 153 complaints 2011 2012: 290 complaints 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 439 complaints 2014 2015: 258 complaints 2015 2016: 134 complaints 2017: 301 complaints 2017 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 147 complaints 2019 2020: 74 complaints 2021: 67 complaints 2021 2022: 26 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 24 complaints 2024
2014: 439 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20091
2010221
2011153
2012290
2013195
2014439
2015258
2016134
2017301
2018134
2019147
202074
202167
202226
202360
202424

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 49%

49% of complaints: engine — 214 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20260427

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, 20171116

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, 20260812

Also filed under POWER TRAIN

AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and air bag/restraint control module.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20250209

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, 20180320

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, 20140408

STEERING 14%

14% of complaints: steering — 62 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 56 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2014 — complaint volume: 439
R 20150220 — 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.

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.

Campaign 15V015000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180130 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 17V773000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210125 — 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.

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.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2014 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (214 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (63 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (62 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V015000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V773000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V750000 (engine) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2021 ▲ 2020

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ◆ 2012 ◆ 2015

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.