2014 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 442 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 32 involved a crash and 36 involved a fire. 29 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 2, 2020
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesDec 1, 2017
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.
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.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemJan 16, 2015
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.
If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
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.
Campaign 15V015000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
219 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 2, 2025
I want to report KIA of Lynchburg at 3400 Old Forest Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24501 because they do not want to honor their recall. October 14, 202I: I took my car to Kia because of a recall. After the mechanic finish, Lisa said to bring it back if the engine light goes on. (Exhibit 1) November 16, 2021: Lisa said that if the light was on due to a different problem I have to pay for the service. I agreed to hook it on the computer because I was sure all this has to do with the recall. I had to pay $99 because the oxygen sensor was not part of the recall. I asked her for a copy of the recall. She said, “you don’t qualify for the recall because you went over the mileage.” And she didn’t give me a copy. (Exhibit 2) June 5, 2024: I took my car to Harris. I let them know about t the popping sound on the steering wheel and the losing of power going uphill. I was recommended to bring my car back to Kia. (Exhibit 3) Jun 11, 2024: I took my car to KIA at Harry Tire's suggestion and because I received a letter from Kia. The Kevin said they’re going to check the breaks, oil waste, and the losing of power. 9:27am (434) 847-3292. I call KIA because I forgot to tell the guy about the knocking sound from the steering wheel. Kevin explained me that I will be charge for that because that was not cover under the warranty. I told him not to do it. I received an estimate of everything that needs to be fixed on the car and how much I will be charged. (Exhibit 4) Sept 3, 2024: I called service of Kia and Mike answered, I told him that I want to set up an appoint because I received a renotification letter at that moment he hands up the telephone on me. I called again to service, and I left a message letting them know what happened with my first call, but nobody contacted me back. (Exhibit 5) October 1, 24: I took my car to NTB for the oxygen sensor to be change, but the mechanic said code P1326 shows a history, and that his wife had the same problem and KIA had to install a new motor for her.
Engine, Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the RPM increased rapidly, but the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Traction control system, Engine, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that in 2021 the engine was replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts on each occasion. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the vehicle not having an oil change. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the oil was changed every 5,000 miles. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started making an abnormal sound. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the sound persisted prior to the vehicle stalling. The contact stated an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a piston misfire. The vehicle could not be restarted. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The VIN was not provided.
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond with the engine revving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was leaving a local dealer where NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) software update was completed. The contact returned to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle should be driven for a total of 600 miles before returning to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact returned to the residence with the vehicle unrepaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to the manufacture software update completed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 92,476.
Engine, Apr 13, 2024
My vehicle started making a ticking noise and then after driving on the interstate it entered limp mode with the check engine, battery, steering wheel, and oil lights on. I have been up to date on all oil changes and the car is only at 95,000 miles. After taking it to a mechanic he said the issue it with the engine and it needs a full replacement. The car is available for inspection and the problem is very common with Kia’s similar to mine, there is even a recall for the same car the same year mine is just not included for some reason.
Engine, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
Driving to school and the engine started acting weird and took to Good Year mechanic and I received the attached invoice. Kindly refer to the invoice.
Engine, Feb 5, 2024
I took my car to Kia Healy in Newburgh New York for a recall on knock sensor update and ever since my car is not working had to park it.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
I has replaced 2 coil packs then the engine started clicking
Engine, Jan 2, 2024
Engine clicking noticed . Then light came on. Mechanic fixed. Engine light came on coil needed to be replaced a week later. Clicking got louder took to dealer said Engine wasn't getting enough oil that there was none on dipstick (took photo as proof it had oil). No other explanations no other solutions other than replacing Engine. Engine seized up un able to upload estimate bc of website issues
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 2, 2024
Driving down the highway and check engine light came on and dropped the cars speed down to 30 mph and was stuck on the highway and I called the KIA dealership that I got the car from and they cleared the code on the car and claimed they fixed it just for the car to go back into limp mode and now I’m stuck without a car and the dealership doesn’t want to fix it
Engine, Dec 22, 2023
I was driving 65 mph and all of sudden the speed got lowered to 45 mph even I was pushing accelerator. Also I heard the engine knocking noise when I pushed accelerator hard. I had to stop and parked nearby church parking lot. I called a mechanic to diagnose, and he said the engine was broken and needed to be replaced with a new engine.
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
Car died in reverse. Check engine light came on and turned off. Took to mechanic replaced spark plugs. Then 6 days later had another misfire replaced coils. At that a clicking noise was heard. Brought to kia dealership who said knocking come from engine but did not say what. Upon parking car completely died in drive. Engine failed.
Suspension, Engine, Nov 10, 2023
There is an unknown smell (kind of smells like Carbon Monoxide) when cranking up my car. There is this knocking noise that I continue to hear as if something is loose under my car, but when inspected, nothing was loose. It happens when I hit a bump or go over a hump in the road. The unknown smell scares me as this could be potentially hazardous to me and drivers around me. The knocking noise is terrifying making me feel as though my car is going to break down on me at any moment because of something that can’t be detected.
Engine, Nov 9, 2023
Just crunk it up and out the blue started knocking no warning no nothing
Power train, Engine, Oct 24, 2023
My Kia Forte is from Puerto Rico, and I am currently having engine issues. The codes for the engine issues (and light) are P0014 and P0300. It can be inspected upon request. Kia America refuses to honor or attempt to look up the possible recalls for the engine, which is currently burning oil, and I've been advised that it's a safety hazard. I've been told that the engine is at risk of catching on fire, or exploding. This problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. I have not had to get my car inspected as I am originally from Texas, living in New York, and can update my registration via online as long as the car is inspected as soon as I return to Texas. I have spoken to Kia Puerto Rico and have been told that it's the job of Kia America to transfer the VIN number over so that it may be looked up in the warranty and recall system. The warning lamps first appeared in August. I'm the third owner of the vehicle, and was not made aware of the Puerto Rican VIN number prior to purchase, but Kia Puerto Rico insists that it IS Kia America's job to fix recall items.
Engine, Sep 3, 2023
Oil burn off prior to recommended oil change interval. Oil level was extremely low. Oil burn off has been increasing at progressive rates.
Engine, Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with dark, heavy scoring on the cylinder walls and the engine was replaced under warranty. Recently, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The check engine warning light was cleared. The failure returned soon after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,374.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 5, 2023
Vehicle states glow relay stuck on (p1326) vehicle has gone into limp mode. Not able to drive over 60mph. All recommendations by Kia has been completed and vehicle still in limp mode.
Engine, Apr 22, 2023
My car has a knocking on the engine. I was told that I needed an engine replacement. However the car is just under 90k. Kia had a class action lawsuit with Kia forte 2014 models with engines 2.0 and 2.4 for complete engine failure and or engine fires. I have the exact same issue as the recalled cars in the lawsuit. I shouldn't have to do a full engine replacement at just under 90k. I am scared my car might catch fire. That's my transportation for me and my son. I can't even drive it anymore and the Kia dealership in Boise idaho has ignored me and I asked them specific questions and they told me nothing I learned all this on the internet. I have an engine 1.8 and they say it's not on the list but it should be. I need help getting my car on that list. I the knocking sound and the Kia dealership just told me I needed a new engine but never advised what could happen to me and my family if I keep driving it. That car is parked. I will never drive it again. I need help. Please.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the check engine warning light and the oil warning light were blinking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that engine oil was leaking onto the cam shaft and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine, Apr 14, 2023
My car started making a loud knocking and whining sound. It started around August of 2022. I called about an email I received saying there was a recall for my vehicle. I took my vehicle to Barnes Crossing Kia in Tupelo, MS I think on August 31 2022. They told me there was nothing wrong with my engine. My engine light is on. Ok fine, as my car gets worse, I'm starting to smell strong fumes inside the car when my air is on especially. So I took it to a shop called Coles Auto Repair and a mechanic told me my motor is going out on April 14 2023. I called Kia recall customer service and they told me that my vin number was not under a recall. I'm reading that my particular vehicle engine was recalled. So basically I'm told there's nothing they can do. The warranty only covers road bearing damages. I've only had my car since June 2021. Please help!
Engine, Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine made loud rattling and knocking sounds. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine and catalytic converter were faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined the engine replacement due to the mileage exceeding 150,000. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they were unable to assist because the dealer was privately owned. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
Engine, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and referred the contact to the local dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 150,000.