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, Mar 11, 2023, fire
Warning lights starting flashing and vehicle went into "limp mode". Before I could completely pull over the engine started smoking. Taken to the dealer and while they were able to confirm the rod bearing was the failure, it also caused other failures so Kia wouldnt cover it under the warranty. I've did arbitration but still no help.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 27, 2023, fire
My car caught on fire out of nowhere when i pulled into my grandma's house. I was unaware of a recall until I was advised by the firman that put my car out that they had also put another kia out the same day and it had a recall. Upon searching I found this recall. I contacted kia and went through their claims process. They inspected my vehicle and are still claiming it didnt come from inside the dash board which is where the fire originated when I tried to put it out before it got out of hand. I have a video that proves i pulled in and it caught fire spontaneously. Kia has but me through trauma with that fire and I am lucky to still have a job with the work I missed without a vehicle.
Engine, Feb 6, 2023
Tha car is burning engine oil, around 1/4 gallon each week and the motor don't have any oil leak and no black or blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe
Engine, Jan 30, 2023
While driving on the interstate vehicle's engine warning light turned on and suddenly the vehicle rapidly lost power. This created a VERY dangerous situation on a busy highway, putting my safety at risk and those of fellow drivers. Luckily there were no accidents and I managed to get to a repair facility. The mechanic said the engine codes were for the replacement of the engine. The engine was also low on oil again. Refilled oil to proper levels. The same issue occurred the next day, with more missing oil - no power, barely drivable and smells like gasoline inside the car a 2014 KIA FORTE.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light was blinking, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer updated the software, and the knock sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 67,068.
Engine, Firerelated, Jan 1, 2023, fire
I was driving on the highway going 50 mph where the vehicle suddenly shut off and started smoking. I exited the vehicle to take a look and the entire engine compartment was on fire. I only had the car for 2 months and was never made aware of any recalls on the car
Air bags, Engine, Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the engine was misfiring and there was dark smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The used car dealer was notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Engine, Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was blinking. The contact pulled off the road, placed the vehicle in park(P), turned the vehicle off and waited for 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly and vibrating. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 25 MPH. The vehicle was driven to a service station and then towed to the residence. The contact later drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Oct 23, 2022
I took my 2014 Kia Forte EX into the Kia dealership when there was a recall issued for the engine and also for a software update. I got the update and then shortly after leaving the dealership, my check engine light came on and started flashing. Soon my car quickly lost acceleration out of no where. My car has been stuck in limp mode ever since. I took the car back to the dealership and I have had my knock sensor replaced twice and every time I get my car back from the dealership it’s in worse condition than it was before I took it in. It studders more often and makes noise. I have been to dealerships from Illinois to Florida trying to get Kia to replace my engine. Before the software update my car was working fine no issues. The mechanics at the dealership said it is a engine/motor problem and I will need my engine to be completely replaced but because my engine isn’t failing the test then they will not do anything to fix my car even though they acknowledge it is a problem. My car is under warranty and based on the class action lawsuits I’m sure there is something that needs to be done to fix my car. I cannot afford to pay out of pocket for a new engine or to have to buy a new car. My car is not safe to drive and I have been out of a car for almost two years now because of this. There has to be some way you could help me get my car fixed. I paid this car off in full and as soon as it was paid off the software update put my car in limp mode and I have been having issues with it.
Steering, Engine, Sep 7, 2022
My engine burns oil very fast, I am constantly putting oil in it even after oil changes. At one point, I was told by the dealership that I would need a new engine and that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced as a result of the engine problem. I ended up having to come out of pocket for the catalytic repair, 2 times... Thats right... 2 times. Upon returning to the dealership about engine, I was told that there was a recall for another issue in the engine that they would take care of. Upon asking about the engine, I was told the engine was fine. Also the coupler in the steering wheel column has gone bad, it was fine, until my clock springs were replaced by the dealership. The clock springs were under a recall/extended warranty issue.
Engine, Aug 4, 2022
engine burning oil, engine knocking, entire engine needed replaced
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
Engine knocking. Entire engine needs replaced.
Engine, Jul 14, 2022
Vehicle has a engine oil leak.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2022
Car shuts down while driving. ABS and traction control light comes on, cruise control shuts off, power steering light comes on and no power steering, screens and radio stop working, no a/c or heat, car finally completely shuts down.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jun 26, 2022, crash
On June 24, 2022 I was driving my vehicle on 435N to work. My steering wheel jerked to the left and started spinning out of control. I was driving at 60mph in the inside lane. When my steering jerked it caused me to turn headfirst into the inside wall. I proceeded to spin out of control across 3 lanes of rush hour traffic, clipping a second vehicle, before smashing into the outside wall and then resting in the outside lane horizontally. I was rushed to the emergency room where I suffered a broken back. Upon looking at the recalls and safety issues with my vehicle there was a recall #17V773000 for the brake pedal stopper; a most recent
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
My engine started smoking like crazy while driving. It had oil pouring out of the bottom of my car. I was stranded on the side of the interstate next to a smoking car with my 5 month old baby because they forgot to mention my engine had a recall. They won’t even look at my car until July 27th and won’t give me a loaner.
Engine, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that a software update was not completed but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
All Star Kia of Baton Rouge submitted information to Kia and the recall listed was denied. Cited that the car was put through a bearing test, and even charged me 393 dollars for this test when dealing with this recall directly. My vehicle was up to date with oil changes and verified that it was changed before 6k miles even sometimes before 3k miles. Currently the vehicle has a knock in it. PRIOR to bringing it in All Star Kia of Baton Rouge claimed they had all the parts but the long block suddenly wasn't there when I reached the location. I asked to see the data that they ran and they just showed the word "passed" without any data. All Star Kia then stated that their information connects directly with Kia directly and they don't have that information. They tried to charge me a 8000 for a engine repair. When dealing with the bearing test I told the representative I couldn't afford the 393 I'm just here for the test she said it would be ok and that they were going to use the data to contact Kia about the engine replacement, but needed my verification to run the test via a yes response on a text back to the representative. I was just in fear that my car would catch on fire at some point, and it was turned into a profit and the recall was completely neglected
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2022
Bought a used 2014 Kia Forte from Ourisman Kia in Chantilly, VA in November, 2021. Had 116k miles. 2/20/22, traveling on 55 MPH three lane road, the car suddenly lost all power as I was driving in the left lane. Engine light was flashing. I put on hazards and was able to pull off the highway. On 2/21/22 Ourisman Kia service added oil, cleared error codes, and told us to drive 1000 miles and bring it back. We did not make it to 1000 miles. Car again suddenly went into limp mode and flashing engine light while teenage son was driving on 3/15. Code Po302 was detected. Ourisman Kia service replaced ignition coil and spark plugs 3/17. On 3/23, car again suddenly went into limp mode and engine light started flashing again while on highway. Returned car to Ourisman Kia service 3/24/22 where it still sits. Code P1326 is detected. At any of these three times the car went into limp mode while driving on highway, me or my family could have been in serious accident. Car completely loses power to nothing and then slowly rebuilds to max 2000 RPM / approx 40 MPH.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2022
The engine on my Kia Forte failed just 12k miles after a recall service that was intended to ensure an additional 80k miles of engine use. Either the recall work to ensure that additional range was defective, or the process that designed the work was defective. Recall # 20v750 was to check for engine damage, and install a knock sensor update that would PREVENT engine failure. At the time of service the dealership ignored reported oil problems and did not perform the inspection as described in the recall notice. The eventual sensor alert that was supposed to PREVENT damage is instead being treated by the dealer as a catastrophic result that requires replacement. On two fronts the work performed was not as described- there was no legitimate inspection (note the reported oil burn reported by the dealership), and the prevention-enabling sensor update failed to prevent anything.
Engine, Apr 4, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH a knocking type noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed. The vehicle was restarted but the failure continued to occur. While examining under the hood black smoke was present coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Engine, Apr 4, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled. The contact pulled safely off the road. The contact stated the check engine light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and attempted to drive it home. The contact said that the engine began to make a knocking noise and again stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to her house and then to the dealer. The dealer mechanic started the vehicle and smoke began to issue out from under the hood. The mechanic turned the vehicle off, no more smoke or fire was noticed after the hood was opened. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 26, 2022
One Monday morning my engine light came on in my car so I went to go to go get my car checked out that Tuesday morning . The dude that checked my car ( I forgot his name ) found metal in my oil which came from my engine and told me to see if I had a recall on my car , come to find out I did have a recall on my engine . My safety was put at risk due to the fact that my engine COULDVE blew while driving on the road . And it was confirmed by the Kia dealership that my car needed a new engine but they was telling me that I may or may not get my engine in my car due to the fact the recall was on the car since December of last year of 2020 which I didn’t know about at the time until AFTER I bought the car . I was trying to move my car to the dealership to get it checked out and my car made a loud thumping noise which came from the engine and my car completely shut off before leaving the place where I had it looked at . I ended up getting it towed to the Kia dealership for further inspections . It’s been approximately 3 weeks since my car has been fixed and I haven’t gotten my car fixed yet . The lady at Kia ( I forgot her name ) told me basically it’s nothing Kia can do for my car .
Engine, Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 53 MPH at night, the vehicle started shuddering and then stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The used car dealer diagnosed that the catalytic converter was misfiring. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving five months later. The vehicle was taken back to the used car dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was misfiring. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the used car dealer three more times. The used car dealer provided the same diagnostic and repaired the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,800.
Engine, Mar 6, 2022
Campaign PI2002A. P1326 KIA Code - Knock Sensor Detection System, Milage 35,488. January 15: My MIL went on 2 blocks from the house. I parked the car. Towed to garage who ran the code and recommended car got to dealership. Towed to dealer on January 17 ish. The dealer installed the patch and I picked up my car January 27. I drove around the block and retruned my car for knocking- the higher the speed the louder the noise. The dealership worked with Kia to reosolve by making videos of my car for weeks. 6 WEEKS LATER dealership called to tell me that I need a new engine and that the rods need replacing but it is not covered by a recall that specifically states that rods and or engine should be replaced. They offer a liftime waranty and engine replacement for this same code in other Kias. Repairs or a new engine should be covered as is with outher Kias with same issue. TSB Number: PI2002YZ_TSB_R2 NHTSA Number: 10201615. Literally the same issue in DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z)