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: service brakes
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 249,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 3, 2026
My vehicle was leaking fluid, so I took it in and discovered that my vehicle’s ABS module failed in what was described to me as an “unusual way” at both the initial garage where I took it and, later, to the dealership, which was the only place that could do the actual repair. Some research showed that the failure matched the way this component failed in Kia and Hyundais that were recalled for this issue, which the dealership acknowledged. But my specific car wasn’t included in the recall, so I had to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to repair it. Since then, I’ve been waiting for the recall to expand to include my vehicle so I could be reimbursed, because it seems very unlikely my vehicle didn’t get the same flawed system that was recalled in the other Kias and Hyundais. I’m told submitting this could help.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 16, 2025
I had a brake system failure of some sort happen today. My life and the lives of many others were put in extreme danger. I was driving at about 40 MPH and was approaching a red light. I pressed down on my brake pedal to begin slowing down, but I got absolutely nothing in response. Out of panic, I pumped my brake pedal. This again, did not slow me down at all and my brake pedal fell to the floor then went stiff. After it fell to the floor and went stiff, I pumped and pressed down on it again with all of my strength, at which point I was able to get a very small response and slow myself down to a stop. This is the 4th time this has happened to me in the past 45 days, I took the car to a local AAA shop but they found zero issues with my braking system (cylinders, fluid, lines, drums, pads, etc.) There has never been a warning light of any kind related to my brakes, wheels, etc. The Vehicle had a brake line recall several years ago, a certified dealer serviced the recall and ensured everything was safe with the vehicle and braking system.
Service brakes, Oct 21, 2025
I have been trying to have my brakes line repair for a recall for over a year with the local Kia dealer as they refused to see me for over a year due to not buying vehicle there. I lost my brakes due to the recall on the lines and not being able to get an appointment. I almost died when my brakes went out. I called the local Kia dealer was told again I had to wait and that no promises could be months before touch the car. I had to fix it so I had it brought to an outside shop and submitted for reimbursement it has been over 60days no updates and no communication with the Kia claims department. I was told my claim would take about 30 days now we are almost at 60 with no updates when I call they say Derrick will call me back. No return emails or calling. My claim number is XXX with rental I paid almost $1800 for repairs that should have been covered along with a rental. No one can give me a status I call daily to be told that they can’t answer any questions only Derrick can but he does not take calls he will call me back in 24 to 48 hours. I email I get an auto response. I am running in circles for money I need to pay my bills. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2023
Break line, have to continue to fill break fluid, the smell of something burning when stopping or stopped , passenger right light keeps going out , continues need to be replaced
Service brakes, Mar 31, 2023
My wife's 2014 Kia Forte brakes went on me without warning, they went all the way to the floor and I immediately knew it was a hydraulic problem. the vehicle has just over 2500 actual miles on it. It was towed to a dealership were they determined it was a hydraulic issue and there was a recall on brake lines corrosion prematurely, I saw no leaks but the service manager told us that there was a manufacturer recall for that issue. Our vehicle has been at that dealership for 30 days already awaiting replacement parts with no progress, it will be months April 14, 2023. I need to know if the recall is valid.
Service brakes, Mar 10, 2023
The vehicle lost braking ability while being operated on the roadway. The brake pedal went to the floor, and the brake warning light came on. The operator was able to push hard on the brake pedal enough to eventually bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Upon inspection it was determined that the brake system had lost all brake fluid due to corrosion of one of the rear brake lines at the site of the retainer clip. There is also advanced corrosion on the other rear brake line at the site of the retainer clips. KIA already initiated a voluntary recall for this issue on KIA Forte’s 2010-2013, but the problem obviously exists for later model KIA Forte vehicles. This vehicle was only operated in NY during winter months for two years, in 2018 and 2019, so this level of corrosion on the brake lines should not have occurred. This brake failure could have easily caused a serious accident and injury.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 11, 2021
MY CAR SHAKES WHEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES//DOESNT DRIVE SMOOTH AT ALL. SOMEHOW THE OIL LEAKS THROUGH THE RINGS IN THE ENGINE AND I CANNOT KEEP OIL IN IT. I REFILL THE WHOLE OIL CONTAINER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH NOW AND PUT OIL STABILIZER IN IT. IF I GET AN OIL CHANGE, IT IS EMPTY THE NEXT WEEK.
Service brakes, Feb 19, 2021
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I HAD TO BREAK DUE TO ANOTHER DRIVER'S DANGEROUS DRIVING. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD BREAK AS IF THE BREAKS WEREN'T EVEN THERE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM GALEANA CHRYSLER JEEP KIA DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT (180 GREYSTONE BLVD. COLUMBIA, SC 29210). THE REASON FOR THIS URGENT NOTIFICATION IS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE KIA FIRE RECALL ARTICLE THAT DID NOT INCLUDE THE FORTE MODEL WITHIN THE YEARS SPECIFIED. UPON VEHICLE INSPECTION FROM JT'S KIA DEALERSHIP (THE ABS SYSTEM HAS A LEAKAGE ON THE FIRE WALL SIDE. FOUND THE HECU/ BRAKE MODULE HAS STARTED TO FAIL AND IS LEAKING.)
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2021, crash
BEFORE EXITING BUT DURING DEPARTURE OF PARKING LOT FOR APARTMENT BUILDING KEEPING BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED WITH TRANSMISSION GEARED IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AND SPED OUT OF CONTROL BACKWARDS UNTIL STOPPED BY SUDDEN IMPACT WITH A TREE RESULTING IN NUMEROUS BODILY INJURIES TO TRAUMATIC MENTALLY ANGUISHED DRIVER AND 2 PASSENGERS, 1 OF WHICH WAS SEATED IN THE BACKSEAT COLLISION SIDE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE ACCORDING TO DRIVERS INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDER STATE FARM. CLAIM NUMBER: 53-15K1-66D
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 17, 2020
GOOD DAY, I OWN A 2014 KIA FORTE EX . THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM GALEANA CHRYSLER JEEP KIA DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT (180 GREYSTONE BLVD. COLUMBIA, SC 29210). THE REASON FOR THIS LETTER IS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE KIA FIRE RECALL ARTICLE THAT DID NOT INCLUDE THE FORTE MODEL WITHIN THE YEARS SPECIFIED. UPON VEHICLE INSPECTION FROM JT'S KIA DEALERSHIP (THE ABS SYSTEM HAS A LEAKAGE ON THE FIRE WALL SIDE. FOUND THE HECU/ BRAKE MODULE HAS STARTED TO FAIL AND IS LEAKING.) PROOF OF INFORMATION WILL BE IN ATTACHMENTS. THIS 2014 KIA FORTE EX IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. DURING THIS TIME WE HOPE YOU TAKE CONSIDERATION IN LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND RISKY FOR MY FAMILY AND I. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 25, 2019
RECALL NUMBER 17V773 HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE BUT THE PROBLEMS STILL PERSIST.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 12, 2019
CAR HAD BEGAN BURNING THROUGH OIL RAPIDLY BUT UPON INSPECTION AT OIL CHANGES, NO LEAK OR CAUSE COULD BE DETECTED. THE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON EITHER. THE CAR WOULD BEGIN TICKING WHILE DRIVING, AND NOTICEABLY DROVE DIFFERENTLY BUT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. ON A CLEAR DAY WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE GAVE A LOUD AND FORCEFUL JERK AND POPPING SOUND, AND PROMPTLY LOST POWER AND SPEED, AND THE BRAKES QUIT WORKING. I WAS FORTUNATE TO PULL OFF AND USE EBRAKE TO STOP CAR ONCE COASTED TO A SAFER SPOT. I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. THE CAR HAD ONCE AGAIN BURNED THROUGH ALL OIL WITH NO INDICATION FROM THE PANEL, AND I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, THIS MAKE AND MODEL, WITH NO RECALL BEING DONE; HOWEVER, THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE OF SAME ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE IN OTHER KIA MODELS.
Service brakes, May 28, 2019
TAKATA RECALL
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 1, 2019
MY BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON AT ALL TIMES WHILE CAR IS TURNED ON
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 13, 2019
WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE LIKE ON A BRIDGE OR WHERE A ROAD IS BROKEN, ON APPLYING BRAKE IT SEEMS LIKE THE PEDAL IS TOUCHING THE GROUND MAKING GRINDING NOISE AND CAR SKIDS AND DOESN'T STOP. I HAVE INSTALLED NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON ALL FOUR SIDES. WHEN TURN ON THE IGNITION, CAR DOESN'T START AT ALL, DOESN'T EVEN MAKE CLICKING SOUND. WHEN TOUCH THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT POSITIVE CHARGE SYSTEM THEN CAR STARTS WITH KEY IGNITION ON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN THROUGHOUT THE DAY ASSUMING BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED. NO LIGHT ATE ON WHEN TRY TO START THE ENGINE.
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2018
THE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR CALIPER GUIDE PINS WERE FROZEN BY CORROSION, PREVENTING THE CYLINDER TO EXTEND AND ENGAGE THE BRAKE PADS ON THE ROTOR. THIS RESULTED IN THE LOSE OF ANY REAR BRAKING ACTION. WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING WOULD ENGAGE DUE TO LOST ROAD CONTACT, (IE. ICY OR BUMPY/ROUGH ROADS) THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION AT ALL. DURING NORMAL DRIVING, THE REAR BRAKES BEING FROZEN, THE CAR RELIES SOLELY ON THE FRONT CALIPERS TO STOP THE CAR. NO ACCIDENTS HAPPENED DURING THIS TIME. I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE REAR PADS AND NOTICED WHEN I REMOVED THE WHEEL I FOUND THE REAR ROTOR WAS RUSTED AND PITTED DUE TO NO CONTACT WITH THE PADS. WHEN I REMOVED THE CALIPER ASSEMBLY THE PINS WERE FROZEN IN PLACE AND COULD NOT BE BE FREED. THIS REQUIRED THAT THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS FOUR YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 85,000 MILES WHEN I REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. THE CONDITION WAS PROBABLY HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS BEFORE I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE PADS.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 12, 2018, crash
MY DAUGHTER HAD A CAR CRASH ON JULY 22, 2017 DUE TO BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN TUSCALOOSA, AL AND THERE WERE NO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD THANK GOD. HER CAR HYDROPLANED AND HIT A RAILING. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. UNKNOWN ABOUT THE FAULT OR PROBLEM THAT CREATED THE UNSAFE CONDITION. HER CAR IS AT A BODY SHOP IN ALABAMA SO I WILL OBTAIN REPAIR INVOICES AND POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. MY DAUGHTER DOES NOT HAVE CAR INSURANCE.
Service brakes, Apr 15, 2018
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 30 MPH AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH A RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE AT ALL. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES AND THEY REMAINED FIRM AND DID NOT GO DOWN. I REPEATED THIS 4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND THE CAR CONTINUED MOVING. I WAS GOING THROUGH THE RED LIGHT AND FORTUNATELY THE ON COMING TRAFFIC AS ABLE TO AVOID ME. AFTER CROSSING THE INTERSECTION I RAN IT INTO A GRASSY GRAVEL AREA WHERE IT FINALLY STOPPED.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2018
TOOK MY KIA FORTE 2014 IN FOR AN INSPECTION, AND INSTEAD RECEIVED AN ECU UPGRADE DUE TO SOME KIA CAMPAIGN SC150. AFTER THE UPGRADE, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES. THE VERY SAME DAY AFTER LEAVING DEALERSHIP, MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND BLOW A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST. I WAS PULLED OVER BY A STRANGER WHO INFORMED ME OF THAT THE WHITE SMOKE EXHAUSTING BLINDED HIS VIEW. KIA HAS BEEN DISREGARDING THIS SAFETY CONCERN.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 8, 2016, crash
TAKATA RECALL NEEDS TO RECALL THE BREAKS ON THE 2014 KIA FORTE. ON NOVEMEBER 21ST 2016 I TOTALLED MY KIA DUE TO FAILURE OF MANAFACURER BREAKS THEY DIDNT STOP ME AND I REAR ENDED A CAR WHICH HOT ANOTHER THAT HIT ANOTHER. THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL I BEARLY PUSH ON FHE GAS AND IT ZOOMED OFF T WENT FROM 0-30 REALLY QUICK. DURRING THE WRECK I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHICH WHEN I HIT THE CAR DUE TO THE BREAKS FAILING MY CAR BOUCED OFF OF IT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE ROAD WAS DRY IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE OT WAS 5:58 AM AND VERY CLEAR OUTSIDE. THE ROADS WERE VERY DRY NOT SLICK AT ALLL MY CAR JOLTED AS THE BREAKS TRIED TO STOP ME BUT THEY NEVER ATOPPED ME. IT WAS ON A BACK ROAD HEADING TO TAKE MY HUSBAND TO WORK.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 22, 2016
TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CONSTANTLY GOES ON AND OFF, CAR CONTINUALLY GETS STUCK IN PARK AND WHILE DRIVING DASH DOESN'T SHOW GEARS. BROUGHT TO DEAL PROVIDED PICTURES AS PROOF AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. ASKED FOR PAPERWORK AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD MAIL IT NEVER RECEIVED PAPERWORK.
Service brakes, Feb 19, 2015
WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR VIOLENTLY SHOOK. THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO RESURFACE MY BRAND NEW ROTORS, ONLY 700 MILES ON THE CAR, RATHER THAN REPLACE. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW. *TR
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jul 26, 2014
KIA FORTE EX 2014 ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS WONT LIGHT UP WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS STIFF WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP. CHECKED ALL PLUGS AND BULBS AND THEY ALL ARE GOOD, CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WILL TAKE ME IN ON MONDAY. *TR