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
442 reports, newest first.
Structure, Jul 20, 2014
THE FRONT BUMPER IS FALLING DOWN. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN SEPTEMBER AND ITS HAD A BLOW OUT ON THE RIGHT BACK TIRE,AND THE BUMPER IS FALLING DOWN. KIA SAID THE CLIPS ON BOTH SIDES WERE BREAKING. THEY DON'T WANT TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY!!!! THEY SAID IT HAD TO BE MY FAULT. HOW CAN THAT BE??? THERE IS NO WAY I DID ANYTHING TO MAKE THE CLIPS FALL OFF!!! ITS $1,000 TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR IN JUST UNDER A YEAR OLD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 7, 2014
THE FRONT HEADLIGHT COVERS HAVE LONG CRACKS IN THEM. IT HAS BEEN SITTING IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE? *JS
Structure, Tires, Wheels, Jun 12, 2014
BLOWOUT REAR PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Structure, Tires, Wheels, Jun 12, 2014
BLOWOUT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Structure, Tires, Wheels, Jun 12, 2014
TIRE BLOWOUT FRONT DRIVERSIDE. *TR
Structure, May 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,763.
Air bags, May 18, 2014, crash
I TOTALED MY CAR BY HYDROPLANING INTO A GUARDRAIL AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *JS
Engine, May 2, 2014
I HAVE A 2014 KIA FORTE SINCE SEPTEMBER 2013 ACQUIRED SEVERAL DAYS THE UNIT IS STARTED HAVING A VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE. THESE VIBRATIONS ARE FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR AND WHEN IN LOW OR STOPPED. I TOOK HIM TO THE SERVICE CENTER WHERE YOU BUY AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS ALWAYS TELL ME THAT NO FAULTS EVERYTHING IS WORKING WELL, THE VIBRATION THAT I DESCRIBE IS NORMAL IN THESE CARS, THIS DUE TO THE TECHNOLOGY OF MOTOR BRACKET. AS OF TODAY I'M NOT HAPPY AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THE DRIVE IS FAILING. I'M REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE EXPLANATION GIVEN ME THE SERVICE CENTER. A NEW CAR ZERO MILES PER MORE TECHNOLOGY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HAVE MUCH VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE. FURTHER DETAILS OF THE UNIT THAT ARE WRONG ARE THE STRANGE SOUNDS OF THE VALVES AND THE SOUND ENGINE BRAKING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 13, 2014, crash
TURNED ONTO A FAIRLY NARROW STREET WITH CARS PARKED ON BOTH SIDES; I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE MIDDLE OF STREET UNTIL I PASSED ALL PARKED CARS; ATTEMPTED TO MOVE BACK INTO MY LANE AND STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND STARTED JERKING; I WAS HEADED TOWARD A STOP SIGN POLE; I JUMPED THE CURB AND SCRAPPED RIGHT FROM BUMPER AND TIRE RIM; IGNITION SHUT OFF. TOOK CAR TO DEALER; THEY KEPT IT FOR TESTING AND INSPECTION FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND FOUND NOTHING; WE WANTED TO EXCHANGE IT BUT THEY REFUSED SINCE THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH IT; WE TOOK CAR BACK AND IT HAS BEEN DRIVING WELL SO FAR BUT INCIDENT IS STILL IN THE BACK OF OUR MINDS EVERY TIME WE DRIVE IT. *TR UPDATED 10/1/2014 *JS
Wheels, Apr 13, 2014
VEHICLE LACKS A SPARE TIRE, AND IT WAS NOT DISCLOSED AT TIME OF PURCHASE, NOR DOES IT STATE THIS FACT IN ANY OF ITS PUBLISHED SALES LITERATURE OR WEB SITE PUBLICATIONS. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED (800-333-4542. LONNIE, EXT. 45804, [XXX]) ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND CLAIMED THERE WAS NOT ANY NEED FOR A SPARE. CUSTOMER SERVICE INDICATED THAT A 'DONUT SPARE', AS PROVIDED ON THEIR OTHER VEHICLES, IS NOT AVAILABLE, YET, AND HAS NO DELIVERY DATE SCHEDULED. THEIR MOBILITY KIT (TIRE INFLATION) WILL NOT WORK ON TIRE CUTS AND BLOW OUTS. THE KIT USEFULNESS DATE IS ONE YEAR. THE KIT IS DANGEROUS TO OPERATE, ESPECIALLY IF ONE IS A SENIOR AND DISABLED. IN ADDITION, USE OF THE KIT WILL RUIN THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR INSTALLED IN THE TIRE AND VOID THE ENTIRE WARRANTY. KIA PROVIDES AND DELIVERS A FULL SPARE TIRE, RIM AND TOOL KIT IN OTHER MARKETS, NAMELY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, AT NOT EXTRA COST. A FULL SPARE TIRE, EQUAL TO THE OEM PROVIDED WHEELS ON THE DELIVERED VEHICLE SHOULD BE PROVIDED AS A SAFETY MEASURE AND MAKE THE VEHICLE FULLY FUNCTIONAL. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Apr 8, 2014, crash
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. MY SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND HE HIT ME GOING 35 MPH. THIS IS NOT COOL, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS? MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT AS MUCH AS I LOVED MY KIA, WHICH I ONLY HAD FOR 7 MONTHS, NOT SURE I WANT TO BUY ANOTHER. *TR...UPDATED 06-16-15 **BF UPDADTED 9/18/15*JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 2, 2014
ON TWO OCCASIONS I HAVE SMELLED GAS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DATE ABOVE IS THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST WAS AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 3-4 DAYS AFTER A SNOW STORM IN LATE 2013. THE BRAKES VIBRATE WHEN STOPPING ON A ROUGH SURFACE. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS ATTRIBUTES THIS TO THE DESIGN OF THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM AND APPARENTLY DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM. ON ONE OCCASION - AGAIN DURING A PERIOD OF COLD WEATHER IN LATE 2013 - THE GEARS GROUND WHEN TURNING AT MAXIMUM ROTATION TO PARALLEL PARK THE CAR IN A TIGHT SPOT, A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE URBAN AREA WHERE I LIVE. UNLIKE THE BRAKING AND GAS-LEAK PROBLEM, THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE. DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH POSSIBLE ODOMETER TAMPERING I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR TO A DEALER TO ADDRESS THE OTHER PROBLEMS FOR FEAR THEY WILL TRY TO MASK EVIDENCE OTHER THAN THE SCRATCH ON THE DRIVER DOOR. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 31, 2014
SCRATCHES UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ON CAR PURCHASED AS NEW MAY INDICATE PRIOR USE AND ODOMETER TAMPER. *TR
Wheels, Mar 30, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I INADVERTENTLY HIT A POTHOLE. IT WAS THE COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR, -20 DEGREES. HITTING THE POTHOLE KNOCKED THE BEAD OF MY TIRE OFF THE RIM. I WENT INTO THE TRUNK TO GET THE SPARE TIRE OUT, AND TO MY SURPRISE. THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE!!!! THERE WAS A "TIRE MOBILITY KIT". I ATTEMPTED TO USE THIS, BUT IT WAS TO ABSOLUTELY NO AVAIL. I CALLED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER, AFTER WALKING ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO GET CELL PHONE SERVICE (STILL -20 OUTSIDE), I FOUND OUT THAT THE ESTIMATED TIME FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS AT LEAST 90 MINUTES. I DECIDED TO INSTEAD CALL MY MOM, WHO WAS 45 MINUTES AWAY, SO SHE COULD BRING HER CAR, AND I COULD USE HER SPARE TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE IN 10 MINUTES AND GET BACK ON THE ROAD WITH MY MOM'S SPARE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR DOES NOT COME STANDARD WITH A SPARE TIRE. I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A SPARE TIRE IF I WANTED ONE!!! THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS! WHAT IF MY CAR HAD RUN OUT OF GAS IN THE -20 WEATHER WHILE WAITING? IF MY MOM COULD NOT HAVE COME, I WOULD HAVE BEEN WAITING AT LEAST 90 MINUTES! INSTEAD OF THE 10 IT TAKES TO PUT A SPARE TIRE ON. THAT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE NOTIFIED KIA, AND I WANT A SPARE TIRE WITH MY CAR AT NO COST. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. OTHER THAN THAT, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE CAR... *TR
Visibility/wiper, Feb 25, 2014
OUR KIA FORTE WILL NOT DEFOG THE WINDOWS ON THE INSIDE UNTIL IT IS ABOVE 0 WEATHER OR THE SUN IS SHINING BRIGHTLY. I HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS ON THE SIDES TO BACK OUT OR PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC SO I CAN SEE AND WHEN IT IS 30 BELOW IT ISN'T FUN. THE WINDOW IS CLEAR WHEN I PULL IT OUT OF THE GARAGE IN THE MORNING BUT AS SOON AS I GO DOWN THE ROAD IT STARTS TO FOG UP AND FREEZE ON THE INSIDE. I CAN'T SEE OUT OF MY PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR EITHER. THE WINDSHIELD WILL CLEAR OFF IF I HAVE IT ON FULL DEFROST WITH THE AC BUTTON PRESSED EXCEPT FOR A BIG AREA HALFWAY UP TO THE TOP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ONLY. THAT DOESN'T CLEAR EITHER. I CAN DRIVE MANY MILES AND NOTHING CHANGES TILL THE TEMP OUTSIDE GOES UP. THEY TELL ME THAT IS THE WAY IT IS THAT THEY CAN'T FIX IT AND THEY SAID IT WORKED FOR THEM SO THAT IS IT. IF YOU HAVE IT ON FULL DEFROST AT 30 BELOW, YOU FREEZE YOUR TOES AND FINGERS. SOME THING SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS IN AN ACCIDENT. I LOVE THE CAR OTHERWISE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 12, 2014
THIS IS OUR 2ND 2014 KIA FORTE EX WITH NAVIGATION EVERYTHING TOP OF THE LINE... WELL THE FIRST ONE HAD A KNOCK IN THE MOTOR SO THE DEALERSHIP "EXCHANGED" IT AND THIS ONE THE SEAT TAKES ABOUT 5 MIN TO LOCK INTO PLACE AFTER YOU ADJUST IT AND YOU HAVE TO BE DRIVING FOR IT TO LOCK IN. THERE IS A KNOCK WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEELS AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS KIA IS WORKING TO FIX IT & TRY NOT TO DRIVE IT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN... THE FUEL TANK KEEPS LEAKING AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED BUT THERE WORKING ON THAT TOO I'M SURE.... HAHA AFTER OUR CAR BEING IN THE SHOP FOR 36 DAYS I FINALLY WAS CALLED BY KIA AND OFFERED A SETTLEMENT UNTIL THEY CAN FIX THE ISSUES... THE SETTLEMENT WAS NOT EASY THE GIRL WHO CALLED ME WAS EXTREMELY RUDE AND EVERYTHING I HAD LOOKED UP ABOUT THE LAWS SHE DIDN'T KNOW SHE HAD TO KEEP EITHER "GOOGLING" IT OR SHE WENT TO ASK HER BOSS & THEN WOULD COME BACK OH YOUR I GUESS RIGHT... KIA WAS DOING GOOD FOR AWHILE BUT SADLY I THINK THEY ARE VERY CLOSE TO HAVING THE BUY 2 GET 1 FREE SALE AGAIN... *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Oct 28, 2013, crash
I WAS IN A THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS THE THIRD CAR. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND IN TURN CAUSED THAT VEHICLE TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. I HAD THE BRAKES PRESSED DOWN ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND STILL COULDN'T STOP IN TIME TO PREVENT IMPACT, THERE WERE NOT EVEN ANY SKID MARKS ON THE PAVEMENT. THE IMPACT WAS SO STRONG THAT MY BACK SEATS FOLDED DOWN AND THE THINGS I HAD IN MY TRUNK FLEW FORWARD AND HIT THE BACK OF THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAD GLASS BOTTLES OF DRINKS IN THE TRUNK AND THEY WERE ALL BUSTED IN THE FLOORBOARD FROM BEING THROWN THROUGH THE BACK SEAT THAT FOLDED DOWN. FIRE AND RESCUE HAD TO OPEN MY DOOR TO LET ME OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I TRIED TO GET OUT AND COULDN'T PRY THE DOOR OPEN. TO ME THAT IS A HARD IMPACT, I WAS INJURED AND STILL SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION. MY CONCERN IS WITH A FRONTAL IMPACT OF SUCH FORCE, NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! MY ACCIDENT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED AND I AM HURT BUT I DON'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SAFETY BELT BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS CERTAINLY DIDN'T PROTECT ME. I MADE A COMPLAINT WITH KIA AND THERE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME..."MA'AM WITH YOUR VEHICLE, YOU HAVE "SMART AIRBAGS" THEY ONLY DEPLOY IN A CATASTROPHIC EVENT." HOW CAN THE CAR TELL WHAT IS A CATASTROPHIC EVENT...MY 8 YEAR OLD COULD HAVE BEEN IN THAT BACK SEAT THAT FOLDED OR EVEN MY NEWBORN NIECE THAT I CARE FOR, THAT COULD HAVE BEEN NOT ONLY CATASTROPHIC BUT FATAL!!! WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS? PLEASE HELP, I DON'T WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO SUFFER. *TR