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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2021
When I engage the left turn signal the headlights will intermittently shut off. They sometimes come back on and sometimes do not. Usually after completing a turn they come back on. It's unpredictable and this has caused some scary situations. It is a continual problem that needs to be fixed by KIA.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2021
Brake light failure on both tail lights. The problem started by finding mold in the trunk. This was caused by water pooling in the bottom space where the spare tire would go if it came with one. Water leaks were observed from both tail lights into the trunk. The culprit seems to be bad gaskets for the tail lights. The gaskets have cracks which let rain water through. The poor design of this part has caused both brake lights to stop working. I fear water damage with the wiring / electrical system. The 3rd, center brake light still works. Will KIA pay to fix this important safety feature?
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
The vehicle has been consuming and leaking oil for over two years. More recently the vehicle was started/running and it was identified that large amounts of oil were leaking from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the original Kia dealership where purchased. The Kia dealership has advised that the engine is seized and requires replacement. Kia has declined the dealership's request to replace engine. Recall for vehicle is currently open: Manufacturer Recall Number - SC200YD NHTSA Recall Number - 20V750
Air bags, Dec 2, 2021
Unknown had the car only 2 years and the air bag light came on and they have never has been deployed
Steering, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made a knocking sound. The contact stated that the first time the failure occurred was in late September with the knocking sound only happening while turning either to the left or the right. The contact stated that recently the failure started occurring whenever the vehicle was being driven. The contact stated that the steering wheel was not secured and felt as if it was going to detach. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 52,177.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Nov 17, 2021, crash
My Kia Forte when I put it in reverse it will jerk back then pause and hardly push itself backwards I have no control same as putting the car into Drive. I also consistently hear water in the bottom of my car swishing around.
Engine, Nov 12, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 45 mph, the engine failed and smoke was coming from the engine. The contact's son was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure, and no oil was found in the oil reservoir. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, Koons Annapolis Toyota (1107 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401), and the dealer sent documents from the previous dealer, Kia of Bowie, to the manufacturer. The Koons Annapolis Toyota dealer had the vehicle towed to Alexandria Car Clinic (3235 Colvin St, Alexandria, VA 22314) for the engine replacement. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. However, the manufacturer closed the case without notifying the contact and had not responded to the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 66,800.
Seat belts, Nov 4, 2021, crash
There was a car accident car was totaled my wife was stuck in the seat the seat belt broke would not unlatch they had to cut her out. There not supposed to break. What if the car cought fire?
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2021
The issue had not been resolved, and I am reading countless of reports stating that Kia is picking and choosing who they will help, this is absolutely BS., that NHTSA will not even help with getting Kia to honor their recalls.
Seat belts, Nov 1, 2021
The driver side seatbelt keeps unbuckling, this is after checking to make sure it is fastened completely, I have to keep checking the belt throughout the driving period to ensure it is latched. What if all my belts do this, and when my kids are in the car and if a wreck occurs and they fail to protect us? There were multiple incidents when it came unclipped was when I was doing 15mph and up to 60mph.
Engine, Oct 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, knocking noises were heard and the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil after she checked the oil level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an engine and oil consumption test. The vehicle passed the engine test but failed the oil consumption test. The dealer updated the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles for the oil consumption test. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer after driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles and the vehicle failed the oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact that they would not perform another oil consumption test and the engine would not be replaced since the vehicle had passed the engine test prior and they only replaced seized engines. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would contact the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine, Oct 29, 2021
Oil Consumption. Having to put about 3 quarts of oil in before the next recommended oil change. Have been doing that for the last 6+ months.
Engine, Oct 24, 2021
My 2.0L GDI engine developed a clacking sound and I have been told I need a new engine. It seems to be the same issue as the other Kia models with this same engine that have had their engines recalled. Yet Kia does not include the Forte in the recall, even though it is the same engine.
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2021, fire
I purchased a 2014 Kia Forte on August 24, 2013. On August 26, 2021 I reported an electrical fire in the trunk of my car to the dealership. I was told not to drive the car but to tow it. My car was towed home because the dealership was closed by the time the tow truck arrived. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. I would still have my vehicle if this electrical fire had not occurred. The dealership stands on they sell and maintain the cars only. They performed the regular maintenance on the vehicle. They never noted any electrical issues. After 3 weeks they also said the car was totaled. They referred me to the makers in California. They had not reported the fire to them. After 2 months of going back and forth , Kia corporate determined they can not find what caused the electrical fire. Therefore they are not responsible. It was not declared arson. My car caught fire in the parking lot where I work in southern Louisiana while I was in northern Mississippi on the job. The car was locked and both keys were with me. The wires, the trunk door, the cloth covering over the top of the trunk, and back window burned. Some water bottles, sprite bottles and the empty bag of cat food they were placed on the day before burned. The plastic binders, the bottom of the trunk, and the spare tire space did not burn. It is clear the car had a defect. The fire could have reached the gas tank and caused an explosion. The wires burned causing the fire. The car set itself on fire. Even though the car is under the 10 year, 100,000 mile Waranty. They will not acknowledge the defect, the warranty, or responsibility. I was told by the Kia representative of my claim that they determined the light bulb did not cause the fire so there is nothing they can do. They could not determine what did cause the fire. They said they are not responsible. I believe they knowingly sold vehicles that would catch fire to a clueless public and did nothing to fix the electrical defects.
Air bags, Oct 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who reset the air bag warning light; however, the warning light immediately returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2021, crash
UNKNOWN My 2014 Kia Forte Ex has been having randon acceleration problems. I just bought it from an O'Brien dealership a couple months ago. It has also caused the breaks to not want to work. I was in an accident due to this and crashed into the car in front of me pretty hard. My infant and boyfriend were in the car. I noticed the cruise control turned itself on right before the crash and I was trying to turn it off. The damage luckily wasnt that bad. But the car keeps driving itself and the brakes not working. This happens almost every time I turn the car on now. The break pads are still brand new, as I and my dad have checked them. I have tried contacting the dealership about it but they haven't got back. This car is unsafe and I will not continue to drive it. There are no warning lights or messages popping up.
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2021
Driving down a country road at night when my abs light came on. After a few seconds my power steering went out and the main console died. The headlights began to dim and the dashboard lights sputtered on and off. The car shuttered strongly and then died. We were stuck on the side of the road in the middle of the night for over forty five minutes with a screaming infant with no warning that this was going to happen or that this part needed to be serviced or replaced for the milage of my car (90,000).
Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 24, 2021
Airbag light stays on all the time. Brake lights constantly burning out breaking system system will skidvover grates at bumps. Car will scrape over roads. All steering wheel functions not working
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was an exhaust odor present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power and did not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic convertor however, six months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the catalytic convertor for the second time the failure recurred approximately six months later. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,506.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2021
Car started over heating, took it to the shop and my engine coolant resistor was melting, they replaced the part and it is starting to melt again and my car is starting to over heat
Engine, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who stated that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 20, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming excessive oil and there was oil leaking onto the ground. The contact had to put 1 to 2 quarts of oil for every trip. There was also smoke coming from the engine and a loud knocking noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four separate occasions and the dealer refilled the oil. However, the dealer could not diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to make her sign a waiver but when she refused, the dealer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the vehicle may catch fire. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was not able to speak to a live representative. The failure mileage was 54,498.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 12, 2021
unknown
Engine, Jul 23, 2021
I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been taken care of the first time I reported their engines going out on two cars bought the very same day. Also on the Kia ending in VIN # 9225, it sat at the dealership for almost two years before I could even afford to have the motor replaced for it and the other one a little later. At the very least that can be verified, that I was paying on cars that weren't even running and just sitting until I could afford to replace the motors. I was on my way home from work when the engine light came on and the car started to just not want to move anymore. I barely made it home and eventually took it to Kia and was told the engine went out. I can only give an approximate date from the email of when I inquired about the motors later on when I could afford to have them replaced. I will have to get a copy of the receipt for the motor replacement of one of the Kia's from my daughter. I was told to contact Kia to verify the motors were replaced, but they wanted to charge me and I can't afford the amount for either of the cars to verify engine replacement on the cars. The repair shop that replaced the motors is no longer in business and the phone numbers are no longer associated with the business even though they still show as being open. I have emailed and contacted the information on the business's site, but no response at all. Please can someone help me with Kia in assisting with this matter as it should have been taken care of the very first time I called to report to the issue. Thank you for any assistance you can give me
Engine, Jul 23, 2021
I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been taken care of the first time I reported their engines going out on two cars bought the very same day. Also on the Kia ending in VIN # 9225, it sat at the dealership for almost two years before I could even afford to have the motor replaced for it and the other one a little later. At the very least that can be verified, that I was paying on cars that weren't even running and just sitting until I could afford to replace the motors. I was on my way home from work when the engine light came on and the car started to just not want to move anymore. I barely made it home and eventually took it to Kia and was told the engine went out. I can only give an approximate date from the email of when I inquired about the motors later on when I could afford to have them replaced. I will have to get a copy of the receipt for the motor replacement of one of the Kia's from my daughter. I was told to contact Kia to verify the motors were replaced, but they wanted to charge me and I can't afford the amount for either of the cars to verify engine replacement on the cars. The repair shop that replaced the motors is no longer in business and the phone numbers are no longer associated with the business even though they still show as being open. I have emailed and contacted the information on the business's site, but no response at all. Please can someone help me with Kia in assisting with this matter as it should have been taken care of the very first time I called to report to the issue. Thank you for any assistance you can give me.