Kia · Forte · 2014
2014 Kia Forte
3
Recalls
432
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2014 Kia Forte has 3 recalls and 432 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (139 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2014 Kia Forte page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 139 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2014 Kia Forte reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2014 Kia Forte currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 432 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (139), steering (38), air bags (35).
- Vehicle
- 2014 Kia Forte
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 432
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.3% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 20V750000December 02, 2020
ENGINE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 17V773000December 01, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 15V015000January 16, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
432 totalENGINE
Apr 1, 2026
Engine backfiring
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jan 16, 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...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the recall repair was not fully performed. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate at slower speeds, the vehicle failed to ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Dec 25, 2025
uNKNOWN THERE IS A KNOCK IN THE MOTOR.
AIR BAGS
Dec 19, 2025
The air bad light is on and horn dose not working currently there is a open recall on the clutch spring for the air bag but my vin say no repair
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,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 respons...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 2, 2025
Large Buck deer hit car with force, did not loose control, did not slam brakes attempted to pull to side of road. The hood flew up and had to use the emergency brake to come to full stop, put in park but the gas was full throttle. Neither airbag deployed and definitely should ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Dec 1, 2025
Engine developed a “ticking” sound, oil consumption has increased and vehicle will periodically stall at low speeds when driving especially towards the end of the oil change interval. All periodic maintenance has been performed since I have owned the car. Previous owner indicat...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated that sometimes after the vehicle was started, the engine shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was towed to an independent m...
Preview excerpt
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 23, 2025
Steering column is broken and keeps falling. Hard to replace entire steering column. While driving the entire steering wheel will fall into lap, makes the car nearly un-drivable. I have fixed before but the entire part is now failing and is extremely dangerous.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 432 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2014 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Forte Years
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2014 Kia SorentoAnother 2014 Kia option for same-year comparison.6r964c2014 Kia SoulAnother 2014 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r883c2014 Kia OptimaAnother 2014 Kia option for same-year comparison.7r568c2014 Kia SportageAnother 2014 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r121c2014 Kia CadenzaAnother 2014 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r109c2014 Kia RioAnother 2014 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r51c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
The 2014 Kia Forte has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2014 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has received 432 owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2014 Kia Forte?
The 2014 Kia Forte received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2014 Kia Forte are engine (139 reports), steering (38 reports), air bags (35 reports).
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2014 Kia Forte. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.