Kia · Forte · 2014
3
Recalls
431
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2014 Kia Forte has 3 recalls and 431 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (138 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 exceed 30 MPH and unexpectedly entered LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a loose rod bearing in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted twice by the independent mechanic and the owner of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,138.
uNKNOWN THERE IS A KNOCK IN THE MOTOR.
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
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.
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 have.
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 indicated the same. This has the 1.8l engine which I understand can exhibit these same problems but thus far has been at least partially left out of any recalls although that isn’t entirely clear.
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 mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine misfire and engine issues. In addition, the contact was informed that the check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the check engine warning light was off. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 20V750000 (Engine). The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer because of the open recalls. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of the unrepaired recalls; however, the failure of the vehicle was not related to the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 137,408.
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.
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)
Steering column, steering coupler piece
Slow to shift and accelerate
The air bag light comes on and off. Rubber Weather stripping leaking. Runs hot.
The steering coupler clunks when I turn my steering wheel
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and then lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator had failed and needed to be replaced. Then the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as coolant leak into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The radiator repair was performed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
I brought my vehicle into the Kia dealership (Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw) due to check engine light and limp mode activation. The code P1326 was identified, which is tied to Kia's extended warranty related to known engine defects. This all started Sunday [XXX], and I brought the car to the Kia dealership (Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw) on [XXX]. Despite this I was told I do not qualify for warranty service unless the engine fails completely. The dealership also attempted to upsell me unrelated services (such as an engine flush) without performing proper diagnostics. When I pressed for answers, I was told they did not even inspect the engine's cleanliness, despite recommending a $500 service. I called Kia Consumer Affairs and opened a claim. 2 repair orders were sent to the dealership, but the dealership did not respond to me or Kia Consumer Affairs. I was eventually told the dealership is refusing to work on my vehicle further and I was instructed to pick it up. The most concerning part is the Service Advisor at the Kia Dealership told me I need to "drive the car until the engine blows up" before I qualify for warranty. This is extremely unsafe for me and everyone on the road, and I feel uncomfortable with doing so. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on the highway, there was smoke coming from under the hood. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stopped. The TPMS and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that failure was due to the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler Fails on all these cars but only Optima’s got covered even though the same defective coupler is used in the Forte’s Here is the memo for the Optima’s TSB: CHA072 / CS1604 (Rev 2) Optima (QF/TF/TFH) August 2016
The engine is failing. I took my Kia Forte into the dealership in March of 2025 for a blinking engine light and loss of power. It is under a warranty for engine replacement but Kia has done everything in their power not to help their own customer out. This engine issue can cause life threatening issues such as engine fires or stalling on busy roads which could lead to accidents. I will be getting further help from an attorney if the issue is not resolved.
The car has a knock sensor that causes it to go into limp mode. I was told by the service manager to drive it until the code goes from pending to not pending. The code is 1326. I have drove it, and it is not safe to drive. You can’t go ten miles without it going into limp mode.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2014 Kia Forte has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 431 owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte.
The 2014 Kia Forte received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2014 Kia Forte are engine (138 reports), steering (38 reports), air bags (35 reports).
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.