NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Forte. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
engine burning oil, engine knocking, entire engine needed replaced
Car shuts down while driving. ABS and traction control light comes on, cruise control shuts off, power steering light comes on and no power steering, screens and radio stop working, no a/c or heat, car finally completely shuts down.
On June 24, 2022 I was driving my vehicle on 435N to work. My steering wheel jerked to the left and started spinning out of control. I was driving at 60mph in the inside lane. When my steering jerked it caused me to turn headfirst into the inside wall. I proceeded to spin out of control across 3 lanes of rush hour traffic, clipping a second vehicle, before smashing into the outside wall and then resting in the outside lane horizontally. I was rushed to the emergency room where I suffered a broken back. Upon looking at the recalls and safety issues with my vehicle there was a recall #17V773000 for the brake pedal stopper; a most recent
My engine started smoking like crazy while driving. It had oil pouring out of the bottom of my car. I was stranded on the side of the interstate next to a smoking car with my 5 month old baby because they forgot to mention my engine had a recall. They won’t even look at my car until July 27th and won’t give me a loaner.
All Star Kia of Baton Rouge submitted information to Kia and the recall listed was denied. Cited that the car was put through a bearing test, and even charged me 393 dollars for this test when dealing with this recall directly. My vehicle was up to date with oil changes and verified that it was changed before 6k miles even sometimes before 3k miles. Currently the vehicle has a knock in it. PRIOR to bringing it in All Star Kia of Baton Rouge claimed they had all the parts but the long block suddenly wasn't there when I reached the location. I asked to see the data that they ran and they just showed the word "passed" without any data. All Star Kia then stated that their information connects directly with Kia directly and they don't have that information. They tried to charge me a 8000 for a engine repair. When dealing with the bearing test I told the representative I couldn't afford the 393 I'm just here for the test she said it would be ok and that they were going to use the data to contact Kia about the engine replacement, but needed my verification to run the test via a yes response on a text back to the representative. I was just in fear that my car would catch on fire at some point, and it was turned into a profit and the recall was completely neglected
Engine knocking. Entire engine needs replaced.
Back-up camera does not function. I'm told the camera unit itself is at fault, not the electrical circuit leading to the 'head unit' (infotainment system). It has not operated property for about two years. I've owned the vehicle for7 years.
Transmission going out
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that a software update was not completed but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Vehicle has a engine oil leak.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the check engine warning light and the oil warning light were blinking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that engine oil was leaking onto the cam shaft and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 88,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled. The contact pulled safely off the road. The contact stated the check engine light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and attempted to drive it home. The contact said that the engine began to make a knocking noise and again stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to her house and then to the dealer. The dealer mechanic started the vehicle and smoke began to issue out from under the hood. The mechanic turned the vehicle off, no more smoke or fire was noticed after the hood was opened. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH a knocking type noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed. The vehicle was restarted but the failure continued to occur. While examining under the hood black smoke was present coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 129,000.
One Monday morning my engine light came on in my car so I went to go to go get my car checked out that Tuesday morning . The dude that checked my car ( I forgot his name ) found metal in my oil which came from my engine and told me to see if I had a recall on my car , come to find out I did have a recall on my engine . My safety was put at risk due to the fact that my engine COULDVE blew while driving on the road . And it was confirmed by the Kia dealership that my car needed a new engine but they was telling me that I may or may not get my engine in my car due to the fact the recall was on the car since December of last year of 2020 which I didn’t know about at the time until AFTER I bought the car . I was trying to move my car to the dealership to get it checked out and my car made a loud thumping noise which came from the engine and my car completely shut off before leaving the place where I had it looked at . I ended up getting it towed to the Kia dealership for further inspections . It’s been approximately 3 weeks since my car has been fixed and I haven’t gotten my car fixed yet . The lady at Kia ( I forgot her name ) told me basically it’s nothing Kia can do for my car .
My car had recall service performed last year at First Kia in Simi Valley, CA. The work (for engine fires) took four months to complete, because on my first two visits they were refusing to perform recall service. The recall was to fix oil leaks and update the knock sensor. They never did fix my leaking engine. A few weeks ago some engine noise made me concerned. First Kia denied any warranty coverage on the work performed. The recall notice meanwhile explicitly describes oil leak corrections and warranty updates. At present my car has a knocking trouble code and I've now been misled by First Kia into great cost.
The engine on my Kia Forte failed just 12k miles after a recall service that was intended to ensure an additional 80k miles of engine use. Either the recall work to ensure that additional range was defective, or the process that designed the work was defective. Recall # 20v750 was to check for engine damage, and install a knock sensor update that would PREVENT engine failure. At the time of service the dealership ignored reported oil problems and did not perform the inspection as described in the recall notice. The eventual sensor alert that was supposed to PREVENT damage is instead being treated by the dealer as a catastrophic result that requires replacement. On two fronts the work performed was not as described- there was no legitimate inspection (note the reported oil burn reported by the dealership), and the prevention-enabling sensor update failed to prevent anything.
Steering coupler needed to be replaced. There have been warranty extensions for this part on several Hyundai cars as well as Kia Optima. Same issue as I experienced. No recall yet on my vehicle. Had to pay $500 to get replaced. Failure around 78,000 miles
i bought my 2014 kia forte last 5months ago. my car started to make a weird noise. i brought my car to dealership and they said it needs a new engine. i still owe around $8000+ with this car. i am student and i dont how am i going able to get money for a new engine.
Bought a used 2014 Kia Forte from Ourisman Kia in Chantilly, VA in November, 2021. Had 116k miles. 2/20/22, traveling on 55 MPH three lane road, the car suddenly lost all power as I was driving in the left lane. Engine light was flashing. I put on hazards and was able to pull off the highway. On 2/21/22 Ourisman Kia service added oil, cleared error codes, and told us to drive 1000 miles and bring it back. We did not make it to 1000 miles. Car again suddenly went into limp mode and flashing engine light while teenage son was driving on 3/15. Code Po302 was detected. Ourisman Kia service replaced ignition coil and spark plugs 3/17. On 3/23, car again suddenly went into limp mode and engine light started flashing again while on highway. Returned car to Ourisman Kia service 3/24/22 where it still sits. Code P1326 is detected. At any of these three times the car went into limp mode while driving on highway, me or my family could have been in serious accident. Car completely loses power to nothing and then slowly rebuilds to max 2000 RPM / approx 40 MPH.
Warning lights starting flashing and vehicle went into "limp mode". Before I could completely pull over the engine started smoking. Taken to the dealer and while they were able to confirm the rod bearing was the failure, it also caused other failures so Kia wouldnt cover it under the warranty. I've did arbitration but still no help.
Ki Aforte 2014 steering wheel has started making a noise while turning when stationary. As with Kia Soul and Optima models of same vintage, steering coupler part needs to be replaced
The car is running really terribly. Took to a Kia dealer to have recall for Knocking sensor and catalytic converter fixed as we were told by a prior mechanic. Car has 86,000 miles on it. The kia dealer did not fix the problem(s). Gave us back the car in the same working order it was in when they received. Didn't notify us of what was wrong with the car exactly and did not offer to fix or remedy it either on the recall or us paying out of pocket. But did tell us about multiple light bulbs that were out. I called and spoke to them about it and they told me that what is wrong with the car is not covered under the 2 recalls they repaired. But the things that are wrong with the car were under the recall notices that we read on the NHTSA website after entering the VIN.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly go into limp mode and would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Campaign PI2002A. P1326 KIA Code - Knock Sensor Detection System, Milage 35,488. January 15: My MIL went on 2 blocks from the house. I parked the car. Towed to garage who ran the code and recommended car got to dealership. Towed to dealer on January 17 ish. The dealer installed the patch and I picked up my car January 27. I drove around the block and retruned my car for knocking- the higher the speed the louder the noise. The dealership worked with Kia to reosolve by making videos of my car for weeks. 6 WEEKS LATER dealership called to tell me that I need a new engine and that the rods need replacing but it is not covered by a recall that specifically states that rods and or engine should be replaced. They offer a liftime waranty and engine replacement for this same code in other Kias. Repairs or a new engine should be covered as is with outher Kias with same issue. TSB Number: PI2002YZ_TSB_R2 NHTSA Number: 10201615. Literally the same issue in DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z)
Vehicle has 103k miles. Ticking noise evident from engine., which reacts to increase in RPM. Took to local Kia dealer for diagnosis - recommended a new engine. Cost of $6-7000 to replace the engine. This vehicle cost was just arouns $7000 last year when purchasded.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer failed to update the Knock Sensor Detection System software. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who updated the Knock Sensor Detection System software; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that they would send a diagnostic report and video clips to the manufacturer to obtain the manufacturer's approval for the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to obtain a vehicle rental out-of-pocket and she would be reimbursed later. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 63,200.
Unknown had the car only 2 years and the air bag light came on and they have never has been deployed
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
My car was hit in an accident & my air bag light popped on but they didn’t deploy. The light is still on and that was over 2 months ago.
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.
Had major oil consumption issues, 2+ quarts a week with no visible drips, puddles or misting. Dropped off at dealer when on vacation. Dealer insisted that problem was oil pan and they insisted that it was the source of leak despite my protests. I was told that "...at any rate, Kia will not authorize engine replacement". No change to consumption after picking up car. KSDS software update performed. Flashing CEL and breakdown on highway several months later. Different dealer diagnosed needed repair as "engine replacement". Neither dealer nor Kia consumer care (KCAC) would do ANYTHING to take care of problem. Ignored my letter, and stiff-armed at every step. BTW, I bought 2 brand new cars from this dealership. Terrible quality and even worse customer service, if that is possible. Clearly this is a known issue and Kia is doing their darnedest to not have to add the Forte model to their recall as this is their biggest seller with this engine. Shame on Kia, their dealer network and the US consumer affairs agencies and NHTSA for not making this happen!
Engine seized while driving. Car had just over 60,000 miles. Approximately 61,000.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Back up camera only whats some of the time. When it sometimes works it is when the outside temperature gets around 65 degrees or lower, but even then it works some of the time. The screen flickers sometime when it working as well.
unknown
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
My steering wheel feels loose and makes a noise when turning. Feels like I need to turn the steering wheel a bit before my tires start to turn and then it clicks again when my wheel goes back to neutral. This also has caused my cruise control and windshield wipers to stop working.