2014 Kia Forte recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte and 444 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (216), steering (64), air bags (63). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–28 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2014 has the most owner complaints of any Forte model year from 2012 to 2024. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2014 Kia Forte. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · pedals and linkages
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The…
Odometer was tampered with dealership set the mileage at 82,000 the actual mileage is 153,000
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the failure was confirmed to be r…
Safety ratings
2014 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD
2014 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2014 Kia Forte.
Forte
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Forte
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Forte 5
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Forte 5
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte, most recently for engine (12/02/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?
Based on 444 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (216), steering (64), air bags (63).
Is the 2014 Kia Forte safe?
The 2014 Kia Forte earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2014 a good year for the Kia Forte?
The 2014 has the most owner complaints of any Forte model year from 2012 to 2024. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings for the 2014 Kia Forte range from 24 to 28 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2014 Kia Forte in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORTE, Forte.