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Model year record

2014 Kia Forte recalls & problems

The 2014 Kia Forte has 3 safety recalls and 444 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (216 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints444filed by owners
Crashes · fires32 · 36reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2014 Kia Forte in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EngineDec 2, 2020

Engine

Recall 20V750000294,756 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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, hydraulicDec 1, 2017

Pedals and linkages

Recall 17V773000134,366 vehicles

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 systemJan 16, 2015

Electrical system

Recall 15V01500086,880 vehicles

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2014 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.3%

2014 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.3%
2014 Kia Forte NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2014 Kia Forte NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Forte Eco

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Forte

29mpg combined
City / highway25 / 36 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Forte

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Forte

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Forte

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Forte 5

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Forte 5

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Forte 5

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Forte 5

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine216323293,500 mi
Steering6440360,100 mi
Air bagsSide/window; Air bag/restraint control module642201983,000 mi
Electrical system57310171,500 mi
Unknown or other5178365,000 mi
Service brakes2640663,533 mi
Fuel/propulsion system2413386,900 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch2211074,500 mi
StructureBody; Body › Roof and pillars1822110,491 mi
Power train1821193,006 mi
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly1440366,000 mi
Vehicle speed control1420696,210 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations