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2014 Kia Forte

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Forte years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte are substantially higher than the model-year median of 141.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

262 reports with mileage · 178 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 214 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports36 fire reports23 injury reports

Engine complaints

214 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2021
Engine

I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been t…

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I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been taken care of the first time I reported their engines going out on two cars bought the very same day. Also on the Kia ending in VIN # 9225, it sat at the dealership for almost two years before I could even afford to have the motor replaced for it and the other one a little later. At the very least that can be verified, that I was paying on cars that weren't even running and just sitting until I could afford to replace the motors. I was on my way home from work when the engine light came on and the car started to just not want to move anymore. I barely made it home and eventually took it to Kia and was told the engine went out. I can only give an approximate date from the email of when I inquired about the motors later on when I could afford to have them replaced. I will have to get a copy of the receipt for the motor replacement of one of the Kia's from my daughter. I was told to contact Kia to verify the motors were replaced, but they wanted to charge me and I can't afford the amount for either of the cars to verify engine replacement on the cars. The repair shop that replaced the motors is no longer in business and the phone numbers are no longer associated with the business even though they still show as being open. I have emailed and contacted the information on the business's site, but no response at all. Please can someone help me with Kia in assisting with this matter as it should have been taken care of the very first time I called to report to the issue. Thank you for any assistance you can give me

NHTSA ODI #11426071

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2021
Engine

I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been t…

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I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been taken care of the first time I reported their engines going out on two cars bought the very same day. Also on the Kia ending in VIN # 9225, it sat at the dealership for almost two years before I could even afford to have the motor replaced for it and the other one a little later. At the very least that can be verified, that I was paying on cars that weren't even running and just sitting until I could afford to replace the motors. I was on my way home from work when the engine light came on and the car started to just not want to move anymore. I barely made it home and eventually took it to Kia and was told the engine went out. I can only give an approximate date from the email of when I inquired about the motors later on when I could afford to have them replaced. I will have to get a copy of the receipt for the motor replacement of one of the Kia's from my daughter. I was told to contact Kia to verify the motors were replaced, but they wanted to charge me and I can't afford the amount for either of the cars to verify engine replacement on the cars. The repair shop that replaced the motors is no longer in business and the phone numbers are no longer associated with the business even though they still show as being open. I have emailed and contacted the information on the business's site, but no response at all. Please can someone help me with Kia in assisting with this matter as it should have been taken care of the very first time I called to report to the issue. Thank you for any assistance you can give me.

NHTSA ODI #11426070

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
EngineUnknown Or Other

The vehicle has spun a rod bearing of the internal engine. It is available for inspection upon request. Engine damage puts driver, passengers and all bystanders at extreme risk. Dealer has confirmed rod knock. Other automotive shop diagnosed spun rod bearing. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, in…

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The vehicle has spun a rod bearing of the internal engine. It is available for inspection upon request. Engine damage puts driver, passengers and all bystanders at extreme risk. Dealer has confirmed rod knock. Other automotive shop diagnosed spun rod bearing. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The check engine light came on immediately before failure.

NHTSA ODI #11425687

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was oil leaking onto the catalytic converter. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to …

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was oil leaking onto the catalytic converter. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11425024

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2021
Engine

Motor locked up after getting recalls done and Kia is saying no recall on motor

NHTSA ODI #11425006

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle taken to an independent mechanic where she discovered that the vehicle had a defectiv…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle taken to an independent mechanic where she discovered that the vehicle had a defective O2 sensor. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and called her husband for assistance. The contact's husband attempted to jump-start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then purchased a new battery however, the failure persisted. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11424087

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

I bought the car in November 2 weeks later driving on December 10 All lights came out car loss power and engine blew off I was driving at around 55mph I’m still paying for the car but I never received no notice for the recall I need an answer ASAP the cae as been in my garage since December 10/2020

NHTSA ODI #11423017

123,000 miles · Jun 14, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, eight days later while driving, the vehicle shifted into LIMP mode and failed to operate as designed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the engine neede…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, eight days later while driving, the vehicle shifted into LIMP mode and failed to operate as designed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #11420856

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2021
Engine

After engine replacement 12/2020, continue to have problems with stalling, randomly not starting, various light ups on dash, RPM gage not moving.

NHTSA ODI #11420800

55,600 miles · Jun 7, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH the vehicle started to emit hot air from the engine compartment into the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired nor diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign N…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH the vehicle started to emit hot air from the engine compartment into the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired nor diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) for which the vin was included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,600.

NHTSA ODI #11419924

Official recalls

3

20V750000 · Engine

Dec 2, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

17V773000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Dec 1, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

15V015000 · Electrical System

Jan 16, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.