Second generation (YD)
2014 Kia Forte
The most reported problem on the 2014 Kia Forte is engine failure, with 101 complaints, usually around 94,000 miles.
- 418owner complaints
- 3recalls
- 27involved a crash
- 86,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Forte doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2014 model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?
The 2014 Kia Forte has 418 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.3 times the median of 318 for 2014 sedans on this site. Of the 11 Forte model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2014 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- Engine failure leads with 101 of the 418 complaints (24%), ahead of airbag at 60. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 66 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure were past about 94,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 62 of the 418 complaints (15%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 27 reports mention a crash, 35 mention a fire and 25 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 18 of 27, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Engine failure and stalling share a recall on the same system (20V-750). Airbag has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2021 at 82 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 27. So far in 2026, 19 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 101 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
418 complaints is 1.4 times the median 2014 model on this site and 1.3 times the median 2014 sedan. Among the 6 Forte model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2014 Kia Forte
Kia filed 171 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2014 Kia Forte. 18 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine knocking or ticking 2 bulletins · 55 complaints
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled “Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement”.
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement".
Check engine light or misfire 3 bulletins · 45 complaints
PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? DTC P0741 This bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of the Damper Clutch (D/C) Solenoid on 6-speed automatic transaxles with DTC P0741 (active or history), instead of replacing the transaxle.
1 more on this problem
COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION: ECM UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC P0461 (SA156) This bulletin provides information related to an ECM software upgrade for 2014MY Forte (YD) vehicles with 2.0L GDI engine, produced from January 31, 2013 to September 26, 2013, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the ...
Airbag warning light stays on 1 bulletin · 27 complaints
CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON ¢ DTC B1346/B1481 This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the driver¢s airbag clock spring assembly on some 2012-2013MY Rio (UB) and 2014-2015MY Forte/Koup (YD) associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY017).
Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 4 bulletins · 27 complaints
PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly.
TSB - STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly on some 2014-2017MY Forte (YD), produced from February 18, 2013 through November 15, 2016, and some 2017MY Forte (YDm) vehicles, produced from May 15, 2016 through ...
2 more on this problem
MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT Rev 2 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped.
MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 2 bulletins · 24 complaints
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BRAKE TUBE/LINE REINSPECTION/REPLACEMENT & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL REAPPLICATION (SC238A) This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake tube(s)/line(s) for leakage and apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components on certain 2014-2017MY Forte and Forte Koup (YD) vehicles produced from ...
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BRAKE TUBE/LINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC238) This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake tube(s)/line(s) for leakage and also apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components on certain 2014-2017MY Forte and Forte Koup (YD) vehicles produced ...
Burns oil or oil level rises 3 bulletins · 23 complaints
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
1 more on this problem
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2019MY vehicles (refer to table below for applicable model and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 1 bulletin · 12 complaints
TSB - FRONT WHEEL HUB BEARING AND CASTLE NUTS REPLACEMENT This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front wheel hub bearing and both front castle nuts on some 2014MY Forte (YD) vehicles, produced from February 18, 2013 through February 5, 2014, which may experience abnormal noise from the front wheel hub ...
Headlights too dim or fail 2 bulletins · 11 complaints
INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly.
HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connector concern. To correct this concern, replace the connector with a new and improved part.
Complaints filed by year
82 complaints came in 2021. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2014 Kia Forte
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 3 recalls on the 2014 Kia Forte, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2014 Kia Forte?
Engine failure, with 101 of the 418 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 94,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Forte problems start?
Of the 257 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 60,000 miles and half by about 86,000.
How many 2014 Kia Forte complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
62 of them (15%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2014 Kia Forte?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 20V-750. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.