2014 Kia Forte · symptom sheet
Engine rattles or ticks
- 28owner reports
- 104,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jan 3, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
214 of the 416 complaints on this car are about the engine. 28 of those describe engine rattle.
Tick what matches of 28 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (8 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Forte
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
NHTSA summary
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 78,000 and 130,000 miles, from the 26 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Engine clicking noticed . Then light came on. Mechanic fixed. Engine light came on coil needed to be replaced a week later. Clicking got louder took to dealer said Engine wasn't getting enough oil that there was none on dipstick (took photo as proof it had oil). No other explanations no other solutions other than replacing Engine. Engine seized up un able to upload estimate bc of website issues”
Filed Jan 2, 2024
“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.”
Filed Jan 3, 2022 · 103,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 28 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 100 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 59 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 55 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 45 reports
- Vehicle fire 30 reports