2014 Kia Forte · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 55owner reports
- 105,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 12, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
255 of the 418 complaints on this car are about the engine. 55 of those describe stalling.
Tick what matches of 55 reports
Stalling on other Forte years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (8 reports) and the battery (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.
All 3 recalls on the 2014 Kia Forte, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Forte
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 80,000 and 133,863 miles, from the 40 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I was driving on the highway going 50 mph where the vehicle suddenly shut off and started smoking. I exited the vehicle to take a look and the entire engine compartment was on fire. I only had the car for 2 months and was never made aware of any recalls on the car”
Filed Jan 1, 2023
“Car shuts down while driving. ABS and traction control light comes on, cruise control shuts off, power steering light comes on and no power steering, screens and radio stop working, no a/c or heat, car finally completely shuts down.”
Filed Jul 10, 2022
“When I engage the left turn signal the headlights will intermittently shut off. They sometimes come back on and sometimes do not. Usually after completing a turn they come back on. It's unpredictable and this has caused some scary situations. It is a continual problem that needs to be fixed by KIA.”
Filed Dec 13, 2021
“After engine replacement 12/2020, continue to have problems with stalling, randomly not starting, various light ups on dash, RPM gage not moving.”
Filed Jun 14, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 55 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 101 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 60 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 45 reports
- Vehicle fire 30 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 28 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 27 reports