2014 Kia Forte recalls and problems

The 2014 Kia Forte has 3 safety recalls and 445 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
445
Crashes / fires
32 / 36
Injuries / deaths
29 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2014 Kia Forte vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2014 Kia Forte recalls

Recall 20V-750: Engine

Reported Dec 2, 2020 · 294,756 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

Recall 17V-773: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Dec 1, 2017 · 134,366 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

Recall 15V-015: Electrical System

Reported Jan 16, 2015 · 86,880 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

2014 Kia Forte problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine216
Steering64
Air Bags64
Electrical System57
Unknown or Other51
Service Brakes26
Fuel/Propulsion System24
Exterior Lighting22
Structure18
Power Train18
Seat Belts14
Vehicle Speed Control14

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 17
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2014 Kia Forte complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 89,000 miles · reported Nov 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally; however, the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that stalling occurred while driving, while idling, and while operating at moderate to low speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine crankshaft failed, and the engine required replacement. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Engine · at 112,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE); as a possible cause for the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Steering · at 53,280 miles · reported Sep 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the failure was confirmed to be related to the steering system. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel flex coupling had failed and needed to be repaired. The…
Air Bags · reported Sep 22, 2026
Airbag warning light has came on had a mechanic run codes and it says all air bags unresponsive. Now my car is refusing to start. If continue to try it eventually starts. Major oil leak and consumption along with knocking. Along with my break lights not working occasionally along with my head lights and brights not working at all
Steering · reported Aug 31, 2026
There is a bad flexible steering coupler. Caused steering wheel to click and lose responsiveness, shakes going over bumps. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by the dealer Vehicle was inspected by dealer There were no warning signs other than the wheel click and losing responsiveness.

Other Kia Forte years

Compare all Kia Forte years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte: 20V-750 (engine), 17V-773 (service brakes, hydraulic), 15V-015 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Kia Forte?

Owners report engine problems most often (216 reports), followed by steering (64). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.