2014 Kia Forte Problems

High Complaint Volume

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte. Part of Generation 2 — 2014–2018.

20132015
Complaints
634
per 10K Sold
91.4
US Sales
69,336
Crashes
60
Fires
51
Injuries
52
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2014 Kia Forte Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1207 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:95,277 mi
Crash-related:3
Fires:22
#262 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:58,679 mi
Crash-related:4
#361 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:81,987 mi
Crash-related:21
Considering a 2014 Kia Forte?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2014 Kia Forte.

Engine Problems
207
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
22
Avg Miles
95,277
Steering Defects
62
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
58,679
Airbags
61
complaints
Crashes
21
Fires
Avg Miles
81,987
Electrical Faults
56
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
10
Avg Miles
70,873
Brakes
26
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
66,744
Fuel System
24
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Avg Miles
81,073
Headlight/Taillight Failures
18
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
64,781
Transmission / Drivetrain
17
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
93,936
Body Structure
17
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Avg Miles
22,666
Seat Belt Issues
13
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
58,202
Unintended Acceleration
13
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
110,950
Wheel Issues
11
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
32,058
Tire Defects
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
14,880
Seat-Related Issues
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
32,818
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
48,932
Suspension Failures
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
86,342
Engine & Cooling
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Firerelated
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Camera System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2014 Kia Forte

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~516,002 vehicles.

20V750000Engine
~294,756 affected

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.

17V773000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
~134,366 affected

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.

15V015000Electrical System
~86,880 affected

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.

Other Kia Forte Years

2014 Kia Forte — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?
Verdict: High Complaint Volume. The 2014 Kia Forte has 634 NHTSA complaints, 60 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 207 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (207 complaints, avg 95,277 mi); Steering Defects (62 complaints, avg 58,679 mi); Airbags (61 complaints, avg 81,987 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Forte?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 77,395 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2014 Kia Forte?
NHTSA complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte include 60 crash-related reports, 51 fire reports, 52 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 516,002 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2014 Kia Forte?
This year has a higher-than-normal complaint volume. It's not an automatic no, but focus inspection on the top reported issue (engine problems) and verify open recalls have been addressed.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2014 Kia Forte

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99