2014 Kia Forte: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 50% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2014 Kia Forte
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2014 Kia Forte recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Forte. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Details 20V750000
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.
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.
- ElectricalFire risk
If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Details 15V015000
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.
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.
- Brakes
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…
Details 17V773000
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.
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.
2014 Kia Forte safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Brakes: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC238 Flight #501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a…
- Warranty extension: Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts.
- Steering: Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners.
- Doors and locks: Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
- Airbags: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON â DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2014 Kia Forte safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
441 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Kia Forte years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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