2014 Kia Forte recalls and problems

3 recalls and 444 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Forte.

3
recalls
444
owner complaints
32
complaints mentioning a crash
36
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2014 Kia Forte recalls

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · reported December 2, 2020 · Kia Motors America · 294,756 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 17V773000 · reported December 1, 2017 · Kia Motors America · 134,366 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 15V015000 · reported January 16, 2015 · Kia Motors America · 86,880 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · 112,000 miles

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…

Oct 3, 2026 · Unknown or other

Odometer was tampered with dealership set the mileage at 82,000 the actual mileage is 153,000

Sep 24, 2026 · Steering · 53,280 miles

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…

Sep 22, 2026 · Air bags

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…

Aug 31, 2026 · Steering

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.

Forte model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2011 31542813
2012 42922023
2013 51951613
2014 34443236
2015 12601620
2016 1136166
2017 33052310

Across all years, the 2014 Forte has the most complaints (444). All Kia Forte years →

Questions

Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on December 2, 2020 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 444 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (216 complaints), followed by steering (64).
How many 2014 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?
32 of 444 complaints report a crash and 36 a fire; 29 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 5, 2026.