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ProblemsByVin File / 2014-KIA-FORTE
2014 · kia

kia Forte problems

2 safety recalls. 432 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
152 reports · avg $3,100
severe
steering
62 reports · avg $700
severe
airbags
52 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
43 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
16 reports · avg $2,500
severe
lighting
13 reports · avg $250
severe
body
12 reports · avg $1,500
severe
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2014 Forte · other
Back up camera only whats some of the time. When it sometimes works it is when the outside temperature gets around 65 degrees or lower, but even then it works some of the time. The screen flickers sometime when it working as well.
12/30/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445585.0
2014 Forte · steering
Flex coupler went bad - $500 replacement. The Optima was already recalled for this same part. Please recall the Forte lines so that we can be reimbursed for this obvious Kia issue.
12/28/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562387.0
2014 Forte · engine
Engine seized while driving. Car had just over 60,000 miles. Approximately 61,000.
12/28/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445237.0
2014 Forte · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING, A TICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE, AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND ALMOST STALLED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALM KIA SOUTH (4310 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (678) 827-8900) FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT…
12/27/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291467.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 15V015000 16/01/2015

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014

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.
severe NHTSA 17V773000 01/12/2017

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles

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.

Common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 432 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Kia Forte has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2014 Kia Forte?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 152 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Forte has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Kia Forte?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 432 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 12 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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