TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Kia Forte engine problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Kia Forte have filed 157 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 99,179 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
157
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Forte | 60 |
| 2011 Forte | 38 |
| 2012 Forte | 123 |
| 2013 Forte | 88 |
| 2014 Forte (this page) | 157 |
| 2015 Forte | 131 |
| 2017 Forte | 110 |
| 2018 Forte | 42 |
17fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 157 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Kia Forte, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of Kia Forte we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 157.
Engine accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled “Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement”. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Ra
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equipped with the Oil Life Management System (OLMS) feature not included in table on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Kia Forte engine fails in multiple ways. Rod bearings collapse abruptly, flooding the crankcase with metal shavings and starving the engine of oil. Owners hear loud knocking or rattling, lose power steering and acceleration, and find themselves coasting off the highway. Some engines seize so fast they won't restart; others fail at 50,000 miles, others at 155,000. A few catch fire.
Oil consumption is rampant in high-mileage cars—1 to 3 quarts vanish per week with no visible leaks. Owners add oil constantly. The low-oil light flickers or never comes on. Spark plugs foul with sludge. Catalytic converters clog from excess unburned fuel. Engine knock or piston slap—a loud tapping unrelated to RPM—worsens over months until the engine is shot.
Kia issued recall 20V750000 to update the knock-sensor software. It doesn't stop oil consumption or prevent failure. Dealers apply the patch and tell owners the engine is fine, only to call back weeks later saying a new engine is needed. Many owners then discover their VIN was never included in the recall or they're a few thousand miles over the mileage limit (150,000 miles). Kia denies the repair. Owners dispute it; Kia consumer affairs goes silent. Some owners wait months for parts that never arrive. Others are told to keep driving until catastrophic failure occurs.
Same Kia Forte engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Rod bearing failure
Connecting rod bearings fail catastrophically, often without warning. Metal debris floods the engine as rod bearings wear through. Owners report sudden loss of power, loud rattling or knocking, and complete engine seizure. Some vehicles fail after recent oil changes, suggesting bearings were already compromised. Replaced engines are not always available in the rebuild market.
When: Varies widely: 50,800 miles to 155,000 miles; one case at 88,000 miles with 100,000-mile warranty; another at 66,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud knocking or rattling from engine; Abrupt loss of power while driving; Engine stalls without warning; Check engine light (sometimes off despite failure); Low or critically low oil level discovered during failure; Metal shavings in oil; Engine seizes or will not restart
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System), Cylinder rod bearing failure, Piston misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite engine replacement cost of $5,111.96 to $7,500; one dealership charged $393 for bearing test then quoted $8,000 repair; replaced short blocks cost not specified but parts are scarce
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V750000 issued for knock sensor system update; owners report VINs excluded from recall despite exhibiting identical symptoms; recall limited to 150,000 miles or 15 years; many owners report being denied recall coverage over mileage limits or claim VIN not listed; recall letter mentions engine replacement possible but dealers often deny it
Excessive oil consumption
Engines burn or internally leak 1–3 quarts of oil per week or more between service intervals despite no visible leaks. Owners check dipsticks to find oil critically low or completely gone within days to weeks of topping off. Oil fouled with metal particles. Fouled spark plugs result. Owners must add oil constantly to avoid catastrophic failure.
When: 100,000 miles and above, though some cases reported earlier; one case at 40,000 miles; consumption worsens around 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between service intervals (1–3 quarts per week); Low oil light flashing despite recent oil change; No visible oil leaks or drips; Fouled spark plugs with oil residue; Burning smell or burning odor inside cabin; Engine tapping or rough idle at low oil levels; Eventually leads to catalytic converter damage or engine failure
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System in later updates)
Repairs/costs cited: GDI and PCV valve changed or repaired in one case; dealers blame oil pan and misidentify source; owners report knock sensor software update (recall 20V750000, later iteration) does not resolve consumption; no engine replacement offered despite consumption persisting after KSDS update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V750000 includes knock sensor software update; owners report update did not stop oil consumption; Kia required diagnostic testing (oil consumption test at 1,000 miles) in at least one case but refused engine replacement even when test failed; warranty only covers seized engines per some dealers, not consumption
Engine knock or piston slap
Abnormal knocking, tapping, or slapping noise from engine compartment, especially under load or at highway speed, often unrelated to knock sensor update. Knocking escalates over time from slight to severe. Piston skirts reported as too short in design, causing piston slap. No recall issued for 2.0L engines despite identical symptoms to recalled 2.4L.
When: Can appear at 70,000 miles or lower; intensifies over months or years; one case at 76,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, tapping, or slapping noise from engine; Noise increases with engine load or highway speed; Noise unrelated to engine RPM; No warning lights initially; Noise detected day of oil change at 75 mph with oil level good; May progress to rattling and eventual engine failure
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System, though not always root cause)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement quoted at $4,300+ plus labor for short-block replacement; one owner stated dealer replacing many 2.0 and 2.4 engines; no parts availability for replaced engines noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall on 2.0L GDI engines despite identical symptoms to 2.4L recall 20V750000; dealers confirm they are replacing engines but no formal recall applies; warranty covers 60,000 miles on used purchase or may have expired
Stalling while driving
Engine dies abruptly while driving at various speeds—turning, accelerating, or highway speeds—often without warning. Vehicle may restart after a few minutes or may not restart at all. Occurs even after recent oil changes or when oil level appears adequate. One case happened during left turns twice; another on highway at 80 mph.
When: Various mileages reported: 50,800 miles, 66,800 miles, 88,000 miles, 92,476 miles, 114,000 miles, 124,000 miles, and 131,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies abruptly without warning; Loss of power steering when engine dies; Check engine light may illuminate before or after stall; Vehicle may restart after waiting or may not restart; No warning lights on dashboard in many cases; Occurs while turning, accelerating, or at highway speeds; Smoke sometimes observed from engine
Codes mentioned: P1326, Catalytic converter misfire (in some stalling cases, likely secondary to engine issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostics reveal engine failure or rod bearing failure; towing costs $80 per tow and upward; one owner cited need for engine replacement; repair costs escalate if multiple tows needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V750000 does not address stalling directly; dealers often cannot replicate stalling at first visit; some dealers refuse to investigate without check engine light present or vehicle arriving on tow truck; VINs excluded from recall despite symptoms matching recall description
Engine fire
Vehicles catch fire or emit smoke from engine compartment while driving or parked, sometimes moments after parking. Flames observed by owner or fire department. Smoke and unknown fluid leak cited. Fire hazard posed especially dangerous given recalls mention fire risk.
When: One case at 55,000 miles while driving 75 mph; one case at 141,000 miles while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Fire visible from under hood; Possible rattling noise before fire; No warning lights in at least one case
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished one fire; vehicle status post-incident not specified; repair not pursued in both documented cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V750000 mentions fire risk; one owner did not receive recall notification despite fire occurring; owner was advised to take vehicle to dealer but no follow-up reported; manufacturer provided no assistance in fire case
Recall denial and warranty disputes
Owners report VINs excluded from recall 20V750000 despite exhibiting identical symptoms (knocking, low oil, stalling, engine failure). Dealerships and Kia consumer affairs deny recall coverage citing: mileage over limit (150,000 miles), secondary ownership status, or claim that VIN not listed in system. Warranty coverage (100,000 miles, 60,000 miles for used, 15 years/150,000 miles for recall repairs) disputed or denied. Servers down preventing recall scheduling in at least one case.
When: Recall issued in 2020 (campaign 20V750000); denials and disputes ongoing 2020–2024
Symptoms owners cite: Recall letter received but VIN excluded; Dealer tells owner symptoms match recall but VIN not listed; Owner over mileage limit for recall (150,000 miles) but within 100,000-mile powertrain warranty; Secondary owner status cited as reason for denial; Dealer servers down preventing recall appointment scheduling
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $99 out-of-pocket for oxygen sensor not covered by recall; dealers quote estimates for engine replacement $7,500–$8,000; Kia consumer affairs run-around lasting months; owners report long hold times and unresponsive dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V750000 issued; unclear recall scope—some owners claim VINs wrongly excluded; Kia denies secondary owners; mileage cutoffs enforced strictly (5,000 miles over 150,000-mile limit denied); consumers report Kia consumer affairs unresponsive or dismissive; no loaner cars provided in at least one extended case
Low oil light ignored or no warning before failure
Owners report low oil or check engine lights never illuminated despite oil level dropping to critically low or zero. In other cases, lights flicker very briefly and go off. Oil dipstick shows no oil or extremely low levels despite recent oil change. Lack of warning gives owner false confidence that engine is fine until catastrophic failure occurs.
When: Can occur immediately after purchase (one case within days of dealership oil change) or within weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil light never comes on or flashes only once then off; Check engine light does not activate despite impending failure; Dipstick shows no oil or bone-dry despite recent service; Owner assumes oil change was adequate and vehicle is safe; Engine failure occurs with no advance notice
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report oil pan gasket or seal not properly seated; one case mechanic noted GDI and PCV valve were replaced but oil still disappeared; no fix identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response to warning light failures documented; owners report dealership blamed owner for not checking oil manually
Synthesized from 157 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Engine seized while driving. Car had just over 60,000 miles. Approximately 61,000.
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 was informed that a new engine was needed because oil was burning in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle…
I was driving 65 mph and all of sudden the speed got lowered to 45 mph even I was pushing accelerator. Also I heard the engine knocking noise when I pushed accelerator hard. I had to stop and parked nearby church parking lot. I called a mechanic to diagnose, and he said the engine was broken and needed to be replaced with a new engine.
Car died in reverse. Check engine light came on and turned off. Took to mechanic replaced spark plugs. Then 6 days later had another misfire replaced coils. At that a clicking noise was heard. Brought to kia dealership who said knocking come from engine but did not say what. Upon parking car completely died in drive. Engine failed.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer failed to update the Knock Sensor Detection System software. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who updated the…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Kia Forte?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 157 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 94 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 70,000 and 132,000 miles, with the median around 99,179. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 132,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Kia/Forte.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.