2014 Kia Forte: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Kia Forte? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 433 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2014 Kia Forte Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2014 Kia Forte trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2014 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2014 Kia Forte 5 HB FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Kia Forte has 433 owner complaints, 32 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Forte
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 433
- Crash-related complaints
- 32
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Kia Forte Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Steering Defects, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Kia Forte?
The 2014 Kia Forte shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Kia Forte
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and steering.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine, steering, and airbags.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and steering.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine, steering, and airbags.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Kia Forte, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte are concentrated in engine problems, which account for a substantial portion of the total. Steering defects and airbag malfunctions also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems are the most reported component, with 213 complaints.
- Steering defects and airbag malfunctions each have 62 complaints.
- There are 32 crash-related complaints out of 433 total.
- The vehicle has 3 recalls associated with it.
- Engine Problems: 213 complaints indicate a recurring theme of engine-related issues.
- Steering Defects: 62 complaints suggest potential steering system concerns.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 62 complaints point to possible airbag system problems.
All 2014 Kia Forte Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Forte. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 213 | 3 | 23 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 62 | 4 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 62 | 21 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 56 | 3 | 10 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 49 | 7 | 7 | — | |
| Brake System | 28 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 24 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 3 | — | 3 | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while exiting the contact's residence and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that seconds later, the contact noticed fire coming from…
Engine backfiring
I have currently been avoiding driving my car because it goes in limp mode when I’m stopped at red lights I smell oil burning sometimes ive seen small amounts of smoke coming from the engine as well as just receiving an oil change less than a month ago and it already being bad , …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the recall repair was not fully performed. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate at slower speeds, the vehicle failed to …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that there was a ticking sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction while driving at slow speeds. The contact stated that over time, the clicking sound became progressively loude…
uNKNOWN THERE IS A KNOCK IN THE MOTOR.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated that sometimes after the vehicle was started, the engine shut off unexpectedly. The vehicle was towed to an independent m…
Engine developed a “ticking” sound, oil consumption has increased and vehicle will periodically stall at low speeds when driving especially towards the end of the oil change interval. All periodic maintenance has been performed since I have owned the car. Previous owner indicat…
My vehicle was leaking fluid, so I took it in and discovered that my vehicle’s ABS module failed in what was described to me as an “unusual way” at both the initial garage where I took it and, later, to the dealership, which was the only place that could do the actual repair. S…
Large Buck deer hit car with force, did not loose control, did not slam brakes attempted to pull to side of road. The hood flew up and had to use the emergency brake to come to full stop, put in park but the gas was full throttle. Neither airbag deployed and definitely should …
The air bad light is on and horn dose not working currently there is a open recall on the clutch spring for the air bag but my vin say no repair
I had a brake system failure of some sort happen today. My life and the lives of many others were put in extreme danger. I was driving at about 40 MPH and was approaching a red light. I pressed down on my brake pedal to begin slowing down, but I got absolutely nothing in respons…
I have been trying to have my brakes line repair for a recall for over a year with the local Kia dealer as they refused to see me for over a year due to not buying vehicle there. I lost my brakes due to the recall on the lines and not being able to get an appointment. I almost di…
Steering column, steering coupler piece
Steering column is broken and keeps falling. Hard to replace entire steering column. While driving the entire steering wheel will fall into lap, makes the car nearly un-drivable. I have fixed before but the entire part is now failing and is extremely dangerous.
Slow to shift and accelerate
The steering coupler clunks when I turn my steering wheel
The air bag light comes on and off. Rubber Weather stripping leaking. Runs hot.
The engine is failing. I took my Kia Forte into the dealership in March of 2025 for a blinking engine light and loss of power. It is under a warranty for engine replacement but Kia has done everything in their power not to help their own customer out. This engine issue can cause …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Kia Forte.
2014 Kia Forte Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Forte. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Kia Forte Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 433 owner complaints, 32 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Kia Forte shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?▾
#1: Engine Problems (213 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (62 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (62 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Forte?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Kia Forte?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Kia Forte, NHTSA complaints include 32 crash-related reports and 35 fire reports out of 433 total complaints. 29 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Kia Forte. A major recall area is ENGINE. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Kia Forte?▾
The 2014 Kia Forte shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Kia Forte based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.