Every 2014 Kia Forte recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Engine · NHTSA 20V750000
Feb 12, 2020Engine
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- 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.
Full recall details for 20V750000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 17V773000
Jan 12, 2017Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals and Linkages
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall details for 17V773000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 15V015000
Jan 16, 2015Electrical System
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Full recall details for 15V015000 →
2014 Kia Forte complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 445 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Forte, reporting 32 crashes, 36 fires, 29 injuries. Kia has issued at least 171 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Engine217
- Air Bags64
- Steering64
- Electrical System58
- Unknown Or Other51
- Service Brakes26
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (74)
- Equipment (62)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (38)
- Structure (36)
- Steering (26)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic (16)
Read Kia Forte owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2014 Kia Forte
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 445 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Forte. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Fire
“I was getting into my car when I noticed that it was full of smoke, I then opened my hood and trunk. My trunk was on fire from a wire that had came down. I was only about to pull it out and put it out. Insurance said it will most likely be deemed a total loss.”
2014 KIA FORTEJul 23, 2026 · AR
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11752279
“I HAVE THE FORTE KOUP SX TGDI TRIM. I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 75-80 MPH. I NOTICED I WAS NOT ABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH SPEED TO PASS SLOWER TRAFFIC. ALSO NOTICED THAT ONCE SPEED SLOWED TO 65-70 MPH THE WAS NO POWER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE.”
2014 KIA FORTE KOUPJul 6, 2018
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11109934
Fire
“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.”
2014 KIA FORTEApr 27, 2026
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11733982
Injury reportedCrash
“After T-boning a Toyota Prius, my air bag did not go off and my driver seat belt did not lock. As a result, I suffered a collapsed right lung, my left hand punched the windshield fracturing my wrist and had to have surgery from that. Also suffered my 7th right rib fractured.”
2014 KIA FORTEFeb 9, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11641554
Crash
“My car was parked overnight in front my house on the street, and I remote started it around 4 pm. As I was looking out the window to check if the car started- I saw it moving forward.”
2014 KIA FORTEJul 3, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11530152
Check your Forte by VIN
Not every 2014 Kia Forte is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Kia dealer.
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