2014 Kia Forte: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2014 Kia Forte: 3 recalls, 444 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #15V015000 · 2015 · 86,880 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor May overheat and melt.
Why it matters: 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…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #17V773000 · 2017 · 134,366 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
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.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V750000 · 2020 · 294,756 vehicles
What's wrong: An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Why it matters: 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 36 mention a fire, 29 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (216): the most common themes are noise or vibration (92), warning light on (71), stalls / loses power (50).
- Steering (64): the most common themes are steering problems (59), noise or vibration (27), warning light on (9).
- Airbags (63): the most common themes are warning light on (25), fails to deploy (13).
- Electrical (57): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), warning light on (14).
The 2014 Kia Forte has 444 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 16 Forte model years for complaints (2.8× the average Forte year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (82 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 79,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2013 (195 complaints, 5 recalls), 2015 (260 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2014 Kia Forte.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Forte problems?
Owners have filed 444 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (216), steering (64), airbags (63).
What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2014 Kia Forte repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.