2014 Kia Forte
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 219 of 441 complaints (50%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (20) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 211 in 2013 to 441 in 2014.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | vs. 2014 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,100–2,400 | 2,100–2,400 | 2,150–2,600 | 2,100–2,600 | 2,100–2,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–30 | 26–30 | 24–29 | 24–30 | 24–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–27 / 30–35 | 22–27 / 30–35 | 21–26 / 28–36 | 21–26 / 28–37 | 21–26 / 28–37 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 296–342 | 296–348 | 305–370 | 294–370 | 294–370 | |
| Complaints filed | 305 | 211 | 441 | 259 | 137 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 20 | 17 | 32 | 16 | 16 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 22 | 14 | 36 | 20 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 16 | 18 | 29 | 11 | 13 | |
| Deaths reported | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2014 Kia Forte?
Engine: 219 of 441 NHTSA complaints (50%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Forte get?
EPA rates it 24–29 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Kia Forte?
EPA estimates $2,150–$2,600 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (13)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 24 mpg | 35 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 24 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 322 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 26 mpg (high) | 34 mpg | 29 mpg (high) | $2,150 (low) | 308 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 24 mpg | 35 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 314 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg | 36 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | $2,150 (low) | 305 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 353 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (high) | 360 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 33 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 318 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 327 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 21 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (high) | 370 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 11 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 21 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (high) | 368 g/mi |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 324 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 321 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 219 | 3 | 23 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 18 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 26 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical | 57 | 3 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 33 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 63 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 22 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 71 | 23 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 19 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 24 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 53 | 7 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
ENGINE · Campaign 20V750000 · Dec 3, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · Campaign 17V773000 · Dec 5, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Campaign 15V015000 · Jan 16, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.