Transport CanadaHigh Risk
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines under your vehicle can corrode over time. If a brake line corrodes and fails, it may leak brake fluid, which reduces your braking power.
This page covers 6 recalls, 434 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Kia Forte.
28–29 mpg combined
8.1–8.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2014 Kia Forte received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned 3 stars. Side crash protection was rated at 5 stars, while the rollover test resulted in 4 stars. Side pole crash testing also received a 5-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the Forte through the end of this generation.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2014 Kia Forte's complaint picture, with owners reporting a wide range of issues including sudden stalling, failure to start, unexpected entry into limp mode during acceleration, engine misfires, and in several cases, smoke or fire originating from the engine compartment while the vehicle was parked or in use. Steering draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners frequently describing clicking or ticking noises from the steering column, particularly during low-speed turns, a pattern that became progressively worse over time for many who reported it. Airbag complaints round out the top three reported systems. Some owners also describe brake pedal issues, noting the pedal traveling unusually far toward the floor before the vehicle slows, though this appears less frequently than the engine and steering patterns.
434
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
35
Fire-Related
23
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Kia Forte has 6 recalls, the most serious involving corroding brake lines that can leak fluid and significantly extend stopping distances, along with a cooling fan resistor that can overheat and start an engine compartment fire.
The brake line corrosion issue has two filings: an earlier inspection at Kia dealers did not fully resolve the problem for all vehicles, so a second inspection is required to confirm whether the brake lines are intact. On the fire side, the cooling fan resistor defect and a separate engine compartment fire risk together mean there are two distinct fire-related concerns under the hood. The resistor can melt and ignite nearby components, while the broader engine compartment fire recall covers a fire risk that can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
There are also two brake-related electrical concerns tied to the brake pedal. A small rubber stopper pad on the brake pedal can deteriorate and crumble over time, which allows the brake light switch plunger to stay extended even after the driver releases the pedal. When this happens, the brake lights stay on continuously, making it impossible for drivers behind the vehicle to tell when the brakes are actually being applied. This can also interfere with cruise control behavior and transmission shifting on some vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines under your vehicle can corrode over time. If a brake line corrodes and fails, it may leak brake fluid, which reduces your braking power.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
A Kia dealer will inspect your brake lines and apply anti-corrosion treatment. They will replace the brake lines if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines under your vehicle may corrode over time. A corroded brake line can fail and leak brake fluid, reducing your braking ability.
What the fix does
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealership. The dealer will inspect your brake lines, apply anti-corrosion treatment, and replace lines if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal stopper pad can wear down, causing the brake light switch to stay activated when you release the pedal. This keeps your brake lights on continuously and lets you shift gears without using the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cooling fan resistor can overheat and melt in certain 2014 Kia Forte vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit, or multi-fuse unit only depending on production date. 1.8L engines receive software updates.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cooling fan resistor may be defective and overheat, potentially melting and creating a fire risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
