The Lemon Index2014 Kia Forte.
The 2014 Kia Forte is better than average by owner complaints: 62 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 82, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about tires, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 24 to 29 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 445 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 119K miles on the car (265 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 66K–130K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 27K–76K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 56K–105K miles
Recalls 3
- engine 2020
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- brakes 2017
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
- electrical 2015
In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 171 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Frameless window short drop feature inoperative - some forte koup (yd) vehicles, produced
- Water leak/condensation in rear combination tail lamp(s) - on some 2014~2015my forte (yd)…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Rain water is entering trunk/spare tire compartment area. Causing puddling and rear seat water damage.
2014 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 10970429
More owner reports
Scratches under the driver side door on car purchased as new may indicate prior use and odometer tamper.
NHTSA complaint 10575916
Three of the four oem tires that came on my vehicle have needed replacement due to damaged sidewalls. The oem tires are 16 inch nexen cp671 205/55r16 tires, and my vehicle currently has less than 23,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint 10692201
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 82; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are tires (18%), body structure (16%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
3 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Forte get?
24 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Forte problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 119,500 miles. The middle report was at 78,500 miles, from 265 complaints.
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works