The Lemon Index2014 Kia Forte. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 6
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 | Regular | $2,500 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 22 / 29 / 24 | Regular | $2,600 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 | Regular | $2,150 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 25 / 36 / 29 | Regular | $2,150 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 35 / 28 | Regular | $2,200 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 34 / 28 | Regular | $2,200 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 119,500 miles. Median 78,500, from 265 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 93,000 | 66,900–130,000 | 133 |
| Steering | 60,100 | 27,000–76,900 | 27 |
| Airbags | 83,000 | 56,000–105,200 | 42 |
| Electrical | 70,000 | 39,700–98,000 | 33 |
| Brakes | 63,500 | 1,000–119,000 | 17 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Tires | 18% |
| Body structure | 16% |
| Electrical | 16% |
| Wheels | 15% |
| Engine | 15% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 445 | 32 | 36 | 23 | 0 | 40 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 3
20V750000 Dec 2020 Engine
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.
Risk. 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 1-80
17V773000 Dec 2017 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Pedals And Linkages
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.
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 condit
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.
15V015000 Jan 2015 Electrical System
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.
Risk. 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,
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Engine fires | 2021 | 2024 |
Manufacturer communications 171
Kia filed 171 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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)…
Crash ratings by version
| 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 |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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