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2014 Kia Forte Koup
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
439 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 26, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Buy-rated alternatives from this era
Other 2012–2016 cars in the same rough price bracket with a clean, matured Buy verdict, worth cross-shopping before you commit to the 2014 Kia Forte Koup.
Why caution?
68 complaints involve a crash, fire, injury or injury. Read them before deciding.
Engine problems dominate (49% of complaints, typically reported near 78k miles).
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →#319 of 539Among the 2014 models with a matured record, the 2014 Kia Forte Koup ranks #319, scoring higher than 39% of them. See the 2014 ranking →
Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file for this model year, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2014 Kia Forte Koup, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Airbags (62) · Electrical system (57) · Brakes (28) · Fuel system (26)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint. Treat them as a rough guide.
Engine
49%214 complaints · typically near 78k mi · 23 in the last 2 years
“Engine smoking when started up engine has oil in it scared to move vehicle because I have no idea if it’s going to catch fire or anything”
Steering
14%62 complaints · typically near 78k mi · 13 in the last 2 years
“The steering coupler clunks when I turn my steering wheel”
Airbags
14%62 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“The air bag light comes on and off. Rubber Weather stripping leaking. Runs hot.”
Electrical system
13%57 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years
“Steering column is broken and keeps falling. Hard to replace entire steering column. While driving the entire steering wheel will fall into lap, makes the car nearly u…”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
We can place 2 of this model's commonly reported problem areas against a mileage. Nothing is stored.
Read all 439 owner complaints in their own words → · just the 68 crash/fire/injury reports →
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine · 20V750000
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.
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, 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 · 17V773000
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 condition increases the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this Kia before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Forte Koup. Can you run this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm each one shows "Remedy Completed"?
- Owners of this model report engine problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 78k miles). Has this car shown any engine symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Owners of this model report steering problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 78k miles). Has this car shown any steering symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2014 Kia FORTE KOUP beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2014? See how every Forte Koup model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2014 Kia Forte Koup against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.