Home · 2014 Kia Forte Koup · Complaints

What 439 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Forte Koup

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (439)Crash / fire / injury (68)Engine (214)Airbags (62)Steering (62)Electrical system (57)Brakes (28)Fuel system (26)Lights (22)Body & structure (18)Transmission & drivetrain (17)Seat belts (14)

214 of 439 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 2 of 9

Apr 17, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond with the engine revving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was leaving a local dealer where NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) software update was completed. The contact returned to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle should be driven for a total of 600 miles before returning to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact returned to the residence with the vehicle unrepaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to the manufacture software update completed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 92,476.

NHTSA ODI 11583625

Apr 13, 2024Engine

My vehicle started making a ticking noise and then after driving on the interstate it entered limp mode with the check engine, battery, steering wheel, and oil lights on. I have been up to date on all oil changes and the car is only at 95,000 miles. After taking it to a mechanic he said the issue it with the engine and it needs a full replacement. The car is available for inspection and the problem is very common with Kia’s similar to mine, there is even a recall for the same car the same year mine is just not included for some reason.

NHTSA ODI 11582818

Mar 4, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11575403

Mar 1, 2024Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Driving to school and the engine started acting weird and took to Good Year mechanic and I received the attached invoice. Kindly refer to the invoice.

NHTSA ODI 11574821

Feb 5, 2024Engine

I took my car to Kia Healy in Newburgh New York for a recall on knock sensor update and ever since my car is not working had to park it.

NHTSA ODI 11570007

Jan 22, 2024Engine

I has replaced 2 coil packs then the engine started clicking

NHTSA ODI 11567030

Jan 2, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Driving down the highway and check engine light came on and dropped the cars speed down to 30 mph and was stuck on the highway and I called the KIA dealership that I got the car from and they cleared the code on the car and claimed they fixed it just for the car to go back into limp mode and now I’m stuck without a car and the dealership doesn’t want to fix it

NHTSA ODI 11563070

Jan 2, 2024Engine

Engine clicking noticed . Then light came on. Mechanic fixed. Engine light came on coil needed to be replaced a week later. Clicking got louder took to dealer said Engine wasn't getting enough oil that there was none on dipstick (took photo as proof it had oil). No other explanations no other solutions other than replacing Engine. Engine seized up un able to upload estimate bc of website issues

NHTSA ODI 11563135

Dec 22, 2023Engine

I was driving 65 mph and all of sudden the speed got lowered to 45 mph even I was pushing accelerator. Also I heard the engine knocking noise when I pushed accelerator hard. I had to stop and parked nearby church parking lot. I called a mechanic to diagnose, and he said the engine was broken and needed to be replaced with a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11561593

Dec 18, 2023Engine

Car died in reverse. Check engine light came on and turned off. Took to mechanic replaced spark plugs. Then 6 days later had another misfire replaced coils. At that a clicking noise was heard. Brought to kia dealership who said knocking come from engine but did not say what. Upon parking car completely died in drive. Engine failed.

NHTSA ODI 11560738

Nov 10, 2023SuspensionEngine

There is an unknown smell (kind of smells like Carbon Monoxide) when cranking up my car. There is this knocking noise that I continue to hear as if something is loose under my car, but when inspected, nothing was loose. It happens when I hit a bump or go over a hump in the road. The unknown smell scares me as this could be potentially hazardous to me and drivers around me. The knocking noise is terrifying making me feel as though my car is going to break down on me at any moment because of something that can’t be detected.

NHTSA ODI 11554578

Nov 9, 2023Engine

Just crunk it up and out the blue started knocking no warning no nothing

NHTSA ODI 11554414

Oct 24, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

My Kia Forte is from Puerto Rico, and I am currently having engine issues. The codes for the engine issues (and light) are P0014 and P0300. It can be inspected upon request. Kia America refuses to honor or attempt to look up the possible recalls for the engine, which is currently burning oil, and I've been advised that it's a safety hazard. I've been told that the engine is at risk of catching on fire, or exploding. This problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. I have not had to get my car inspected as I am originally from Texas, living in New York, and can update my registration via online as long as the car is inspected as soon as I return to Texas. I have spoken to Kia Puerto Rico and have been told that it's the job of Kia America to transfer the VIN number over so that it may be looked up in the warranty and recall system. The warning lamps first appeared in August. I'm the third owner of the vehicle, and was not made aware of the Puerto Rican VIN number prior to purchase, but Kia Puerto Rico insists that it IS Kia America's job to fix recall items.

NHTSA ODI 11551662

Sep 3, 2023Engine

Oil burn off prior to recommended oil change interval. Oil level was extremely low. Oil burn off has been increasing at progressive rates.

NHTSA ODI 11542394

Aug 31, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with dark, heavy scoring on the cylinder walls and the engine was replaced under warranty. Recently, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The check engine warning light was cleared. The failure returned soon after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,374.

NHTSA ODI 11541886

Jul 5, 2023Electrical systemEngine

Vehicle states glow relay stuck on (p1326) vehicle has gone into limp mode. Not able to drive over 60mph. All recommendations by Kia has been completed and vehicle still in limp mode.

NHTSA ODI 11530443

Apr 22, 2023Engine

My car has a knocking on the engine. I was told that I needed an engine replacement. However the car is just under 90k. Kia had a class action lawsuit with Kia forte 2014 models with engines 2.0 and 2.4 for complete engine failure and or engine fires. I have the exact same issue as the recalled cars in the lawsuit. I shouldn't have to do a full engine replacement at just under 90k. I am scared my car might catch fire. That's my transportation for me and my son. I can't even drive it anymore and the Kia dealership in Boise idaho has ignored me and I asked them specific questions and they told me nothing I learned all this on the internet. I have an engine 1.8 and they say it's not on the list but it should be. I need help getting my car on that list. I the knocking sound and the Kia dealership just told me I needed a new engine but never advised what could happen to me and my family if I keep driving it. That car is parked. I will never drive it again. I need help. Please.

NHTSA ODI 11518467

Apr 19, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the check engine warning light and the oil warning light were blinking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that engine oil was leaking onto the cam shaft and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 11517896

Apr 14, 2023Engine

My car started making a loud knocking and whining sound. It started around August of 2022. I called about an email I received saying there was a recall for my vehicle. I took my vehicle to Barnes Crossing Kia in Tupelo, MS I think on August 31 2022. They told me there was nothing wrong with my engine. My engine light is on. Ok fine, as my car gets worse, I'm starting to smell strong fumes inside the car when my air is on especially. So I took it to a shop called Coles Auto Repair and a mechanic told me my motor is going out on April 14 2023. I called Kia recall customer service and they told me that my vin number was not under a recall. I'm reading that my particular vehicle engine was recalled. So basically I'm told there's nothing they can do. The warranty only covers road bearing damages. I've only had my car since June 2021. Please help!

NHTSA ODI 11517149

Mar 14, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine made loud rattling and knocking sounds. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine and catalytic converter were faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined the engine replacement due to the mileage exceeding 150,000. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they were unable to assist because the dealer was privately owned. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511784

Mar 13, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and referred the contact to the local dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511566

Mar 11, 2023EngineFire

Warning lights starting flashing and vehicle went into "limp mode". Before I could completely pull over the engine started smoking. Taken to the dealer and while they were able to confirm the rod bearing was the failure, it also caused other failures so Kia wouldnt cover it under the warranty. I've did arbitration but still no help.

NHTSA ODI 11511334

Feb 27, 2023Electrical systemEngineFire

My car caught on fire out of nowhere when i pulled into my grandma's house. I was unaware of a recall until I was advised by the firman that put my car out that they had also put another kia out the same day and it had a recall. Upon searching I found this recall. I contacted kia and went through their claims process. They inspected my vehicle and are still claiming it didnt come from inside the dash board which is where the fire originated when I tried to put it out before it got out of hand. I have a video that proves i pulled in and it caught fire spontaneously. Kia has but me through trauma with that fire and I am lucky to still have a job with the work I missed without a vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11509413

Feb 6, 2023Engine

Tha car is burning engine oil, around 1/4 gallon each week and the motor don't have any oil leak and no black or blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe

NHTSA ODI 11505913

Jan 30, 2023Engine

While driving on the interstate vehicle's engine warning light turned on and suddenly the vehicle rapidly lost power. This created a VERY dangerous situation on a busy highway, putting my safety at risk and those of fellow drivers. Luckily there were no accidents and I managed to get to a repair facility. The mechanic said the engine codes were for the replacement of the engine. The engine was also low on oil again. Refilled oil to proper levels. The same issue occurred the next day, with more missing oil - no power, barely drivable and smells like gasoline inside the car a 2014 KIA FORTE.

NHTSA ODI 11504417

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Working with the data? Download all 439 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Kia Forte Koup verdict →