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 4 of 9

Feb 11, 2022Engine

On November 2nd of 2020 my vehicle could barely make it up a highway incline, the RPM's would go high but, vehicle could get no speed or shift gears. My car actually cut off on me with no warning and at that time I was not in the slow lane which was dangerous. So I coasted off the exit and the car would not start. The car was towed to dealer and was checked out and repaired for a catalytic converter. Now on November 5th 2022 the vehicle started doing the same exact thing as before. Keep in mind its only been barely over year since converter was replaced. The engine again stalls out while driving and would not start. So, on 02/07/2022 I had a flex pipe put on the car. On 02/09/2022 I took it to an exhaust shop to have it checked. Once again they had to replace the converter due to it being clogged. The repair shop stated that this is a problem with GDI engines and that's it burning more oil causing the converter to clog. So this is unsafe to the consumer where it either stalls out or cuts off without notice. There is a problem because now I'm on my 2nd converter in little more than a year.

NHTSA ODI 11451523

Jan 21, 2022Engine

The car is running really terribly. Took to a Kia dealer to have recall for Knocking sensor and catalytic converter fixed as we were told by a prior mechanic. Car has 86,000 miles on it. The kia dealer did not fix the problem(s). Gave us back the car in the same working order it was in when they received. Didn't notify us of what was wrong with the car exactly and did not offer to fix or remedy it either on the recall or us paying out of pocket. But did tell us about multiple light bulbs that were out. I called and spoke to them about it and they told me that what is wrong with the car is not covered under the 2 recalls they repaired. But the things that are wrong with the car were under the recall notices that we read on the NHTSA website after entering the VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11448412

Jan 3, 2022Engine

Vehicle has 103k miles. Ticking noise evident from engine., which reacts to increase in RPM. Took to local Kia dealer for diagnosis - recommended a new engine. Cost of $6-7000 to replace the engine. This vehicle cost was just arouns $7000 last year when purchasded.

NHTSA ODI 11445969

Dec 28, 2021Engine

Engine seized while driving. Car had just over 60,000 miles. Approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI 11445237

Dec 14, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer failed to update the Knock Sensor Detection System software. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who updated the Knock Sensor Detection System software; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that they would send a diagnostic report and video clips to the manufacturer to obtain the manufacturer's approval for the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to obtain a vehicle rental out-of-pocket and she would be reimbursed later. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 63,200.

NHTSA ODI 11443796

Dec 3, 2021Engine

The vehicle has been consuming and leaking oil for over two years. More recently the vehicle was started/running and it was identified that large amounts of oil were leaking from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the original Kia dealership where purchased. The Kia dealership has advised that the engine is seized and requires replacement. Kia has declined the dealership's request to replace engine. Recall for vehicle is currently open: Manufacturer Recall Number - SC200YD NHTSA Recall Number - 20V750

NHTSA ODI 11442497

Nov 17, 2021Transmission & drivetrainAirbagsEngineCrash

My Kia Forte when I put it in reverse it will jerk back then pause and hardly push itself backwards I have no control same as putting the car into Drive. I also consistently hear water in the bottom of my car swishing around.

NHTSA ODI 11440761

Nov 12, 2021EngineFire

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 45 mph, the engine failed and smoke was coming from the engine. The contact's son was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure, and no oil was found in the oil reservoir. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, Koons Annapolis Toyota (1107 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401), and the dealer sent documents from the previous dealer, Kia of Bowie, to the manufacturer. The Koons Annapolis Toyota dealer had the vehicle towed to Alexandria Car Clinic (3235 Colvin St, Alexandria, VA 22314) for the engine replacement. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. However, the manufacturer closed the case without notifying the contact and had not responded to the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 66,800.

NHTSA ODI 11440229

Oct 29, 2021Engine

Oil Consumption. Having to put about 3 quarts of oil in before the next recommended oil change. Have been doing that for the last 6+ months.

NHTSA ODI 11438635

Oct 29, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, knocking noises were heard and the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil after she checked the oil level. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an engine and oil consumption test. The vehicle passed the engine test but failed the oil consumption test. The dealer updated the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles for the oil consumption test. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer after driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles and the vehicle failed the oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact that they would not perform another oil consumption test and the engine would not be replaced since the vehicle had passed the engine test prior and they only replaced seized engines. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would contact the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438643

Oct 24, 2021Engine

My 2.0L GDI engine developed a clacking sound and I have been told I need a new engine. It seems to be the same issue as the other Kia models with this same engine that have had their engines recalled. Yet Kia does not include the Forte in the recall, even though it is the same engine.

NHTSA ODI 11437986

Sep 2, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who stated that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11431538

Aug 20, 2021EngineFire

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming excessive oil and there was oil leaking onto the ground. The contact had to put 1 to 2 quarts of oil for every trip. There was also smoke coming from the engine and a loud knocking noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four separate occasions and the dealer refilled the oil. However, the dealer could not diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to make her sign a waiver but when she refused, the dealer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the vehicle may catch fire. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was not able to speak to a live representative. The failure mileage was 54,498.

NHTSA ODI 11429886

Aug 12, 2021Engine

unknown

NHTSA ODI 11428857

Jul 23, 2021Engine

I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been taken care of the first time I reported their engines going out on two cars bought the very same day. Also on the Kia ending in VIN # 9225, it sat at the dealership for almost two years before I could even afford to have the motor replaced for it and the other one a little later. At the very least that can be verified, that I was paying on cars that weren't even running and just sitting until I could afford to replace the motors. I was on my way home from work when the engine light came on and the car started to just not want to move anymore. I barely made it home and eventually took it to Kia and was told the engine went out. I can only give an approximate date from the email of when I inquired about the motors later on when I could afford to have them replaced. I will have to get a copy of the receipt for the motor replacement of one of the Kia's from my daughter. I was told to contact Kia to verify the motors were replaced, but they wanted to charge me and I can't afford the amount for either of the cars to verify engine replacement on the cars. The repair shop that replaced the motors is no longer in business and the phone numbers are no longer associated with the business even though they still show as being open. I have emailed and contacted the information on the business's site, but no response at all. Please can someone help me with Kia in assisting with this matter as it should have been taken care of the very first time I called to report to the issue. Thank you for any assistance you can give me.

NHTSA ODI 11426070

Jul 23, 2021Engine

I started trying in 2015 or 2016 to have my engine replaced and compensated for the purchase of both engines for the two Kia's I bought brand new when the engines went out on both of the cars weeks apart. Please can anyone help me with this situation, as I am at my wits end to be compensated for something that should have been taken care of the first time I reported their engines going out on two cars bought the very same day. Also on the Kia ending in VIN # 9225, it sat at the dealership for almost two years before I could even afford to have the motor replaced for it and the other one a little later. At the very least that can be verified, that I was paying on cars that weren't even running and just sitting until I could afford to replace the motors. I was on my way home from work when the engine light came on and the car started to just not want to move anymore. I barely made it home and eventually took it to Kia and was told the engine went out. I can only give an approximate date from the email of when I inquired about the motors later on when I could afford to have them replaced. I will have to get a copy of the receipt for the motor replacement of one of the Kia's from my daughter. I was told to contact Kia to verify the motors were replaced, but they wanted to charge me and I can't afford the amount for either of the cars to verify engine replacement on the cars. The repair shop that replaced the motors is no longer in business and the phone numbers are no longer associated with the business even though they still show as being open. I have emailed and contacted the information on the business's site, but no response at all. Please can someone help me with Kia in assisting with this matter as it should have been taken care of the very first time I called to report to the issue. Thank you for any assistance you can give me

NHTSA ODI 11426071

Jul 20, 2021Engine

The vehicle has spun a rod bearing of the internal engine. It is available for inspection upon request. Engine damage puts driver, passengers and all bystanders at extreme risk. Dealer has confirmed rod knock. Other automotive shop diagnosed spun rod bearing. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The check engine light came on immediately before failure.

NHTSA ODI 11425687

Jul 15, 2021Engine

Motor locked up after getting recalls done and Kia is saying no recall on motor

NHTSA ODI 11425006

Jul 15, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was oil leaking onto the catalytic converter. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11425024

Jul 9, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle taken to an independent mechanic where she discovered that the vehicle had a defective O2 sensor. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and called her husband for assistance. The contact's husband attempted to jump-start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then purchased a new battery however, the failure persisted. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11424087

Jun 30, 2021Electrical systemEngineFuel systemFire

I bought the car in November 2 weeks later driving on December 10 All lights came out car loss power and engine blew off I was driving at around 55mph I’m still paying for the car but I never received no notice for the recall I need an answer ASAP the cae as been in my garage since December 10/2020

NHTSA ODI 11423017

Jun 14, 2021Engine

After engine replacement 12/2020, continue to have problems with stalling, randomly not starting, various light ups on dash, RPM gage not moving.

NHTSA ODI 11420800

Jun 14, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, eight days later while driving, the vehicle shifted into LIMP mode and failed to operate as designed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11420856

Jun 7, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH the vehicle started to emit hot air from the engine compartment into the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired nor diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) for which the vin was included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,600.

NHTSA ODI 11419924

Jun 3, 2021Engine

While driving the vehicle in June 2020, the engine started knocking loudly and caused the vehicle to vibrate so I shut off the vehicle. After being towed, the mechanic stated the rod blew through the block and knocked out the starter. The engine needs a full replacement and based on my mechanics review this would not have happened had the 12/2020 recall been conducted more timely. The Kia recall # stated Kia dealership would pick up the vehicle & inspect for free. The dealership has refused to work with me or my mechanic, advised it would not be covered based on being out of warranty and avoids explaining why it isn’t covered or what the actual recall is (they will only state the name of the recall, not why or the details).

NHTSA ODI 11419560

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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 →