Model year guide

2014 Kia Forte

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2014 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1,470 on record.

2014 Kia Forte — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2014 Kia Forte at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints435
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined28 mpg
Typical price$11,962

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2014 Kia Forte recalls 3

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

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,…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #17V773000 · 01/12/2017

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 p…

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.

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #15V015000 · 16/01/2015

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.

Fix: 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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2014 Kia Forte common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 435 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2014 Kia Forte safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2014 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2014 Kia Forte MPG & running costs

Combined28 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,175

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2014 Kia Forte worth?

Low
$10,600
Typical price
$11,962
High
$13,200

From 1,470 comparable 2014 Kia Forte listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2014 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,500
Total$18,375
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($11,962) with the same model 4 model-years older ($5,962), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2014 Kia Forte trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · Koup EX · Forte5 EX · LX, EX · Koup SX
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L

2014 Kia Forte vehicles on record

Other Kia Forte model years

2014 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2014 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Forte?

Based on 435 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, service brakes, air bags.

What is the 2014 Kia Forte safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2014 Kia Forte an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 3★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Forte get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2014 Kia Forte at about 28 mpg combined (24 city / 35 highway).

How much is a 2014 Kia Forte worth?

Comparable 2014 Kia Forte listings run roughly $10,600–$13,200, typically around $11,962 (from 1,470 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.