141 complaints reported

2014 Kia Forte Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
141
Crashes
0
Fires
14
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Apr 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Apr 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2022
Apr 2023

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!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Mar 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Mar 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Mar 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2023
Jan 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light was blinking, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer updated the software, and the knock sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 67,068.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2023
Nov 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Oct 2022

I took my 2014 Kia Forte EX into the Kia dealership when there was a recall issued for the engine and also for a software update. I got the update and then shortly after leaving the dealership, my check engine light came on and started flashing. Soon my car quickly lost acceleration out of no where. My car has been stuck in limp mode ever since. I took the car back to the dealership and I have had my knock sensor replaced twice and every time I get my car back from the dealership it’s in worse condition than it was before I took it in. It studders more often and makes noise. I have been to dealerships from Illinois to Florida trying to get Kia to replace my engine. Before the software update my car was working fine no issues. The mechanics at the dealership said it is a engine/motor problem and I will need my engine to be completely replaced but because my engine isn’t failing the test then they will not do anything to fix my car even though they acknowledge it is a problem. My car is under warranty and based on the class action lawsuits I’m sure there is something that needs to be done to fix my car. I cannot afford to pay out of pocket for a new engine or to have to buy a new car. My car is not safe to drive and I have been out of a car for almost two years now because of this. There has to be some way you could help me get my car fixed. I paid this car off in full and as soon as it was paid off the software update put my car in limp mode and I have been having issues with it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Jul 2022

Vehicle has a engine oil leak.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Jul 2022

All Star Kia of Baton Rouge submitted information to Kia and the recall listed was denied. Cited that the car was put through a bearing test, and even charged me 393 dollars for this test when dealing with this recall directly. My vehicle was up to date with oil changes and verified that it was changed before 6k miles even sometimes before 3k miles. Currently the vehicle has a knock in it. PRIOR to bringing it in All Star Kia of Baton Rouge claimed they had all the parts but the long block suddenly wasn't there when I reached the location. I asked to see the data that they ran and they just showed the word "passed" without any data. All Star Kia then stated that their information connects directly with Kia directly and they don't have that information. They tried to charge me a 8000 for a engine repair. When dealing with the bearing test I told the representative I couldn't afford the 393 I'm just here for the test she said it would be ok and that they were going to use the data to contact Kia about the engine replacement, but needed my verification to run the test via a yes response on a text back to the representative. I was just in fear that my car would catch on fire at some point, and it was turned into a profit and the recall was completely neglected

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Jun 2022

My engine started smoking like crazy while driving. It had oil pouring out of the bottom of my car. I was stranded on the side of the interstate next to a smoking car with my 5 month old baby because they forgot to mention my engine had a recall. They won’t even look at my car until July 27th and won’t give me a loaner.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that a software update was not completed but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Jun 2022

Campaign PI2002A. P1326 KIA Code - Knock Sensor Detection System, Milage 35,488. January 15: My MIL went on 2 blocks from the house. I parked the car. Towed to garage who ran the code and recommended car got to dealership. Towed to dealer on January 17 ish. The dealer installed the patch and I picked up my car January 27. I drove around the block and retruned my car for knocking- the higher the speed the louder the noise. The dealership worked with Kia to reosolve by making videos of my car for weeks. 6 WEEKS LATER dealership called to tell me that I need a new engine and that the rods need replacing but it is not covered by a recall that specifically states that rods and or engine should be replaced. They offer a liftime waranty and engine replacement for this same code in other Kias. Repairs or a new engine should be covered as is with outher Kias with same issue. TSB Number: PI2002YZ_TSB_R2 NHTSA Number: 10201615. Literally the same issue in DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
May 2022

Had major oil consumption issues, 2+ quarts a week with no visible drips, puddles or misting. Dropped off at dealer when on vacation. Dealer insisted that problem was oil pan and they insisted that it was the source of leak despite my protests. I was told that "...at any rate, Kia will not authorize engine replacement". No change to consumption after picking up car. KSDS software update performed. Flashing CEL and breakdown on highway several months later. Different dealer diagnosed needed repair as "engine replacement". Neither dealer nor Kia consumer care (KCAC) would do ANYTHING to take care of problem. Ignored my letter, and stiff-armed at every step. BTW, I bought 2 brand new cars from this dealership. Terrible quality and even worse customer service, if that is possible. Clearly this is a known issue and Kia is doing their darnedest to not have to add the Forte model to their recall as this is their biggest seller with this engine. Shame on Kia, their dealer network and the US consumer affairs agencies and NHTSA for not making this happen!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2021
Apr 2022

engine burning oil, engine knocking, entire engine needed replaced

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Apr 2022 Fire

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH a knocking type noise was suddenly present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed. The vehicle was restarted but the failure continued to occur. While examining under the hood black smoke was present coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022
Apr 2022 Fire

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled. The contact pulled safely off the road. The contact stated the check engine light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and attempted to drive it home. The contact said that the engine began to make a knocking noise and again stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to her house and then to the dealer. The dealer mechanic started the vehicle and smoke began to issue out from under the hood. The mechanic turned the vehicle off, no more smoke or fire was noticed after the hood was opened. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022
Mar 2022

One Monday morning my engine light came on in my car so I went to go to go get my car checked out that Tuesday morning . The dude that checked my car ( I forgot his name ) found metal in my oil which came from my engine and told me to see if I had a recall on my car , come to find out I did have a recall on my engine . My safety was put at risk due to the fact that my engine COULDVE blew while driving on the road . And it was confirmed by the Kia dealership that my car needed a new engine but they was telling me that I may or may not get my engine in my car due to the fact the recall was on the car since December of last year of 2020 which I didn’t know about at the time until AFTER I bought the car . I was trying to move my car to the dealership to get it checked out and my car made a loud thumping noise which came from the engine and my car completely shut off before leaving the place where I had it looked at . I ended up getting it towed to the Kia dealership for further inspections . It’s been approximately 3 weeks since my car has been fixed and I haven’t gotten my car fixed yet . The lady at Kia ( I forgot her name ) told me basically it’s nothing Kia can do for my car .

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022
Mar 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 53 MPH at night, the vehicle started shuddering and then stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The used car dealer diagnosed that the catalytic converter was misfiring. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving five months later. The vehicle was taken back to the used car dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was misfiring. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the used car dealer three more times. The used car dealer provided the same diagnostic and repaired the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,800.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2019
Mar 2022

My car had recall service performed last year at First Kia in Simi Valley, CA. The work (for engine fires) took four months to complete, because on my first two visits they were refusing to perform recall service. The recall was to fix oil leaks and update the knock sensor. They never did fix my leaking engine. A few weeks ago some engine noise made me concerned. First Kia denied any warranty coverage on the work performed. The recall notice meanwhile explicitly describes oil leak corrections and warranty updates. At present my car has a knocking trouble code and I've now been misled by First Kia into great cost.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2022
Mar 2022

i bought my 2014 kia forte last 5months ago. my car started to make a weird noise. i brought my car to dealership and they said it needs a new engine. i still owe around $8000+ with this car. i am student and i dont how am i going able to get money for a new engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2022
Mar 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2014 Kia Forte has 141 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.