Most Common 2014 Kia Forte Problems

When looking for a compact and reliable used vehicle, the 2014 Kia Forte is often a choice made by many shoppers. Not only is it affordable compared to other cars in its class, but it is also very fuel-efficient and has many useful features that all drivers want. The Kia Forte also does well in the resale market as it is known to hold its value well. According to CarEdge, the estimated depreciation rate after five years is around 21%, when the vehicle has normal wear and tear. The reason for this is that it is known to be able to run for over 200,000 miles when properly maintained and serviced.

However, despite all the positive things about the 2014 Kia Forte, like all cars, there are some common 2014 Kia Forte problems to be aware of when shopping for a used model. In this article, we will review the most commonly reported Kia Forte 2014 problems so that you can be sure to ask your used car dealer all the right questions. That way, you can be more confident in your purchase and hopefully be less stressed throughout the entire car buying process.

Leaky Interiors

One of the first 2014 Kia Forte problems you should look for and ask the dealer about is whether or not it has ever had a leaky interior issue. A leaky interior can cause damage to both the front and back seats. The severity of damage will vary from car to car, but based on owner reports, it is relatively common to discover mold growth because of the moisture caused by interior leaks. There are also reports of the seats and seat belts getting so wet that the water damage caused was irreparable. The majority of these reports are from new owners, so this is known to happen early on in the ownership timeline. That said if you experience any signs of a leaky interior, be sure to get it looked at by a mechanic. You can also be proactive and prevent the chances of interior damage by getting your weatherstrips checked before you have any issues, and repaired at the first sign of leakage.

Theta II Engine Issues

The most serious Kia Forte 2014 problem you definitely want to be aware of revolves around the Theta II engine. This engine can be found in models made from 2012 to 2015. Unfortunately, the engine design has grown a reputation of being problematic, with notable issues that affect Fortes that are equipped with the 2.0L or 2.4L engines. These 2014 Kia Forte engine problems include knocks, oil leaks, complete engine failure, and even engine fires. These issues are known to reveal themselves around the 90k milestone of the vehicle.

To Kia’s credit, they did issue a recall to solve these problems in early 2021. However, an additional investigation was launched at the tail end of 2021 to review the growing engine fires issue. Thankfully, Kia dealerships continue to show how much they value their customers and are currently inspecting engines for leaks, updating the necessary knock sensor software, and making the needed repairs, free of charge.

Faulty Airbags

The 2014 to 2018 Kia Forte models are known to have malfunctioning airbag systems. Due to the 2014 Forte being the first model to experience these issues, as well as having the highest number of airbag-related complaints, the 2014 model is said to have the worst symptoms. Owners have reported that their airbag light will illuminate while driving and in more severe cases, their airbags failed to deploy entirely during an accident – which can be very dangerous. While the 2014 – 2016 models have not received a recall addressing the airbag problems yet, the newer 2017 – 2018 models have.

Electronic Malfunctions

Other notable problems with 2014 Kia Fortes revolve around the electronics throughout the vehicle. Although this issue has been present in several model years, it has been said that the 2014 model has had the worst symptoms. In addition to the engine issues mentioned above, the Forte also suffers from faulty cooling fans caused by a malfunctioning electric system – which can cause the engine to overheat, thus increasing the possibility of an engine fire. That said, if you are smelling a burning plastic-like scent while in the cabin, don’t wait until it turns into something more serious like a fire. Be sure to take your car into the shop as soon as possible.

These electrical shortcomings have also been known to cause a faulty brake pedal stopper, which can cause the brake lights to stay illuminated when the car is not braking or in park. In some severe cases, these electrical malfunctions can cause the vehicle to shift out of park without depressing the brake pedal, increasing the risk of an accident. In addition to the mentioned brake light issues, the exterior lights in general are known to burn out prematurely. Some reports state that owners had to change their bulbs several times in a single year. This rapid bulb burnout issue is due to voltage issues in the wiring harnesses.

Thankfully there have been recalls issued to address both of these electrical issues, and the dealerships will replace the necessary parts at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Structural Problems

The next two 2014 Kia Forte problems are regarding the model’s structural issues. Although the structure and design are sound, there are some common issues you will want to look out for and ask your dealer about if you sense one of these issues may be present. 

• Steering Problems – The steering coupler has been known as a common failure point. In most cases, if you have damaged couplers, you will hear a ticking noise coming from the steering wheel when rotating it. If this is the case, you will want to make sure they are replaced immediately. You should be able to take care of these issues free of charge with your warranty coverage.
• Trunk latch issues – The power trunk release latch is another failure point to look out for. The source of this issue is most often the cabin-mounted button or wiring harness. To fix this issue, a wiring harness replacement and/or replacing the affected physical button will be necessary.

Now that you are aware of some of the most common 2014 Kia Forte problems reported by owners, hopefully, you can feel more knowledgeable and confident about making the decision to purchase one or if a different vehicle might be a better fit. Regardless, Kia vehicles are a great option for shoppers looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle at an affordable price. Remember, no vehicle is perfect, so this article isn’t meant to discourage you from buying a Kia Forte. It is simply to help potential owners be more aware of the common Kia Forte 2014 problems you might experience so you can feel more confident about your purchase. If you have any questions about a given repair, give us a call at (385) 492-6965 or visit our shop in South Jordan. We look forward to assisting you!