2014 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 213 3 crash 23 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL ODOR. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIREFIGHTERS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT'S SIGNIFICANT OTHER SUFFERED BURNS ON THE RIGHT HAND THUMB, BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEM…”
NHTSA complaint #11113392, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On June 24, 2022 I was driving my vehicle on 435N to work. My steering wheel jerked to the left and started spinning out of control. I was driving at 60mph in the inside lane. When my steering jerked it caused me to turn headfirst into the inside wall. I proceeded to spin out of control across 3 lanes of rush hour traffic, clipping a second vehicle, before smashing into the outside wall and then resting in the outside lane horizontally. I was rushed to the emergency room where I suffered a broken back. Upon looking at the recalls and safety issues with my vehicle there was a recall #17V773000…”
NHTSA complaint #11471011, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while exiting the contact's residence and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that seconds later, the contact noticed fire coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with two residential fire extinguishers. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The fire inspector informed the contact that the fire was caused by an unknown fluid. The vehicle was not inspected by the ins…”
NHTSA complaint #11733982, 2026 · fire

Air Bags 62 21 crash 18 injury

“TAKATA RECALL NEEDS TO RECALL THE BREAKS ON THE 2014 KIA FORTE. ON NOVEMEBER 21ST 2016 I TOTALLED MY KIA DUE TO FAILURE OF MANAFACURER BREAKS THEY DIDNT STOP ME AND I REAR ENDED A CAR WHICH HOT ANOTHER THAT HIT ANOTHER. THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL I BEARLY PUSH ON FHE GAS AND IT ZOOMED OFF T WENT FROM 0-30 REALLY QUICK. DURRING THE WRECK I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHICH WHEN I HIT THE CAR DUE TO THE BREAKS FAILING MY CAR BOUCED OFF OF IT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE ROAD WAS DRY IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE OT WAS 5:58 AM AND VERY CLEAR OUTSIDE. THE ROADS WERE V…”
NHTSA complaint #10933944, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that her vehicle hydroplaned while driving at 65 MPH, which caused her to lose control of vehicle. The contact hit the right guardrail three times on the passenger side of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy after multiple impacts. The contact nor her passenger needed medical assistance; however, they did both suffer minor scrapes and soreness. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard but was then towed to the contact's home where it remained in her possession. The manufacturer had yet to b…”
NHTSA complaint #11423546, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE A CAR HIT HIT ME BEHIND AND PUSHED MY CAR INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR CAUSING THE FRONT SMASHED BOO INPACT AND BAG DIDN'T COME OUT ON EITHER SIDE. MY CAR WAS A DEAD STOP BEFORE THE INPACT FROM BEHIND ON A EXISTING TO A OFF RAMP ON THE INTERSTATE.”
NHTSA complaint #11081884, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Steering 62 4 crash 3 injury

“On June 24, 2022 I was driving my vehicle on 435N to work. My steering wheel jerked to the left and started spinning out of control. I was driving at 60mph in the inside lane. When my steering jerked it caused me to turn headfirst into the inside wall. I proceeded to spin out of control across 3 lanes of rush hour traffic, clipping a second vehicle, before smashing into the outside wall and then resting in the outside lane horizontally. I was rushed to the emergency room where I suffered a broken back. Upon looking at the recalls and safety issues with my vehicle there was a recall #17V773000…”
NHTSA complaint #11471011, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AIRBAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER COMES ON AND OFF WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE DRIVER IS ON NOW, AS WELL AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL KNOCKS WHEN THE CAR IS MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AND THE HORN HAS NOW STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE SOMETHING IS IN THE WAY AND WON'T ALLOW THE PRESSURE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WE HAVE REPLACED BULBS FOR THE TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES A YEAR. THIS CAN'T BE NORMAL! WE NOW KEEP BULBS IN THE CAR TO BE PREPARED TO REPLACE AT ANY TIME. WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK, WHERE A TRUCK RAN THE RED LIGHT AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11298870, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP INCLINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR TURN THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BEFORE WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP.…”
NHTSA complaint #10703084, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 56 3 crash 10 fire 1 injury

“ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2014, MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2014 KIA FORTE WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. AS SOON AS I PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER, FLAMES CAME OUT OF THE HOOD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. KIA CORPORATE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE. I NEED HELP! *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10639468, 2014 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“on or about 6-6-2023 store employee Tim Creel was airing up the tire on the passenger side front of the vehicle. Tim used a kia air compressor which comes standard with a lot of today's Kias instead of spare tire. The tire pressure reached 32 psi when Tim unplugged the 12v connector. As he went to walk away he noticed flames coming from under the plug in spot. The vehicle proceeded to keep a fire going for several minutes as the other employee Eddie pulled up and put it out with a fire extinguisher. The owner mark then advised a report be made. The D'Iberville police and fire dept showed up.…”
NHTSA complaint #11527256, 2023 · fire

“My car caught on fire out of nowhere when i pulled into my grandmother's driveway. I had smelt smoke maybe 10 minutes before I arrived but assumed it was from someone starting a fire while I was driving. No smoke had started forming while I was driving. The smoke rolled out from the dash board area and kept spreading once I had arrived and got out to get my grandma from inside. My entire car was engulfed in flames within minutes. The firefighters informed me that they had put out another kia that same day and that there was active recalls for fires on kias. I kept my car at a tow lot for almos…”
NHTSA complaint #11515767, 2022 · fire

Unknown Or Other 50 7 crash 8 fire 3 injury

“I WAS TAKING MY BOYFRIEND TO WORK WHEN I NOTICED A SMELL WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR THE SMELL GOT WORST I WENT TO GO GET MY BOYFRIEND AND WHEN WE GOT BACK TO THE CAR IT WAS SMOKING. I HURRIED AND GRABBED THE KIDS OUT IF THE CAR NEXT THING WE KNOW THE FRONT IF THE CAR UNDER THE HOOD CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS ALMOST A BRAND NEW CAR IT HAD ONLY 60,000 MILES ON IT. NO WARNING LIGHTS NOTHING THE FIRE WAS SO BIG LIKE SOMETHING OUT IF A MOVIE. KIA ISN'T EXPLAINING WHY MY CAR WOULD JUST CATCH FIRE OUT OF THE BLUE. IT WAS RUNNING PARKED ON A BUSINESS PARKING LOT”
NHTSA complaint #11112815, 2018 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“THE KIA WAS MOVING INTO THE CITY INTERSECTION AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN A CHEVY BLAZER TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60+ MPH HIT THE KIA, WITHOUT BREAKING AND RIPPED THE WHOLE FRONT END OFF. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THIS RESULTED IN INJURIES.*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11397828, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AIRBAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER COMES ON AND OFF WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE DRIVER IS ON NOW, AS WELL AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL KNOCKS WHEN THE CAR IS MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AND THE HORN HAS NOW STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE SOMETHING IS IN THE WAY AND WON'T ALLOW THE PRESSURE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WE HAVE REPLACED BULBS FOR THE TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES A YEAR. THIS CAN'T BE NORMAL! WE NOW KEEP BULBS IN THE CAR TO BE PREPARED TO REPLACE AT ANY TIME. WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK, WHERE A TRUCK RAN THE RED LIGHT AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11298870, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 28 5 crash 7 injury

“BEFORE EXITING BUT DURING DEPARTURE OF PARKING LOT FOR APARTMENT BUILDING KEEPING BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED WITH TRANSMISSION GEARED IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AND SPED OUT OF CONTROL BACKWARDS UNTIL STOPPED BY SUDDEN IMPACT WITH A TREE RESULTING IN NUMEROUS BODILY INJURIES TO TRAUMATIC MENTALLY ANGUISHED DRIVER AND 2 PASSENGERS, 1 OF WHICH WAS SEATED IN THE BACKSEAT COLLISION SIDE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE ACCORDING TO DRIVERS INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDER STATE FARM. CLAIM NUMBER: 53-15K1-66D”
NHTSA complaint #11390435, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL NEEDS TO RECALL THE BREAKS ON THE 2014 KIA FORTE. ON NOVEMEBER 21ST 2016 I TOTALLED MY KIA DUE TO FAILURE OF MANAFACURER BREAKS THEY DIDNT STOP ME AND I REAR ENDED A CAR WHICH HOT ANOTHER THAT HIT ANOTHER. THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL I BEARLY PUSH ON FHE GAS AND IT ZOOMED OFF T WENT FROM 0-30 REALLY QUICK. DURRING THE WRECK I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHICH WHEN I HIT THE CAR DUE TO THE BREAKS FAILING MY CAR BOUCED OFF OF IT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE ROAD WAS DRY IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE OT WAS 5:58 AM AND VERY CLEAR OUTSIDE. THE ROADS WERE V…”
NHTSA complaint #10933944, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I WAS IN A THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS THE THIRD CAR. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND IN TURN CAUSED THAT VEHICLE TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. I HAD THE BRAKES PRESSED DOWN ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND STILL COULDN'T STOP IN TIME TO PREVENT IMPACT, THERE WERE NOT EVEN ANY SKID MARKS ON THE PAVEMENT. THE IMPACT WAS SO STRONG THAT MY BACK SEATS FOLDED DOWN AND THE THINGS I HAD IN MY TRUNK FLEW FORWARD AND HIT THE BACK OF THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAD GLASS BOTTLES OF DRINKS IN THE TRUNK AND THEY WERE ALL BUSTED IN THE FLOORBOARD FROM BEING THROWN THROUGH THE BACK SEAT THAT FOLDED DOWN. FIRE AND R…”
NHTSA complaint #10549909, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 24 1 crash 3 fire 3 injury

“BEFORE EXITING BUT DURING DEPARTURE OF PARKING LOT FOR APARTMENT BUILDING KEEPING BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED WITH TRANSMISSION GEARED IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AND SPED OUT OF CONTROL BACKWARDS UNTIL STOPPED BY SUDDEN IMPACT WITH A TREE RESULTING IN NUMEROUS BODILY INJURIES TO TRAUMATIC MENTALLY ANGUISHED DRIVER AND 2 PASSENGERS, 1 OF WHICH WAS SEATED IN THE BACKSEAT COLLISION SIDE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE ACCORDING TO DRIVERS INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDER STATE FARM. CLAIM NUMBER: 53-15K1-66D”
NHTSA complaint #11390435, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11423017, 2020 · fire

“THE CAR WAS HAVING SOME ... PAUSE, WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS SO IT WAS TAKEN TO A KIA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTION SO WE PAID THE 200 PLUS DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED, THIS HAPPEN ON A FRIDAY, AFTER THE FIX WE FEULED UP AND SATURDAY THE CAR WAS NOT USED ON SUNDAY MORNING GETTING TO CHURCH THE CAR MOTOR WAS ON FIRE. THIS HAPPENED NEAR THACKER AVE”
NHTSA complaint #11396922, 2020 · fire

Exterior Lighting 22 1 crash 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS PERCEIVED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILLION AUTO KIA (605-309-0977, LOCATED AT 1400 CAMBELL ST, RAPID CITY, SD 57701) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF…”
NHTSA complaint #11176611, 2018 · fire

“VEHICLE IN MOTION HIT DEER. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AT THE TIME AND CONTINUES BEING A HAZARD AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SMELL OF SOMETHING BUT INFO TURNED OUT TO BE BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR THE BLOWER MOTOR MALFUNCTIONS THE SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN”
NHTSA complaint #11176074, 2017 · crash

“The car will randomly cut off while driving, to restart the car must be put into neutral to restart and the lights go off during that time. If you are on the interstate going over 50, it will jerk and restart itself but the steering gets really stiff and you have to pull over and cut car off and restart to get the steering to work properly again.”
NHTSA complaint #11645865, 2024

Structure 18 2 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“I WAS IN A THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AS THE THIRD CAR. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND IN TURN CAUSED THAT VEHICLE TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. I HAD THE BRAKES PRESSED DOWN ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND STILL COULDN'T STOP IN TIME TO PREVENT IMPACT, THERE WERE NOT EVEN ANY SKID MARKS ON THE PAVEMENT. THE IMPACT WAS SO STRONG THAT MY BACK SEATS FOLDED DOWN AND THE THINGS I HAD IN MY TRUNK FLEW FORWARD AND HIT THE BACK OF THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAD GLASS BOTTLES OF DRINKS IN THE TRUNK AND THEY WERE ALL BUSTED IN THE FLOORBOARD FROM BEING THROWN THROUGH THE BACK SEAT THAT FOLDED DOWN. FIRE AND R…”
NHTSA complaint #10549909, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE CAR WAS HAVING SOME ... PAUSE, WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS SO IT WAS TAKEN TO A KIA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTION SO WE PAID THE 200 PLUS DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED, THIS HAPPEN ON A FRIDAY, AFTER THE FIX WE FEULED UP AND SATURDAY THE CAR WAS NOT USED ON SUNDAY MORNING GETTING TO CHURCH THE CAR MOTOR WAS ON FIRE. THIS HAPPENED NEAR THACKER AVE”
NHTSA complaint #11396922, 2020 · fire

“03/08/19 AT 5:45AM I WAS ENTERING US HWY 23 N. BOUND FROM CENTRAL AVE. IN SYLVANIA OHIO. THE CAR WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION AS I TRIED TO GET ON THE FREEWAY. SUDDENLY I HEARD LIKE A FAN NOISE, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF! I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS SMOKE WAS FILLING THE CABIN. I GOT OUT AND WENT AROUND FRONT AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT BETWEEN THE HOOD AND THE FENDER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CALLED 911. ONE POLICE AND 2 FIRE TRUCKS SHOWED UP IN NOTHING FLAT! THE FIRE WAS MOVING INTO THE CAB. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS! AFTER MY OWN…”
NHTSA complaint #11185864, 2019 · fire

Power Train 17 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP INCLINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR TURN THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BEFORE WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP.…”
NHTSA complaint #10703084, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11398075, 2021 · fire

“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 complaint #11440761, 2021 · crash

Seat Belts 14 4 crash 3 injury

“After T-boning a Toyota Prius, my air bag did not go off and my driver seat belt did not lock. As a result, I suffered a collapsed right lung, my left hand punched the windshield fracturing my wrist and had to have surgery from that. Also suffered my 7th right rib fractured. There was no warning lamps and no shop or dealer mentioned any of the malfunctions.”
NHTSA complaint #11641554, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“There was a car accident car was totaled my wife was stuck in the seat the seat belt broke would not unlatch they had to cut her out. There not supposed to break. What if the car cought fire?”
NHTSA complaint #11439306, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON FEB 14TH, 2015 I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD, THERE WAS A SNOW BLIZZARD, IT WAS JUST STARTING, I WAS TRYING TO STOP ON AN INTERSECTION MY SPEED WAS LESS THEN 10MPH, THERE WAS A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, MY CAR SLIPPED HITTING THE HOOK ON THE TRUCK. THERE IS A SMALL HOLE ON BUMPER THAT SMALL IMPACT ACTIVATED THE AIRBAGS. MY LEFT WRIST WAS BROKEN. ULNA AND RADIUS FRACTURE PRETTY BAD. I WAS TAKEN ON AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL AND GOT SURGERY 2 WEEKS AFTER. IT'S TAKING ME 6 WEEKS OUT OF WORK AND 3 MONTHS TO RECOVER. I BELIEVE THE AIRBAG AT THAT SPEED SHOULDN'T COME OUT. THE FRONT WINDOW WAS BROKEN B…”
NHTSA complaint #10700697, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 13 2 crash 6 injury

“BEFORE EXITING BUT DURING DEPARTURE OF PARKING LOT FOR APARTMENT BUILDING KEEPING BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED WITH TRANSMISSION GEARED IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AND SPED OUT OF CONTROL BACKWARDS UNTIL STOPPED BY SUDDEN IMPACT WITH A TREE RESULTING IN NUMEROUS BODILY INJURIES TO TRAUMATIC MENTALLY ANGUISHED DRIVER AND 2 PASSENGERS, 1 OF WHICH WAS SEATED IN THE BACKSEAT COLLISION SIDE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE ACCORDING TO DRIVERS INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDER STATE FARM. CLAIM NUMBER: 53-15K1-66D”
NHTSA complaint #11390435, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL NEEDS TO RECALL THE BREAKS ON THE 2014 KIA FORTE. ON NOVEMEBER 21ST 2016 I TOTALLED MY KIA DUE TO FAILURE OF MANAFACURER BREAKS THEY DIDNT STOP ME AND I REAR ENDED A CAR WHICH HOT ANOTHER THAT HIT ANOTHER. THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL I BEARLY PUSH ON FHE GAS AND IT ZOOMED OFF T WENT FROM 0-30 REALLY QUICK. DURRING THE WRECK I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHICH WHEN I HIT THE CAR DUE TO THE BREAKS FAILING MY CAR BOUCED OFF OF IT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE ROAD WAS DRY IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE OT WAS 5:58 AM AND VERY CLEAR OUTSIDE. THE ROADS WERE V…”
NHTSA complaint #10933944, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Sterling wheel begins to shake at high speed and a lower speed causing the whole steering wheel to shake and make noise. And have realized the cruise control is no longer working”
NHTSA complaint #11638537, 2025

Tires 12

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on the highway, there was smoke coming from under the hood. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stopped. The TPMS and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that failure was due to the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was prov…”
NHTSA complaint #11656236, 2025

“2014 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKS IN VEHICLE TIRES BETWEEN TREADS. CONSUMER HAS DIFFERENT VEHICLE COMPLAINT IN ARTEMIS. *SMD”
NHTSA complaint #10816160, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN CP521 TIRES, SIZE: P215/45R17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT COULD FEEL A VIBRATION IN THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD A BLISTER ON THE INNER…”
NHTSA complaint #10749173, 2015

Wheels 11

“ON 2/19/2021 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY AND THE CAR WAS LOSING POWER. I DON'T DRIVE IT THAT MUCH SO WASN'T SURE IF IT WAS JUST ME. BUT AS I PULLED INTO A DRIVE THRU AND WAS COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR WAS IDLING A LITTLE ROUGH AND THE ENGINE WAS TICKING AND LIGHTLY KNOCKING. ALSO HERE IS A LIST OF CONTINUING ISSUES THAT WE HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW WITH LIKE 12 MILES ON IT. THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW HAS NEVER WORKED. THE RADIO BLUETOOTH ALWAYS HAD CONNECTIVITY ISSUES. THEN THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED AND IS STILL ON. THE TIRE SHOP SAID IT MIGHT…”
NHTSA complaint #11397163, 2021

“MY TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE BUT I KEEP GETTING NOTIFICATIONS INDICATING I HAVE LOW TIRES PRESSURE. I GOT IT CHECKED OUT AND THE TIRES HAVE THE PROPER AMOUNT OF AIR. EVEN AFTER GETTING THE SENSORS RESET, I STILL GET THIS NOTIFICATION. NOW THE TPMS STAYS ON WHETHER I'M TRAVELING OR JUST STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11090123, 2018

“I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY 2014 KIA FORTE EX FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW. LEASED IT BRAND NEW THE DAY IT LANDED ON THE LOT. I ONLY DRIVE IT TO WORK AND BACK AS WE HAVE A 2014 KIA SORENTO WE DO ALL OUR FAMILY TRAVELING IN. I TOOK THE FORTE TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AS I WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BLUETOOTH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THERE WAS A HOLLOW TUMBLING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. UPON INSPECTION THE SERVICE ASSOCIATE INFORMED ME THAT THE TIRES WERE TORE UP. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THE CAR ONLY HAD 33500 MILES ON IT AND I HAD BROUGHT IT IN AT 6000 MILES TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT FIX…”
NHTSA complaint #10683076, 2015

Seats 8 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11080377, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“on or about 6-6-2023 store employee Tim Creel was airing up the tire on the passenger side front of the vehicle. Tim used a kia air compressor which comes standard with a lot of today's Kias instead of spare tire. The tire pressure reached 32 psi when Tim unplugged the 12v connector. As he went to walk away he noticed flames coming from under the plug in spot. The vehicle proceeded to keep a fire going for several minutes as the other employee Eddie pulled up and put it out with a fire extinguisher. The owner mark then advised a report be made. The D'Iberville police and fire dept showed up.…”
NHTSA complaint #11527256, 2023 · fire

“THE CAR HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS RAIN TO SOAK THE SEATS, SEAT BELTS, AND ENTIRE TRUCK CREATING BLACK MOLD IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT, MOLD IN SIDE THE CAR ON THE SEATS AND SEAT BELTS. THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE TO BE MOVING IN ORDER FOR THE RAIN TO ENTER THE CAR. I HAVE HAD MY CAR DETAILED MULTIPLE TIMES ALONG WITH CLEANING THE MOLD OUT OF THE CAR MYSELF. SINCE OWNING THE CAR SINCE 2014 I HAVE STAYED SICK AND I ONLY FOUND OUT LAST MONTH HOW MY SEATS WERE GETTING SOAKED. THE ENTIRE BACKSEAT AND TRUNK NEED TO BE REPLACED FROM THE MOLD AND RUST FROM THE LEAK. ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS OF THE BACK S…”
NHTSA complaint #11172713, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5 1 crash

“ON SATURDAY MARCH 26TH, 2018 I WSS DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON I471 IN KENTUCKY. DOING ABOUT 50-55 MPH WHILE IT WAS SNOWING/SLEETING OUTSIDE. AS I WAS TRAVELING ANOTHER VEHICLE SWERVED OVER TO GET IN EXIT LANE WHILE AT SAME TIME ON A RIGHT TURN AROUND EXIT LANE. ONCE CAR DID SO, I HAD TO PRESS HARD, SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID BEING CLIPPED BY OTHER VEHICLE. AS I DID THIS I BEGAN TO SPIN NOR, THE ESC OR TRACTION CONTROL TOOK OVER AND I SPUN OUT OF CONTROL STRIKING GUARD RAIL AT UNKNOWN SPEED. I WAS UNINJURED, HOWEVER AS U CAN SEE LOTS OF DAMAGE TO FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I CONTA…”
NHTSA complaint #11084680, 2018 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE ELECTRICAL WENT OUT. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND STEERING WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR HAD 60K MILES. BATTERY IS NOW ON ITS 3RD REPLACEMENT. OTHER PRIOR WARNING SIGNS WERE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING AND OCCASIONAL CLICKING WHEN STARTING. THESE OTHER PRIOR WARNING SIGNS HAVE OCCURED SINCE 30K MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11182791, 2019

“INTERMITTENTLY, ON DAYS OF EXCESSIVE HEAT (110+) THE CAR WILL START UP WITH ALL SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CANNOT SHIFT INTO GEAR WITHOUT PUSHING THE GEAR SHIFT OVERRIDE BUTTON, POWER STEERING DOESN'T WORK, SKID CONTROL ON, AND AC BLOWS HOT AIR. ONCE IT COOLS DOWN THE ISSUE STOPS AND WON'T PRESENT ITSELF AGAIN UNLESS VERY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS ARE MET. HAPPENED FIRST YEAR AFTER HAVING THE CAR, IN THE SUMMER. SERVICE CENTER COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. SUMMER YEAR 2, ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN, WITH PICTURES, SERVICE CENTER USED HEAT GUN TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR/NEUTRAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10875300, 2016

Suspension 5 1 crash 1 injury

“On June 24, 2022 I was driving my vehicle on 435N to work. My steering wheel jerked to the left and started spinning out of control. I was driving at 60mph in the inside lane. When my steering jerked it caused me to turn headfirst into the inside wall. I proceeded to spin out of control across 3 lanes of rush hour traffic, clipping a second vehicle, before smashing into the outside wall and then resting in the outside lane horizontally. I was rushed to the emergency room where I suffered a broken back. Upon looking at the recalls and safety issues with my vehicle there was a recall #17V773000…”
NHTSA complaint #11471011, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11554578, 2023

“FIRST, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INTERMITTENTLY FAILS AND SHOW INCORRECT RANGE AND FUEL LEVELS. SPEEDOMETER SHOWS CAR IS GOING 0 MPH EVEN WHEN CAR IS MOVING. TACHOMETER SHOWS 0 RPM EVEN WHEN CAR IS IDLING OR MOVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES SINCE 3/8/16. SECOND, BRAKE PADS PROVIDED ON CAR ARE CHEAP AND DO NOT HAVE RANGE I CHANGED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT 10K MILES. THIRD, VENTILATION SYSTEM DOESN'T OPERATE PROPERLY AND I CAN INTERMITTENTLY SMELL BURNING PLASTIC COMING FROM VENTS, FAN DOESN'T OPERATE OVER THE 3 SETTING AND A/C DOESN'T BLOW COLD. FINALLY, SHOCKS AND STRUTS ARE…”
NHTSA complaint #10850671, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and then lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator had failed and needed to be replaced. Then the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as coolant leak into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The radiator repair was performed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coola…”
NHTSA complaint #11662841, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started making an abnormal sound. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the sound persisted prior to the vehicle stalling. The contact stated an independent m…”
NHTSA complaint #11586098, 2024

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was an exhaust odor present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power and did not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic convertor however, six months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the catalytic convertor for the second time the failure recurred approximately six mo…”
NHTSA complaint #11433013, 2020

Firerelated 3 3 fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while it was parked outside her residence. The origin of the fire was unknown. The fire started from the rear of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire, and the report was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,781.”
NHTSA complaint #11517052, 2023 · fire

“I was driving on the highway going 50 mph where the vehicle suddenly shut off and started smoking. I exited the vehicle to take a look and the entire engine compartment was on fire. I only had the car for 2 months and was never made aware of any recalls on the car”
NHTSA complaint #11499686, 2022 · fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that his VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the street in front of his residence, the vehicle caught fire. The fire burned the nearby curbside and lawn as well. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle remained parked in front of the contact's residence and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxi…”
NHTSA complaint #11475921, 2022 · fire

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“Sterling wheel begins to shake at high speed and a lower speed causing the whole steering wheel to shake and make noise. And have realized the cruise control is no longer working”
NHTSA complaint #11638537, 2025

“My steering wheel feels loose and makes a noise when turning. Feels like I need to turn the steering wheel a bit before my tires start to turn and then it clicks again when my wheel goes back to neutral. This also has caused my cruise control and windshield wipers to stop working.”
NHTSA complaint #11462853, 2021

“Airbag light stays on all the time. Brake lights constantly burning out breaking system system will skidvover grates at bumps. Car will scrape over roads. All steering wheel functions not working”
NHTSA complaint #11434262, 2021

Visibility 3 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS PERCEIVED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILLION AUTO KIA (605-309-0977, LOCATED AT 1400 CAMBELL ST, RAPID CITY, SD 57701) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF…”
NHTSA complaint #11176611, 2018 · fire

“2014 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE REAR VIEW MIRROR. *LD *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11078148, 2016

“2014 KIA FORTE KOUP SX, BRAND NEW. THE SIDE WINDOWS ARE FRAMELESS ON THE KOUP, AND MUST DROP 1/4 OF AN INCH TO OPEN THE DOOR, AND RAISE BACK UP TO CLOSE AND FORM A TIGHT SEAL AGAINST THE DOOR SILL. WHEN WINDOWS HAVE FROST OR ICE ON THEM THEY WILL NOT DROP THE REQUIRED 1/4 OF AN INCH FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE. ONLY AFTER THE CAR WARMS WILL THE WINDOWS LOWER AND RAISE PROPERLY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10672819, 2015

Back Over Prevention 2

“Back-up camera does not function. I'm told the camera unit itself is at fault, not the electrical circuit leading to the 'head unit' (infotainment system). It has not operated property for about two years. I've owned the vehicle for7 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11638568, 2022

“Back up camera only whats some of the time. When it sometimes works it is when the outside temperature gets around 65 degrees or lower, but even then it works some of the time. The screen flickers sometime when it working as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11445585, 2021

Traction Control System 2 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WITH A STEEP INCLINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR TURN THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BEFORE WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP.…”
NHTSA complaint #10703084, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that in 2021 the engine was replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts on each occasion. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the vehicle not having an oil change. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the oil was changed every 5,000 miles. The manufacturer was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11587114, 2024

Fuel System 1

“ON TWO OCCASIONS I HAVE SMELLED GAS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DATE ABOVE IS THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST WAS AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 3-4 DAYS AFTER A SNOW STORM IN LATE 2013. THE BRAKES VIBRATE WHEN STOPPING ON A ROUGH SURFACE. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS ATTRIBUTES THIS TO THE DESIGN OF THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM AND APPARENTLY DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM. ON ONE OCCASION - AGAIN DURING A PERIOD OF COLD WEATHER IN LATE 2013 - THE GEARS GROUND WHEN TURNING AT MAXIMUM ROTATION TO PARALLEL PARK THE CAR IN A TIGHT SPOT, A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE URBAN AREA WHERE I LIVE. UNLIKE THE BRAKI…”
NHTSA complaint #10576713, 2014

Lane Departure 1

“I WAS DRIVING THE MOTOR JUST WENT OUT. I CHECK THE OIL IT WAS LEAKING OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11396862, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 1

“OUR KIA FORTE WILL NOT DEFOG THE WINDOWS ON THE INSIDE UNTIL IT IS ABOVE 0 WEATHER OR THE SUN IS SHINING BRIGHTLY. I HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS ON THE SIDES TO BACK OUT OR PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC SO I CAN SEE AND WHEN IT IS 30 BELOW IT ISN'T FUN. THE WINDOW IS CLEAR WHEN I PULL IT OUT OF THE GARAGE IN THE MORNING BUT AS SOON AS I GO DOWN THE ROAD IT STARTS TO FOG UP AND FREEZE ON THE INSIDE. I CAN'T SEE OUT OF MY PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR EITHER. THE WINDSHIELD WILL CLEAR OFF IF I HAVE IT ON FULL DEFROST WITH THE AC BUTTON PRESSED EXCEPT FOR A BIG AREA HALFWAY UP TO THE TOP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ONL…”
NHTSA complaint #10565838, 2014