DecodedCars2014 Kia Forte
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan EX/Sx, 4dr Sedan LX, Koupe EX, Koupe Sx
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 171.3–179.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,840–3,045 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints421 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Kia Forte is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,897 lb (4dr Sedan EX/Sx).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway), 13% better than the 2014 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2014
- New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engines added: 1.8L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Forte →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan EX/Sx | 179.5 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,897 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan LX | 179.5 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,840 lb | 62/38 |
| Koupe EX | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,904 lb | 63/37 |
| Koupe Sx | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,994 lb | 63/37 |
| 5 4 Dr Hatchback EX | 171.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,976 lb | 62/38 |
| 5 4 Dr Hatchback Sx | 171.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,045 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte Eco | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +13% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Forte | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +13% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 322 |
| Forte | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 314 |
| Forte Koup | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Forte Koup | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +3% | $2,500 | 327 |
| Forte 5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +30% | $2,500 | 324 |
| Forte 5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +30% | $2,500 | 321 |
| Forte Koup | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 353 |
| Forte Koup | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | -9% | $2,800 | 360 |
| Forte 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +15% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Forte 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +15% | $2,800 | 368 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.7 MPG2014 Midsize Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Kia Forte.
Similar 2014 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Forte (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2014 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Engine · Dec 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- 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, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Dec 1, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V773000 · 134,366 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 pedal override feature.
- Risk
- If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
- 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 · Jan 16, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V015000 · 86,880 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
- 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 1.8L engine will also have the engine control unit software updated. The recall began on February 20, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC113.
Not every 2014 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
421Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
27Involved a crash
35Involved a fire
25Injuries reported
83,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 214 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 62 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 59 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forte years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 26 |
| 2023 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 66 |
| 2022 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2021 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 69 |
| 2020 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 78 |
| 2019 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 150 |
| 2018 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 305 |
| 2016 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 138 |
| 2015 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 259 |
| 2013 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 197 |
| 2012 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →