The engine is failing. I took my Kia Forte into the dealership in March of 2025 for a blinking engine light and loss of power. It is under a warranty for engine replacement but Kia has done everything in their power not to help their own customer out. This engine issue can cause life threatening issues such as engine fires or stalling on busy roads which could lead to accidents. I will be getting further help from an attorney if the issue is not resolved.
2014 Kia Forte: engine failure
61 of the 444 complaints about the 2014 Kia Forte describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 61
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical repair cost reported
- $10,000
- typical mileage
- 88,000
- recalls
- 1
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
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 coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
The engine has known defects, however is not on the engine replacement campaign. Failed at 114k miles. KIA refuses to acknowledge known defects. Dealer confirmed bad engine. Second opinion confirmed also. No warning or service engine lights. All oil changes were arouond 3k miles. Started with a slight ticking noise that progressivly got worse.. Driviability is fine. So this proves KIA has defective engines including the 1.8 liter.
My 2014 Kia Forte experienced random stalling/loss of speed. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic multiple times- the crank shaft sensor was replaced, new batteries were put in, and a starter was replaced. When starting the vehicle sometimes it would not turn over or click a few times to start. A ticking noise was noted aswell and relayed to the mechanic-mechanic could not find any issues. The oil light began coming on and off-especially when stopped the light would stay on, when starting to drive if would go off. Took the vehicle to the closest mechanic-the mechanic said he has diagnosed another Kia with the same issue. He said to look up recalls. I found out that my car is experiencing the exact same issues as other Kias listed as the federal safety agency Recall Number: 20V750- It was diagnosed at a Kia dealer in which they noted the rod is coming lose in the engine and that the whole engine would need to be replaced. When calling Kia I was told I was not going to qualify because I have a 1.8 Liter engine, however the symptoms of the car are identical to the recall listed above. The car needs a whole new engine replacement. I tried multiple times to get my car diagnosed and was told by a few mechanics that nothing was wrong with the car. I do not feel that it is fair that this car is not included in the recall. It is a 2014 Kia Forte, and other 2014 Kia fortes are listed in the recall. The cost of repair is more than what the car is currently valued at. The car has just recently hit 104,000 miles. All the maintenance on the car was routinely taken care of and inspections/emissions have always been up to date.
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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Engine clicking noticed . Then light came on. Mechanic fixed. Engine light came on coil needed to be replaced a week later. Clicking got louder took to dealer said Engine wasn't getting enough oil that there was none on dipstick (took photo as proof it had oil). No other explanations no other solutions other than replacing Engine. Engine seized up un able to upload estimate bc of website issues
I was driving 65 mph and all of sudden the speed got lowered to 45 mph even I was pushing accelerator. Also I heard the engine knocking noise when I pushed accelerator hard. I had to stop and parked nearby church parking lot. I called a mechanic to diagnose, and he said the engine was broken and needed to be replaced with a new engine.
Car died in reverse. Check engine light came on and turned off. Took to mechanic replaced spark plugs. Then 6 days later had another misfire replaced coils. At that a clicking noise was heard. Brought to kia dealership who said knocking come from engine but did not say what. Upon parking car completely died in drive. Engine failed.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with dark, heavy scoring on the cylinder walls and the engine was replaced under warranty. Recently, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The check engine warning light was cleared. The failure returned soon after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,374.
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced under the federal safety agency 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.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines
- Product improvement campaign: engine replacement instructions for DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/z)
- Engine replacement instructions for DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/z)
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU, worm gear and/or steering column housing
- Maintenance reminder feature
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU and/or steering column housing
- SC180
- Voluntary emissions service campaign - nu 2.0L GDI sulev catalyst heating logic improvement (SC180)
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V750000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2014 Kia Forte engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2014 Kia Forte?
61 of 444 owner complaints about the 2014 Kia Forte (14%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the 2014 Kia Forte?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $10,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Kia Forte?
There is 1 recall and 27 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Kia Forte
Knocking 90Check engine light 59Fire or smoke 38Airbag light 35Stalling 30Oil consumption 23Steering noise 20Loss of power 18Headlights 17Won't shift 17No deployment 16Jerking 12Tire blowout 9Won't start 8Adaptive cruise 7Hesitation 7ABS 6Misfire 6Power steering loss 6Fuel pump 5Fuel smell 5Warning lights 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2014 Kia Forte?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history