Forte (2nd)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Kia Forte Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
DOHC MPI THETA II
2.4LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
DOHC GDI Nu
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI Gamma
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Forte, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2014-2018 Kia Forte
On a used 2014-2018 Kia Forte, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (671), the electrical system (181) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (142). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 671 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Kia Forte about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 181 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Kia Forte about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 142 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Kia Forte about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 95 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Kia Forte about the exterior lighting.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 87 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Kia Forte about the steering.
Recalls (6)
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
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.
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.
Show 1 older recall
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2018 Kia Forte complaints?
Owners have filed 1,284 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Kia Forte. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2014-2018 Kia Forte a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,284 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Kia Forte. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2018 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA has 1,284 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2018 Kia Forte as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2014-2018 Kia Forte?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2014-2018 Kia Forte vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Forte?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Forte?
The 2018 Kia Forte received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,284 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.