Engine
Free remedy
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.
Research · Compact Cars
2014 Kia Forte KoupRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 445 owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Forte Koup. Most complaints involve engine (217) and steering (64). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
24–28mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Dec 2020
Owner complaints
445
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Service brakes
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
445 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2013 – Oct 2026
- Engine217
- Steering64
- Air bags63
- Electrical system58
- Service brakes26
- Fuel/propulsion system25
- Exterior lighting22
- Power train18
- Structure18
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
217 reports3 crashes23 fires
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE); as a possible cause for the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.”
Steering
64 reports4 crashes
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the failure was confirmed to be related to the steering system. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel flex coupling had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,280.”
Air bags
63 reports21 crashes
“Airbag warning light has came on had a mechanic run codes and it says all air bags unresponsive. Now my car is refusing to start. If continue to try it eventually starts. Major oil leak and consumption along with knocking. Along with my break lights not working occasionally along with my head lights and brights not working at all”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte Koup Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 318 |
| Forte Koup Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,400 | 327 |
| Forte Koup Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 353 |
| Forte Koup Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 360 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Kia Forte Koup as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 8792
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2014 Forte Koup questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Forte Koup have?
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Forte Koup problems?
Owners filed 445 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (217), steering (64), air bags (63). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2014 Kia Forte Koup get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Kia Forte Koup at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026