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Which year to buy
Best bet2022Fewest serious problems: 0.4× usual
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2013–2014, 2017Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2011–2012, 2015, 2018–2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2014AVOIDSerious complaints 3.3× usual, mostly engine and steering Extended coverage
389 serious complaints of 443, the most about engine (216) and steering (64); per car on the road, 3.3× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2014 kia forte. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing an engine rod to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jan 2021
“The contact owns a 2014 kia forte. While driving and making a left turn, the steering wheel made a knocking noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Feb 2019
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO DEALER PRINCIPALS - This document is notice to the dealer principals of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly on 2012-2013 MY Rio and 2014-2015 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting… (WTY017, Oct 2020)
- Extended coverage TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON â DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the driverâÂÂs airbag clock spring assembly on some 2012-2013MY Rio (UB) and 2014-2015MY Forte/Koup (YD) associated with the… (TSB ELE218, Dec 2020)
- Repair program VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BRAKE TUBE/ LINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC238) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake tube(s)/line(s) for leakage and also apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody… (SC238, Aug 2022)
- Repair program Kia has become aware that certain 2014-2016 MY Forte vehicles may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. (SC180, Sep 2019)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
443 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 24–29 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2014 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2014
- Starting prices: +$500 to +$1,700 (2 trims; hover for each)
- Trim dropped: SX
- No longer offered: Forte5
- Engine: 2.0L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine → 1.8L Multipoint Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder (LX)
- Ground clearance: 5.9 in → 5.5 in (all trims)
- Engine: 2.0L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine → 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder (EX)
- Wheels: 15 in → 16 in (EX)
2014 Forte trims
| EX | LX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting MSRP | $19,500 | from $15,900 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder | 1.8L Multipoint Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 173 hp | 148 hp |
| Torque | 154 lb-ft | 131 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic | 6-Speed Automatic: 6-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | Fwd | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Size and capability | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 14.9 cu ft | 14.9 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Length | 179.5 in | 179.5 in |
| Curb weight | 2,837 lb | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,776 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,736 lb |
| Tech | ||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | — |
| Android Auto | Optional | — |
| Digital gauge cluster | Optional | — |
| Speakers | 6 | 4 + option |
| Comfort | ||
| Seats | Cloth + option | 6-Speed Automatic: Cloth 6-Speed Manual: — |
| Heated seats | Optional | — |
| Climate zones | 1 + option | 1 |
| Exterior | ||
| Wheels | 16 in + option | 15 in + option |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (33)
| EX | LX | |
|---|---|---|
| EX 17-Inch Alloy Wheels $300 | Optional | — |
| EX Premium Package $2,600 | Optional | — |
| EX Technology Package $2,300 | Optional | — |
| LX Popular Package | — | Optional |
| Protection Package $175 | Optional | Optional |
| 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Package $900 | — | Optional |
| Mud Guards $95 | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Appliqué $75 | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Spoiler $295 | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Locks $55 | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror with Compass and HomeLink $350 | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Mat $95 | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray $80 | Optional | Optional |
| Carpeted Floor Mats $115 | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Start (Key Start) $495 | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Start (Push-Button Start) $495 | Optional | — |
| Abyss Blue | Optional | Optional |
| Aurora Black | Optional | Optional |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional |
| Bronze | — | Optional |
| Crimson Red | Optional | Optional |
| Desert Sand | — | Optional |
| Gunmetal Gray | Optional | — |
| Snow White | Optional | Optional |
| Steel Blue | Optional | Optional |
| Black Knit and TriCot Cloth | — | Optional |
| Black Knit and Woven Cloth | Optional | — |
| Black Leather | Optional | — |
| Gray Knit and TriCot Cloth | — | Optional |
| Gray Knit and Woven Cloth | Optional | — |
| Gray Leather | Optional | — |
| Gray Woven Cloth | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem order guide, Oem order guide, Other. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–34 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 25 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–34 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 63 | Steering (14) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 27 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 28–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 68 | Engine (22) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 28–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 76 | Unknown or other (26) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 31–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 147 | Power train (47) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147–164 hp manual available | FWD | 25–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 136 | Engine (57) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147–164 hp manual available | FWD | 25–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 303 | Engine (145) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 137 | Engine (68) | No |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 260 | Engine (158) | No |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–29 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 443 | Engine (216) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 211 | Engine (119) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 306 | Engine (174) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 161 | Engine (48) | No |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 232 | Engine (80) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Forte 2017–2024 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 25 |
| 2023 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 63 |
| 2022 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 27 |
| 2021 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Standard | 2 | 68 |
| 2020 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard | No | 0 | 76 |
| 2019 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 147 |
| 2018 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 303 |
| 2017 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 3 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 135 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 137 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 442 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 442 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 443 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 195 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte 5 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 195 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 211 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 292 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 292 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 306 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 153 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte SW FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2010 | Kia Forte 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release) | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 221 |
| 2010 | Kia Forte 2-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 232 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2024 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 34 |
| 2023 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2023 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 34 |
| 2022 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–33 |
| 2022 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2021 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
28–33 |
| 2021 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2020 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
28–33 |
| 2020 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2019 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
31–34 |
| 2019 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2018 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–32 |
| 2018 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2017 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–32 |
| 2017 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2017 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2016 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–30 |
| 2016 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2016 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2015 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L |
29–30 |
| 2015 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2015 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2014 | Forte | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–29 |
| 2014 | Forte 5 | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2014 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 29 |
| 2014 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2013 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2013 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2013 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2012 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2012 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2012 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2011 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2011 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2011 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2010 | Forte | Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–30 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.