Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Kia Forte owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The MDPS power steering coupler became worn out causing erratic steering issues.the coupler part its self is not even listed on the vehicle so the dealership would only recommend replacing the entire MDPS. i replaced the coupler myself due to lack of affordability for entire motor. steering is now fixed. additional ongoing issue with left turn signal bulbs have burned out repeatedly within days of being changed cuurently the bulb is working but the system doesnt register that signals are working causing hyper flashing. researching these issues i have found multiple online sources claiming similar issues with both turn signals and power steering couplers.
Brake light failure on both tail lights. The problem started by finding mold in the trunk. This was caused by water pooling in the bottom space where the spare tire would go if it came with one. Water leaks were observed from both tail lights into the trunk. The culprit seems to be bad gaskets for the tail lights. The gaskets have cracks which let rain water through. The poor design of this part has caused both brake lights to stop working. I fear water damage with the wiring / electrical system. The 3rd, center brake light still works. Will KIA pay to fix this important safety feature?
The car will randomly cut off while driving, to restart the car must be put into neutral to restart and the lights go off during that time. If you are on the interstate going over 50, it will jerk and restart itself but the steering gets really stiff and you have to pull over and cut car off and restart to get the steering to work properly again.
When I engage the left turn signal the headlights will intermittently shut off. They sometimes come back on and sometimes do not. Usually after completing a turn they come back on. It's unpredictable and this has caused some scary situations. It is a continual problem that needs to be fixed by KIA.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. While driving approximately 50 MPH, a burning odor was perceived without warning. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, but the origin of the odor could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to billion auto Kia [phone], located at 1400 cambell st, rapid city, sd 57701) where it was diagnosed that the blower motor connector needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact also stated that the headlights turned off at random and would remain illuminated after they were manually turned off. The same dealer stated that the interior switches were inoperable. The failures were not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Vehicle in motion hit deer. Airbags did not deploy have had electrical problems at the time and continues being a hazard air bags never deployed. Smell of something but info turned out to be blower motor connector the blower motor malfunctions the seatbelts did not restrain
This car has several issues which I have found other 2014 owners having the same issue as I do. The headlights and taillights take turns going out. I am to the point about every 5 weeks I am replacing a burned out light. One headlight will go out then I fix that. A few weeks later I will get pulled over for a taillight.being out. One officer told me he was giving me a warning because his wife has the same issues with her lights going out. I will replace the taillight then a few weeks later the other headlight will go out then the other taillight will go out. I find myself always replacing a light. I've pulled up to many Forte owners to let them know a taillight was out and they all say "again" the lights are a major problem. Also my driver side window won't go all the way up. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when she switched the hi-beam lights on to drive at night at 60 MPH the entire lighting system including the hi-beams would flicker on and off. The lighting system would also go on and off when the contact turns the steering wheel. The lights would stay off for about three to five seconds before coming back on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer prestige Kia (3525 hwy 93, eau claire, wi 54701,[phone]) but they could not duplicate the issue. The manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The vehicle was unrepaired. The failure mileage was 57,700.
While driving at night, my headlights would go completely out. Once I switch them on again, they would go out once again. This would take place every couple of minutes and is very dangerous. I took my car into the dealership and was told that they knew exactly the issue because they repaired quite a few cars with the same issue. The total cost to repair this issue was $238. This is very dangerous and should be placed on the recall list.
Head lights and inside dash light will flicker on and off while driving. If the headlight switch is left in the auto position while parked and the keys removed, the headlights will come on by them self sometime in the night and drain the battery. When trying to turn on the high beams, the dash board and headlights will flicker and go off. This has happened multiple times over the last year.
Headlight complaints in other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2014 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the lights of the 2014 Kia Forte, 5% of the model year's 444 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Kia Forte headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2014 Kia Forte, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Forte headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.