EngineHigh
GDI engine oil consumption / rare knock.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check oil level and listen for knock.
2014–2018 Kia Forte · common problems & known faults
The Forte is a value compact; GDI engine health and comfort electronics are the checks.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed July 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2014–2018 Kia Forte are GDI engine oil consumption / rare knock, Automatic / dual-clutch shift quality and Clunking or clicking noise when turning the steering wheel side to side at a standstill due to a degraded motor driven power steering (MDPS) flexible coupler. 1 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
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Build the inspection planReliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Kia Forte.
6.0/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 1
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 3
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Kia Forte problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
TransmissionMedium
Automatic / dual-clutch shift quality.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Feel for hesitant or harsh shifts.
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Build the inspection planHVACLow
AC performance drop.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Confirm cold AC output.
BodyLow
Paint chipping and interior rattles.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect paint and listen for rattles.
SteeringMedium
Clunking or clicking noise when turning the steering wheel side to side at a standstill due to a degraded motor driven power steering (MDPS) flexible coupler.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine running, rapidly rock the steering wheel left and right by a few degrees. Listen for a distinct metallic or plastic clunk emanating from the steering column.
ElectricalMedium
Brake lights remain illuminated when the pedal is released, or the push-button start fails to engage, caused by a faulty stop lamp switch.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Depress and release the brake pedal several times while observing the rear lights in a reflection. Check if the engine starts smoothly on the first press of the start button.
Engine ElectricalMedium
Rough idle, hesitation under load, or intermittent misfire triggering the Engine Management Light (EML) due to premature ignition coil pack failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold, leave it in park or neutral, and observe the rev counter for hunting. Blip the throttle to check for hesitation, stumbling, or excessive vibration.
LightingLow
Flickering, dimming, or complete failure of the LED daytime running lights (DRLs) within the main headlamp cluster.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Turn the ignition on without activating the main dipped beams. Walk to the front of the vehicle and visually inspect both LED DRL strips for flickering or dead diodes.
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Build my inspection planFrequently asked questions
Is the Forte reliable?
Decent value; monitor the GDI engine's oil use and check service history.
Does the Forte burn oil?
Some GDI engines consume oil; check the level between services.
Is the Forte cheap to run?
Yes — economical and inexpensive to maintain if the engine is healthy.
Does the 2014-2018 Kia Forte use a timing belt or a timing chain?
All petrol engines fitted to this generation of the Forte, including the 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre Nu, and 1.6-litre turbocharged units, utilise a timing chain rather than a rubber belt. The chain is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, provided previous owners adhered to strict oil change intervals to prevent tensioner wear.
What are the most frequent MOT failures for this generation of Forte?
The most common MOT failures relate to worn suspension components, specifically front anti-roll bar drop links and track rod ends. Additionally, degraded wiper blades, misaligned headlamps, and binding rear brake calipers frequently result in advisories or outright failures. A quick forecourt check of the suspension bushes is highly recommended before retail.
Are there known issues with the touchscreen infotainment system?
Yes, the factory touchscreen units can suffer from digitiser failure, leading to unresponsive areas on the display or phantom inputs. Software glitches causing Bluetooth connectivity dropouts are also well-documented. Dealers should test all screen quadrants and ensure the reverse camera feed engages promptly without flickering when selecting reverse gear.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.
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