KiaForte2014Overview/kia/forte/2014/base/

2014 Kia Forte

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2014 Forte.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2014 Kia Forte is a passenger car that, under the hood, requires 4.2 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 API oil—a detail that becomes more significant given that the engine is the top area of owner complaints among the 437 total issues logged for this model year. With three recalls attached to the 2014 Forte, it stands as the highest-complaint year in the model’s history from 2009 through 2024, a stark contrast to the single complaint recorded for the 2009 model, marking this generation as a particularly troublesome point in the Forte’s reliability timeline.

Model year202420232022202120202019201820172014

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 47 · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 47 · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnMULTIOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length179.5 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Curb weight2897 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Forte of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.4–8.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.40 sec — 2014 Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.40 sec14.90 sec201 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.10 sec201 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.10 sec201 hpFWD
2014Koup SX T-GDI Coupe 1.6L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.10 sec201 hpFWD
2014Koup SX T-GDI Coupe 1.6L Turbo I-46.90 sec15.20 sec201 hpFWD
2014EX Sedan 2.0L I-47.30 sec15.60 sec173 hpFWD
2014EX Sedan 2.0L I-47.40 sec15.80 sec173 hpFWD
2014Forte5 SX T-GDI 5-door Hatchback 1.6L Turbo I-47.50 sec15.70 sec201 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-85 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4.0-4.2

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings87-94 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts145-152 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87-94 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22-30 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22-25 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub177-199 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.64-.86 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5015-6785 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.56-..68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Timing5, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.11-1.22 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.38-4.06 oz
Standard BCI Group Number47
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number121R

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)72.0-73.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)47.0-53.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance1.5 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression156-178 PSI. 14 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression164-185 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI
Engine Compression128-149 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI
Engine Oil Pressure15.6 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1000 rpm

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle58-72 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle58-72 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle47-54 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Apply a 2.00-3.00 mm bead of Hyundai sealant or equivalent RTV to the front cylinder head corners of the upper and lower head gasket. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120-23 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120-125
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120-23 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120-12520–23 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 7,500 miFuel Tank (inspect)
Every 7,500 miAir Intake System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Fuel Tank (add fluid conditioner)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
At 30,000 miFuel Tank (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 75,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2014 Kia Forte sits at a clear peak in the federal record, logging 437 complaints—more than double 2013’s 195 and well above 2015’s 258—along with 170 technical service bulletins, the highest single-year count in the dataset and more than twice 2013’s 73. While the generation shows fluctuating activity throughout its run, with earlier years posting moderate-to-elevated numbers and later years gradually tapering, 2014 marks the apex of reported problems. Engine complaints led the 2014 filings with 144 reports, followed by steering and air bags, and the record includes 35 fire and 32 crash complaints without specifying root cause; recalls held at three and investigations fell to one from 2013’s five. Because this model year concentrates the generation’s highest complaint volume and TSB count by a substantial margin, it represents a disproportionately risky purchase within this generation, and buyers would be better served by selecting a different year.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
170
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
437
Owner complaints
32 involved a crash · 35 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 437 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine144
Steering38
Air Bags35
Unknown Or Other17
Electrical System10
Service Brakes8
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System8
Unknown Or Other,Engine7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V750000EngineReported 02/12/2020

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. Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine…

17V773000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 01/12/2017

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… Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 170 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2311_TSB_R42026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER…
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2311_OWNR_PC2012025-12-19StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is…
TSB_CS23122025-12-17StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2312_OWNR2025-12-17StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Forte. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2014 Forte take?

4.2 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2014 Forte have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.