Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Jan 27, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
7%
of 439 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
7
What this page shows
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2014 Kia Forte submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 29 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming brake
The 25 most recent of 29, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 249,000.
NHTSA ID
11713750
Incident
Jan 16, 2026
Mileage
249,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2026
My vehicle was leaking fluid, so I took it in and discovered that my vehicle’s ABS module failed in what was described to me as an “unusual way” at both the initial garage where I took it and, later, to the dealership, which was the only place that could do the actual repair. Some research showed that the failure matched the way this component failed in Kia and Hyundais that were recalled for this issue, which the dealership acknowledged. But my specific car wasn’t included in the recall, so I had to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to repair it. Since then, I’ve been waiting for the recall to expand to include my vehicle so I could be reimbursed, because it seems very unlikely my vehicle didn’t get the same flawed system that was recalled in the other Kias and Hyundais. I’m told submitting this could help.
NHTSA ID
11708537
Incident
Jul 15, 2023
Brakes
Filed Dec 16, 2025
I had a brake system failure of some sort happen today. My life and the lives of many others were put in extreme danger. I was driving at about 40 MPH and was approaching a red light. I pressed down on my brake pedal to begin slowing down, but I got absolutely nothing in response. Out of panic, I pumped my brake pedal. This again, did not slow me down at all and my brake pedal fell to the floor then went stiff. After it fell to the floor and went stiff, I pumped and pressed down on it again with all of my strength, at which point I was able to get a very small response and slow myself down to a stop. This is the 4th time this has happened to me in the past 45 days, I took the car to a local AAA shop but they found zero issues with my braking system (cylinders, fluid, lines, drums, pads, etc.) There has never been a warning light of any kind related to my brakes, wheels, etc. The Vehicle had a brake line recall several years ago, a certified dealer serviced the recall and ensured everything was safe with the vehicle and braking system.
NHTSA ID
11705379
Incident
Dec 16, 2025
Brakes
Filed Oct 21, 2025
I have been trying to have my brakes line repair for a recall for over a year with the local Kia dealer as they refused to see me for over a year due to not buying vehicle there. I lost my brakes due to the recall on the lines and not being able to get an appointment. I almost died when my brakes went out. I called the local Kia dealer was told again I had to wait and that no promises could be months before touch the car. I had to fix it so I had it brought to an outside shop and submitted for reimbursement it has been over 60days no updates and no communication with the Kia claims department. I was told my claim would take about 30 days now we are almost at 60 with no updates when I call they say Derrick will call me back. No return emails or calling. My claim number is XXX with rental I paid almost $1800 for repairs that should have been covered along with a rental. No one can give me a status I call daily to be told that they can’t answer any questions only Derrick can but he does not take calls he will call me back in 24 to 48 hours. I email I get an auto response. I am running in circles for money I need to pay my bills. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11694819
Incident
Sep 4, 2025
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 1, 2024
Driving to school and the engine started acting weird and took to Good Year mechanic and I received the attached invoice. Kindly refer to the invoice.
NHTSA ID
11574821
Incident
Feb 15, 2024
BrakesFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Sep 30, 2023
Break line, have to continue to fill break fluid, the smell of something burning when stopping or stopped , passenger right light keeps going out , continues need to be replaced
NHTSA ID
11547448
Incident
Apr 10, 2023
Brakes
Filed Mar 31, 2023
My wife's 2014 Kia Forte brakes went on me without warning, they went all the way to the floor and I immediately knew it was a hydraulic problem. the vehicle has just over 2500 actual miles on it. It was towed to a dealership were they determined it was a hydraulic issue and there was a recall on brake lines corrosion prematurely, I saw no leaks but the service manager told us that there was a manufacturer recall for that issue. Our vehicle has been at that dealership for 30 days already awaiting replacement parts with no progress, it will be months April 14, 2023. I need to know if the recall is valid.
NHTSA ID
11514713
Incident
Feb 7, 2023
Brakes
Filed Mar 10, 2023
The vehicle lost braking ability while being operated on the roadway. The brake pedal went to the floor, and the brake warning light came on. The operator was able to push hard on the brake pedal enough to eventually bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Upon inspection it was determined that the brake system had lost all brake fluid due to corrosion of one of the rear brake lines at the site of the retainer clip. There is also advanced corrosion on the other rear brake line at the site of the retainer clips. KIA already initiated a voluntary recall for this issue on KIA Forte’s 2010-2013, but the problem obviously exists for later model KIA Forte vehicles. This vehicle was only operated in NY during winter months for two years, in 2018 and 2019, so this level of corrosion on the brake lines should not have occurred. This brake failure could have easily caused a serious accident and injury.
NHTSA ID
11511282
Incident
Mar 9, 2023
Brakes
Filed Dec 13, 2021
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?
NHTSA ID
11443556
Incident
Nov 13, 2021
BrakesEngine
Filed Apr 11, 2021
MY CAR SHAKES WHEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES//DOESNT DRIVE SMOOTH AT ALL. SOMEHOW THE OIL LEAKS THROUGH THE RINGS IN THE ENGINE AND I CANNOT KEEP OIL IN IT. I REFILL THE WHOLE OIL CONTAINER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH NOW AND PUT OIL STABILIZER IN IT. IF I GET AN OIL CHANGE, IT IS EMPTY THE NEXT WEEK.
NHTSA ID
11407470
Incident
Mar 10, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 2021
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I HAD TO BREAK DUE TO ANOTHER DRIVER'S DANGEROUS DRIVING. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD BREAK AS IF THE BREAKS WEREN'T EVEN THERE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM GALEANA CHRYSLER JEEP KIA DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT (180 GREYSTONE BLVD. COLUMBIA, SC 29210). THE REASON FOR THIS URGENT NOTIFICATION IS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE KIA FIRE RECALL ARTICLE THAT DID NOT INCLUDE THE FORTE MODEL WITHIN THE YEARS SPECIFIED. UPON VEHICLE INSPECTION FROM JT'S KIA DEALERSHIP (THE ABS SYSTEM HAS A LEAKAGE ON THE FIRE WALL SIDE. FOUND THE HECU/ BRAKE MODULE HAS STARTED TO FAIL AND IS LEAKING.)
NHTSA ID
11396990
Incident
Feb 19, 2021
Mileage
155,755 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jan 28, 2021
Crash reported3 injuries reported
BEFORE EXITING BUT DURING DEPARTURE OF PARKING LOT FOR APARTMENT BUILDING KEEPING BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED WITH TRANSMISSION GEARED IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY TOOK OFF AND SPED OUT OF CONTROL BACKWARDS UNTIL STOPPED BY SUDDEN IMPACT WITH A TREE RESULTING IN NUMEROUS BODILY INJURIES TO TRAUMATIC MENTALLY ANGUISHED DRIVER AND 2 PASSENGERS, 1 OF WHICH WAS SEATED IN THE BACKSEAT COLLISION SIDE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE ACCORDING TO DRIVERS INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDER STATE FARM. CLAIM NUMBER: 53-15K1-66D
NHTSA ID
11390435
Incident
Jan 8, 2021
Brakes
Filed Oct 17, 2020
GOOD DAY, I OWN A 2014 KIA FORTE EX . THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM GALEANA CHRYSLER JEEP KIA DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT (180 GREYSTONE BLVD. COLUMBIA, SC 29210). THE REASON FOR THIS LETTER IS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE KIA FIRE RECALL ARTICLE THAT DID NOT INCLUDE THE FORTE MODEL WITHIN THE YEARS SPECIFIED. UPON VEHICLE INSPECTION FROM JT'S KIA DEALERSHIP (THE ABS SYSTEM HAS A LEAKAGE ON THE FIRE WALL SIDE. FOUND THE HECU/ BRAKE MODULE HAS STARTED TO FAIL AND IS LEAKING.) PROOF OF INFORMATION WILL BE IN ATTACHMENTS. THIS 2014 KIA FORTE EX IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. DURING THIS TIME WE HOPE YOU TAKE CONSIDERATION IN LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND RISKY FOR MY FAMILY AND I. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS.
NHTSA ID
11364778
Incident
Jun 2, 2020
Mileage
155,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 25, 2019
RECALL NUMBER 17V773 HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE BUT THE PROBLEMS STILL PERSIST.
NHTSA ID
11282363
Incident
Nov 25, 2019
Mileage
51,000 mi
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 12, 2019
CAR HAD BEGAN BURNING THROUGH OIL RAPIDLY BUT UPON INSPECTION AT OIL CHANGES, NO LEAK OR CAUSE COULD BE DETECTED. THE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON EITHER. THE CAR WOULD BEGIN TICKING WHILE DRIVING, AND NOTICEABLY DROVE DIFFERENTLY BUT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. ON A CLEAR DAY WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE GAVE A LOUD AND FORCEFUL JERK AND POPPING SOUND, AND PROMPTLY LOST POWER AND SPEED, AND THE BRAKES QUIT WORKING. I WAS FORTUNATE TO PULL OFF AND USE EBRAKE TO STOP CAR ONCE COASTED TO A SAFER SPOT. I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. THE CAR HAD ONCE AGAIN BURNED THROUGH ALL OIL WITH NO INDICATION FROM THE PANEL, AND I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, THIS MAKE AND MODEL, WITH NO RECALL BEING DONE; HOWEVER, THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE OF SAME ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE IN OTHER KIA MODELS.
NHTSA ID
11279583
Incident
Oct 11, 2019
Mileage
112,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 28, 2019
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA ID
11210226
Incident
May 27, 2019
BrakesExterior lighting
Filed May 1, 2019
MY BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON AT ALL TIMES WHILE CAR IS TURNED ON
NHTSA ID
11205133
Incident
Apr 29, 2019
Mileage
118,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 13, 2019
WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE LIKE ON A BRIDGE OR WHERE A ROAD IS BROKEN, ON APPLYING BRAKE IT SEEMS LIKE THE PEDAL IS TOUCHING THE GROUND MAKING GRINDING NOISE AND CAR SKIDS AND DOESN'T STOP. I HAVE INSTALLED NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON ALL FOUR SIDES. WHEN TURN ON THE IGNITION, CAR DOESN'T START AT ALL, DOESN'T EVEN MAKE CLICKING SOUND. WHEN TOUCH THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT POSITIVE CHARGE SYSTEM THEN CAR STARTS WITH KEY IGNITION ON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN THROUGHOUT THE DAY ASSUMING BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED. NO LIGHT ATE ON WHEN TRY TO START THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ID
11196002
Incident
Mar 8, 2019
Mileage
145,235 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 25, 2018
THE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR CALIPER GUIDE PINS WERE FROZEN BY CORROSION, PREVENTING THE CYLINDER TO EXTEND AND ENGAGE THE BRAKE PADS ON THE ROTOR. THIS RESULTED IN THE LOSE OF ANY REAR BRAKING ACTION. WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING WOULD ENGAGE DUE TO LOST ROAD CONTACT, (IE. ICY OR BUMPY/ROUGH ROADS) THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION AT ALL. DURING NORMAL DRIVING, THE REAR BRAKES BEING FROZEN, THE CAR RELIES SOLELY ON THE FRONT CALIPERS TO STOP THE CAR. NO ACCIDENTS HAPPENED DURING THIS TIME. I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE REAR PADS AND NOTICED WHEN I REMOVED THE WHEEL I FOUND THE REAR ROTOR WAS RUSTED AND PITTED DUE TO NO CONTACT WITH THE PADS. WHEN I REMOVED THE CALIPER ASSEMBLY THE PINS WERE FROZEN IN PLACE AND COULD NOT BE BE FREED. THIS REQUIRED THAT THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS FOUR YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 85,000 MILES WHEN I REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. THE CONDITION WAS PROBABLY HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS BEFORE I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE PADS.
NHTSA ID
11131511
Incident
Aug 1, 2018
Mileage
70,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesEngine
Filed Jun 12, 2018
Crash reported
MY DAUGHTER HAD A CAR CRASH ON JULY 22, 2017 DUE TO BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN TUSCALOOSA, AL AND THERE WERE NO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD THANK GOD. HER CAR HYDROPLANED AND HIT A RAILING. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. UNKNOWN ABOUT THE FAULT OR PROBLEM THAT CREATED THE UNSAFE CONDITION. HER CAR IS AT A BODY SHOP IN ALABAMA SO I WILL OBTAIN REPAIR INVOICES AND POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. MY DAUGHTER DOES NOT HAVE CAR INSURANCE.
NHTSA ID
11101534
Incident
Jul 22, 2017
Mileage
150 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 15, 2018
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 30 MPH AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH A RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE AT ALL. I STOOD ON THE BRAKES AND THEY REMAINED FIRM AND DID NOT GO DOWN. I REPEATED THIS 4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND THE CAR CONTINUED MOVING. I WAS GOING THROUGH THE RED LIGHT AND FORTUNATELY THE ON COMING TRAFFIC AS ABLE TO AVOID ME. AFTER CROSSING THE INTERSECTION I RAN IT INTO A GRASSY GRAVEL AREA WHERE IT FINALLY STOPPED.
NHTSA ID
11085167
Incident
Apr 15, 2018
Mileage
78,500 mi
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 27, 2018
TOOK MY KIA FORTE 2014 IN FOR AN INSPECTION, AND INSTEAD RECEIVED AN ECU UPGRADE DUE TO SOME KIA CAMPAIGN SC150. AFTER THE UPGRADE, MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES. THE VERY SAME DAY AFTER LEAVING DEALERSHIP, MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND BLOW A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST. I WAS PULLED OVER BY A STRANGER WHO INFORMED ME OF THAT THE WHITE SMOKE EXHAUSTING BLINDED HIS VIEW. KIA HAS BEEN DISREGARDING THIS SAFETY CONCERN.
NHTSA ID
11065434
Incident
Jan 17, 2018
Mileage
90 mi
AirbagsBrakesDriver assistance
Filed Dec 8, 2016
Crash reported3 injuries reported
TAKATA RECALL NEEDS TO RECALL THE BREAKS ON THE 2014 KIA FORTE. ON NOVEMEBER 21ST 2016 I TOTALLED MY KIA DUE TO FAILURE OF MANAFACURER BREAKS THEY DIDNT STOP ME AND I REAR ENDED A CAR WHICH HOT ANOTHER THAT HIT ANOTHER. THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL I BEARLY PUSH ON FHE GAS AND IT ZOOMED OFF T WENT FROM 0-30 REALLY QUICK. DURRING THE WRECK I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH WHICH WHEN I HIT THE CAR DUE TO THE BREAKS FAILING MY CAR BOUCED OFF OF IT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE ROAD WAS DRY IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE OT WAS 5:58 AM AND VERY CLEAR OUTSIDE. THE ROADS WERE VERY DRY NOT SLICK AT ALLL MY CAR JOLTED AS THE BREAKS TRIED TO STOP ME BUT THEY NEVER ATOPPED ME. IT WAS ON A BACK ROAD HEADING TO TAKE MY HUSBAND TO WORK.
NHTSA ID
10933944
Incident
Nov 21, 2016
Mileage
63,533 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 22, 2016
TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CONSTANTLY GOES ON AND OFF, CAR CONTINUALLY GETS STUCK IN PARK AND WHILE DRIVING DASH DOESN'T SHOW GEARS. BROUGHT TO DEAL PROVIDED PICTURES AS PROOF AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. ASKED FOR PAPERWORK AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD MAIL IT NEVER RECEIVED PAPERWORK.
NHTSA ID
10918082
Incident
Oct 8, 2016
Mileage
53,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 2015
WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR VIOLENTLY SHOOK. THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO RESURFACE MY BRAND NEW ROTORS, ONLY 700 MILES ON THE CAR, RATHER THAN REPLACE. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW. *TR
NHTSA ID
10689467
Incident
Feb 18, 2015
Mileage
720 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own