2013 Kia Forte Koup Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 8 Forte Koup years
The 2013 Kia Forte Koup ranks worst of 8 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 16 NHTSA complaints, 75% engine-related. It carries 4 recalls, including a Theta II engine fire recall, making it the year to avoid within this model line.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23.5 city / 31.5 hwy
Top 2013 Kia Forte Koup problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine12 (75%)
- Airbags2 (13%)
- Electrical System2 (13%)
- Seat Belts2 (13%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (6%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power at highway speed and seizes, sometimes with smoke coming from under the hood.
- Engine stalls without warning while driving at speed, cutting steering and brake assist.
- Oil pressure light comes on suddenly followed by complete engine shutdown.
- Headlight, tail light, and license plate light connectors dry out, crack, and melt from wiring heat.
- Sunroof reportedly shatters outward while driving at highway speed with no impact.
- Airbag control unit recall repair parts were reported unavailable for an extended period.
2013 Kia Forte Koup recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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 replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
- NHTSA 18V363000Jun 1, 2018Airbags507,587 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
2013 Kia Forte Koup fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Forte Koup years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Kia Forte Koup reliable?
- Among the 8 Forte Koup model years with data, 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) and is ranked worst, with 16 NHTSA complaints, mostly engine-related.
- What is the main problem with the 2013 Kia Forte Koup?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 75% of complaints (12 of 16), including reports of engine seizure and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles.
- Does the 2013 Kia Forte Koup have an engine fire recall?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers the 2013 Forte Koup for a Theta II engine that can develop fuel or oil leaks and catch fire in the engine compartment.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Forte Koup have?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Forte Koup, covering brakes, engine fire risk, and airbag control unit issues.