2013 Kia Forte Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
57/100
#7 most-complained of 15 Forte years
The 2013 Kia Forte has a Complaint Index of 57 and ranks 7th worst of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 195 complaints, 5 recalls, 13 fires, and 16 crashes, with Engine problems accounting for 57% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 195
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 13
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 34 hwy
Top 2013 Kia Forte problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine111 (57%)
- Brakes37 (19%)
- Electrical System30 (15%)
- Airbags16 (8%)
- Other13 (7%)
- Steering13 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (5%)
- Seat Belts8 (4%)
- Fuel System6 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment fires occurring while driving, sometimes preceded by a ticking sound and loss of power before a loud bang.
- Some describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed collisions, along with front seat belts not locking, leading to facial injuries.
- Electrical system fires were reported both while driving and while the vehicle was parked and off, with some vehicles becoming fully engulfed.
- One owner described the shift lever rolling out of park into reverse unexpectedly after removing the key from the ignition.
- A brake pedal was reported to stick and fail to engage, contributing to a crash, though the dealer could not recreate the issue.
- A check engine light came on with the vehicle sputtering and shaking in park, later diagnosed as a wiring-related misfire.
2013 Kia Forte recalls
5 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 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,300
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Kia Forte reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2013 Forte a Complaint Index of 57, ranking it 7th worst out of 15 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other Forte years. Engine complaints make up 57% of all reported issues.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Forte?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, at 57% of complaints (111 total), followed by brakes at 19% and electrical system issues at 15%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2013 Kia Forte have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Forte covering brakes, engine fire risk, airbags, brake pedal stopper pads, and seat belt retractor screws. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2013 Forte compare to other Forte model years?
- With a Complaint Index of 57, the 2013 Forte is worse than years like 2016 (36), 2018 (29), and 2020 (14), but better than 2014, which tops the list at 100.
- Were there any fires reported in the 2013 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA lists 13 fire-related complaints for the 2013 Forte, many tied to the engine and electrical system components.