How many brake complaints does the 2013 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA lists 37 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Kia Forte, which is 19% of the 195 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Kia Forte?

Yes. Two recalls cover brakes on this year: campaign 23V652000, which advises owners to park outside pending repair, and campaign 17V773000 for a deteriorating brake pedal stopper pad.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 82,000 miles at the time of brake failure complaints for the 2013 Kia Forte.

Have brake issues led to crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 5 crashes and 4 injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2013 Kia Forte.

Is the 2013 Forte worse for brakes than other Forte years?

Its 19% share of complaints tied to brakes is higher than most other Forte years except 2011 (21%) and 2012 (18%), based on NHTSA data.

2013 Kia Forte Brakes Problems

Brakes account for 37 complaints on the 2013 Kia Forte, 19% of all 195 complaints filed for the year, with 5 crashes and 4 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure is 82,000 miles. Two related recalls (23V652000 and 17V773000) cover brake components.

Brakes complaints: 37; 19% of 195
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 82,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report the brake pedal sticking or failing to spring back up, especially in cold or wet weather, sometimes with the traction control light coming on.
Some describe the brake pedal depressing to the floor without warning at low speed, leading to a rear-end collision.
Several report the stuck brake pedal preventing the gas pedal from engaging, causing loss of power and a burning rubber smell.
Owners note grinding or vibration from the front right brake area when temperatures are cold, making the car hard to control.
A few report brake lights malfunctioning or staying on, tied to gear shift and electrical problems in the same system.

When 2013 Kia Forte brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 21, 2014, latest Mar 14, 2026.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2014 to Mar 2026; peak Nov 2023 (4).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Kia Forte

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 17V773000Dec 1, 2017Brakes134,366 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
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 released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
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 service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Brakes complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201023 (11%)
201132 (21%)
201253 (18%)
201337 (19%)
201433 (7%)
201517 (7%)
201613 (10%)
201712 (4%)
20184 (3%)
20194 (3%)
20202 (3%)
20212 (3%)
20222 (7%)
20233 (5%)
20242 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2013 Kia Forte have?: NHTSA lists 37 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Kia Forte, which is 19% of the 195 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Kia Forte?: Yes. Two recalls cover brakes on this year: campaign 23V652000, which advises owners to park outside pending repair, and campaign 17V773000 for a deteriorating brake pedal stopper pad.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 82,000 miles at the time of brake failure complaints for the 2013 Kia Forte.
Have brake issues led to crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 5 crashes and 4 injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2013 Kia Forte.
Is the 2013 Forte worse for brakes than other Forte years?: Its 19% share of complaints tied to brakes is higher than most other Forte years except 2011 (21%) and 2012 (18%), based on NHTSA data.