2013 Kia Forte Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 111 of 195 complaints (57%) filed on the 2013 Kia Forte, with a median failure mileage of 85,000 miles. A related NHTSA recall (20V750000) covers engine compartment fires caused by fuel or oil leaks.
- Engine complaints
- 111
- 57% of 195
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 10
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 85,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power or stalling at low speed followed by smoke entering the cabin or engine bay.
- Several drivers describe hearing ticking or unusual noises before a loud bang and debris flying from the engine compartment while on the highway.
- Multiple complaints describe smoke or fire emerging from the front or rear of the vehicle at highway speeds around 50-55 mph, sometimes requiring dealer replacement of the engine and fuel pump.
- Some owners noticed the check engine light illuminate along with overheating and a burning odor shortly after purchase.
- A few reports describe engines catching fire while parked or idling, with fire departments called and vehicles declared destroyed.
- One owner reported the cruise control disengaging on its own followed by the engine failing to accelerate despite rising RPMs.
When 2013 Kia Forte engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 2, 2013, latest Apr 9, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Kia Forte
- 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.
Engine complaints by Forte model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints on the 2013 Kia Forte?
- Engine issues make up 111 of 195 total complaints for the 2013 Forte, or 57% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Forte engine?
- Yes. NHTSA campaign 20V750000, reported December 2, 2020, covers 2012-2013 Forte and related Kia models for engine compartment fires caused by fuel or oil leaks. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do engine failures typically occur on the 2013 Forte?
- NHTSA data lists a median failure mileage of 85,000 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2013 Forte.
- Are the engine problems linked to fires?
- Yes. Of the 111 engine complaints, NHTSA data shows 10 fires and 1 crash reported for this year, several described in owner accounts as smoke or flames from the engine compartment.
- Is the engine problem rate worse in 2013 than other Forte years?
- The 2013 Forte's 57% engine complaint share is close to 2012 (58%) and 2016 (57%), but lower than 2015 (63%) and higher than years like 2019 (31%) and 2023 (18%).