2013 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 195 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 16 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 2, 2020
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesDec 1, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V773000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, retractorMay 17, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seatbelt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash.
If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall began July 1, 2016. Kia's number for this recall is SC132.
Campaign 16V312000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
110 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated the vehicle was unable to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the knock sensor was replaced as a temporary fix. The failure reoccurred 2 days later. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, an unknown dealer attempted to charge the contact to replace the engine, even though the recall notification stated that the engine would be replaced as needed, free of charge. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but declined the service request. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the piston rings had failed, causing catastrophic engine damages. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Engine, Dec 29, 2025
The engine has been making humming noise which is getting louder with time
Engine, Apr 26, 2025
On 11/20/2024 I spoke to Denise Sanchez , she is the service manager for KIA and the reason of the call was about a complaint from Joel Sambrano one of her associates that was very unprofessional when I first called to set up the appointment for the recall. On 11/24/2024, I had a towing company delivered my 2013 KIA Forte to the service department at the Laredo KIA dealership for a recall on the engine. That day I did received a call from her telling me that my vehicle was there, but supposedly I did not had an appointment. I was upset with her because twice I had spoken to her about me taking the vehicle there and she was telling me that I didn't. Three weeks passed and I never heard of the dealership, so I called them and requested to speak to her, she informed me that my vehicle was parked in the back still and that they haven't had my vehicle checked because I did not have an appointment. So I told her that since she took it upon herself to do that, I was going to file a complaint against her with I did with corporate office. I was given this case#[XXX] by Monica, and she said that she will call me back with the status of my vehicle. A week passed and I got a call from the Laredo KIA dealership telling me that I had to go to the dealership to pick up my battery, and take them back the battery after it was recharged or a new battery because my vehicle won't start. That sounded to me very offensive so I told her that it wasn't my fault that the manager kept my vehicle all that time there, so the battery got damaged also so that was her fault and she needed to deal with that situation. A few days later I contacted corporate again but I found out that the complaints that they were making, they were sending them to her and she was the one responding to those complaints against her. I spoke to the manager Mario and he said to me that he was going to assist me with this , but till this day hasn't done anything to fix the issue other than giving me excuses. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 12, 2025
Not an incident but I have noticed a whining noise and also a knocking noise coming from the engine and I've been told that it could be lifters or pistons not sure which but alot of others have complained about the same noises on their vehicles. If they were faulty from being built shouldnt the manufacturer replace these parts? That can be costly and if people are like me on a fixed income, I simply cant afford to come out of pocket for these repairs! They should have recalls on these parts. My car needs these replaced now and I just cant afford it like I'm sure many others cant. Yall should be ashamed of yourselves for selling vehicles that you cant stand by! The whole engine probably needs replacing now. Just something that you all should be aware of, in which I'm sure you are...and just refuse to address the issues
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 8, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte EX. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 55 MPH, she noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and called roadside assistance. All the warning lights illuminated. Upon arrival, roadside assistance informed the driver the engine had caught fire and had seized. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed him the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, who started a claim. The manufacturer requested a photo of the engine but the contact stated that he did not have any photos. The failure mileage was approximately 118,150.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2024
8/24/22, 2/3/23, 10/23/23. 6/14/24 I began getting random illumination of an ICON of an engine. It would come on then off. When I called KIA, I was told if the light stayed on then get an appointment with Kia. The illumination rarely stayed on then I got a recall letter, so I got an appointment with Kia rather soon initially. I didn't get much information on the matter from the mechanic and that bothered me. I started leaving the car parked due to getting a run around from Kia. There were problems in slow starting the vehicle as well as light issues inside and outside the vehicle, so I got a new battery. There were some weird types of shakings or types of car seizures at times. During August 2022, Kia ran some software tests. Kia continued to service my vehicle and the prices got expensive. With all the tests and repairs the vehicle MIL returned then it failed to start and at times, it began having difficulty starting during 2023. I began contacting Kia and its manufacturer more often about the times my car was out and had to be tolled a few times during last year until the starter had to be replaced last year. The Kia dealer initially tried to scheduled appointment during the month of September, 2024 as the MIA and some other Haydraulic light came on and made it more difficult to even drive. I was told they were seriously busy when I called Kia. Then the next appointment when I called the dealer of Kia on 6/18/24 was set for 7/17/24 in VB, but I never got any calls or confirmation. I called numerous times. It was really frustrating even after I been contacting Kia and the manufactural numerous times without any returned calls. I got a similar recall on my Kia 2019, Cadenza during the end of May 2024. I hope I can get my 2013 back soon before this other car needs fixing or breaks down, too. Both of these vehicles were purchased new. I don't understand why it is taking so long to fix with a fuse. I had considered trying to sale as I need my vehicle(s).
Electrical system, Engine, May 18, 2024
I took my car into the dealership to be told there’s not yet a remedy for my cars it’s been 5months and now my cars stalling and the check engine light is flashing after I just had repairs done in April
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Apr 12, 2024, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after accelerating at 20 MPH from the complete stop, another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, and the vehicle was pushed towards a residence. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, causing the front end of the vehicle to crash into the residence. The air bags deployed. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which she related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 30, 2024, fire
MY WINDOWS BEGAN TO ROLL UP SLOWER THAN USUAL. WHEN I ROLL MY WINDOW UP SEEMS LIKE MY LIGHTS WOULD DIM. BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. ON THIS PARTICULAR DAY, I PARKED MY CAR. IT SEEMED TO BE RUNNING JUST FINE BEFORE I TURNED IT OFF. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT BACK OUT TO TURN IT ON, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN NOR WOULD THE GEAR MOVE. ONCE I SAT FOR HOURS WAITING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER TO ASSIST ME. THE FAMILY MEMBER CAME AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED. ONCE STARTED WE BEGAN TO SEE AND SMELL SMOKE. IT SMELLED LIKE ELECTRICITY. THE CAR DIED OUT AND CONTINUED TO SMOKE REALLY BAD AND THE SMELL OF ELECTRICTY BECAME STRONGER. THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER START.
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
Driving one day and check engine light came on. Car began to stutter and a billow of white smoke came from rear. Vehicle was disabled. Towed to Kia dealership. Dealership states they are doing a cylinder test. The car has been at the dealership since 08/14/2023. I have reached out to the dealer 5 times and have not gotten a response. Each time I have called I have been told that a service advisor will call me back. They won’t even tell me what’s wrong or causing the car to shut off and overheat. Car starts normally and then within ten minutes white smoke appears from the exhaust. Also hot liquid steams off engine. Last time I contacted the dealer was on 11/30/23. They said a service advisor would call me back. It is currently 12/12/23 and my issue is still not resolved. Car is still at dealership and has not moved. I am the second owner of the vehicle and have a extended warranty through a third party.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
The engine pistons seized while going slow turning a corner and brought my car to a sudden stop. There were no engine lights on before it seized and after it happened there are still no engine lights on yet it no longer can function. Essentially after the starter turns over, the engine just makes a loud clunking noise. Oil levels are full, coolant full, and with the radio off there weren't any noises coming from the car until it stopped dead in the road. My safety was at risk when it happened because at midnight after coming back from a long movie, on a dark winding road, the car seized and I couldn't get it all the way over. I was so scared a car would come around the corner and hit my car, my wife and myself while we waited. My insurance company towed the car to a repair shop and they gave me a $6500 repair bill. I called a Kia dealership, specifically the repair shop talking though the issue and next steps and they said not to bring it into the dealership because they aren't able to fix it and instead to send it to a junk yard. This issue has no warning lights, no red engine lights, no odd sounds coming from the engine, no oil leaks present prior to the engine seizing and essentially left me and my wife stranded in a dangerous situation.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
Hi, I brought my car to a local kia dealer for the open recalls stated above and the dealership Crain Kia has refused to fix it for a unknown reason. The dealer inspected it and told me they needed to stop because of the engine being a used one? it was not clear on exactly why but that is all they told me. I know that the recall is for engine fire and safety so its not clear as to why they would refuse to fix it
Engine, Oct 18, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while parked, a passerby observed fire emanating from the engine compartment. The origin of the fire was unknown. The police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a lot where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Engine, Sep 26, 2023
Was driving at approximately 60 MPH and heard an abnormal knocking noise sound coming from the engine compartment. The knocking noise occurred whenever the accelerator was pressed. No warning light was illuminated. Took car to mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine rod bearings needed to be replaced. Car had 205,000 miles at the time of engine failure and has been well maintained with records.
Engine, Sep 1, 2023
No warnings driving vehicle started to hear a tapping noise Park the vehicle two days later started vehicle to take to shop belt blew off in pieces car stopped locked up would not restart no warning lights no loss of anything just stopped after one day of tapping told motorized seized did contact Kia also looked up information regarding what it could be and it matches the other issues customers are having and have had with their motors yet told no recall although all same symptoms
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 16, 2023
No warning light or nothing just out the blue started knocking and shaking violently lost power almost got hit by a tractortrailer. It has been confirmed from independent shop #4 rod bearing spun and paper thin this happened on interstate 81 near UVA medical center the date was 8-2-2023
Engine, Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the dealer refused to complete the recall repair because additional repairs were needed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that the vehicle should be repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, May 24, 2023
Engine started producing a knocking sound, maybe a couple weeks later experienced catastrophic Engine failure, with a portion of the engine being thrown from the bottom of the engine block.
Engine, May 3, 2023, fire
Engine fire
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
A summary of the issue resolved but not recognized by Kia Motors. Engine knocking. Was checked and replaced. 2013 Kia Forte EX VIN: [XXX] SEDAN 4DR 2.0L I4 F DOHC 16V GASOLINE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. Paid $4,384.00 for replacement. This engine should be added to the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-750 - vehicle 4. But it is not, WHY?!?!?! Same vehicle as 2014 model and that engine (2.0L) is on the recall report. Same engine and same problem but NHTSA did not include my model engine. Please reconsider and add this engine to the recall report. Kia will not fully acknowledge fault for these engine failures. I have reported this to Kia Motors and they closed my case as unresolved because no recall was reported. Case # [XXX] submitted 2/12/2019. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 7, 2023
Sudden rod bearing failure on a well maintained Engine. Other 2013 Kia Koups have recalls for the engine, but this specific vin does not and experiences the same problem with the THETA II engine. Engine is destroyed at 190,000 miles.
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
So I bought my car used at a Kia Dealership. When I got my car I noticed that my cars engine was ticking. So I took it in. They said that I needed to replace the fan because it was worn down and that my extended warranty covers it. but went on to say well those Kia's make and model and year just make noise like that. So why say my fan needs replacing implying the cause of the noise and then go on to say that. I've googled and done a ton of research it feels like and asked ,many mechanics who might think what it is. and they all say its coming from the engine. and the amount of people complaining about the same problem. and some bought there car brand new so.... there is something going on that they dont want us to know.
Engine, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the RPMs started to fall, and the vehicle began to stall. The vehicle failed to shift to the intended gear. The RPMs dropped to 0. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer denied the engine replacement despite the remedy stated that the engine would be replaced if deemed necessary. The dealer stated that the ECU update was needed prior to the engine failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the engine should be replaced and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The dealer declined to replace the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the issues regarding the dealer. The manufacturer confirmed that the ECU needed to be updated first. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.