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, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unaware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Steering, Engine, Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, he depressed the accelerator pedal to change lanes and heard an abnormal knocking noise sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the knocking sound occurred whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine rod bearings needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). Additionally, the contact reported that he had also experienced failures with the loss of power steering functionality, but the failure was intermittent. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified but that they would not diagnose the vehicle without charge. The vehicle was checked by two different tire specialists. All of the tires were replaced.
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic, he was informed there was a ticking noise coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle had experienced rod bearings failure, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
1. The engine failed and is available for inspection upon request. 2. The car died in the middle of an interstate, I could have been rear ended putting the safety of myself and others in jeopardy. 3. As attached, an independent service center confirmed that the oil light was on, but there was oil in the car. They couldn’t find the problem. 4. The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center. 5. The oil warning lamp illuminated about 5 minutes prior to engine failure. The engine had been making knocking noises for at least 5 years. I asked mechanics multiple times to see if there was an issue with the engine because it would make so much noise but every time they came back and said they couldn’t find a problem. The engine had quit around 9/20/21 and Paul’s garage said there was a clog in the lines so they did a crankcase flush and the car was up and running again. Every time I took the car for maintenance after that they did a preventative crankcase flush. This time the engine died and I was told it is locked up. In the file I have uploaded there are 4 invoices from maintenance and repairs done to the car that I feel might relate to the issue.
Engine, Nov 21, 2022
CONSTITUENT HAS EXPERIENCED A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE WITH THEIR 2013 KIA FORTE AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THEIR VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE KIA ENGINE SAFETY RECALL
Engine, Nov 2, 2022
October 2021 vehicle shut off and loss power while stopped at red light, was able to restart and proceed. Vehicle then shut off again and would not restart Engine light illuminated(approx 75,000). Was towed to dealer and was diagnosed as needing and oil control valve replacement. Valve was replaced. Several days following repair engine light would sporadically illuminate would be on for several days then would go off for weeks at a time. Vehicle is again now experiencing same issues with shutting off while stopped, and also having issues accelerating at times.(101,000 miles) Oil is also changed regularly. I am the first owner of the vehicle and now that the 10 years are up and 100,000 miles have now passed, i am worried i will be left without my only transportation and means to provide for family
Engine, Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, she was accelerating to overtake another vehicle and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact noticed that the check engine and check oil light warning lights were illuminated. The contact coasted off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she lifted the hood and noticed that smoke was coming from the driver’s side of the engine compartment. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer; however, a dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed since the engine was inoperable. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Exterior lighting, Engine, May 6, 2022
Engine had loud rattling and seized, was suppose to have long block and short block replaced. Only short block replaced paid $7,441.53. After three months of it being in the dealership, I got my car back. Less than twenty four hours later the check engine light came on. Brought it back, it is the same issues. component in engine that was suppose to be new part failed. It is back at the dealership. The right tail light keeps blowing lights. The component melted the tail light holder.
Engine, Mar 25, 2022
Engine has started making ticking/clicking sound that appears to be common in Kia's . Vehicle has been well maintained, regular oil changes, etc. It seems other Kia's with the same engine, and seemingly same problem, have been recalled. A quick google search shows that the ticking issue is very common with kia's. Hopefully this can be added to a recall. Thank you.
Engine, Feb 9, 2022
I was driving to work on the freeway on Saturday, while driving my oil light came on one second later the engine stopped working and all lights came on including he engine light. I pulled over turned it off and on and it would not start. A transmission shop and Kia dealership did a diagnostic and said the engine ceased. Something in the engine failed knocking down an d the part failed
Engine, Jan 17, 2022
My engine which is the 2.0 liter has the same tapping noise from the engine that the other Kia Fortes had and I don’t get a recall. The engine has gone to crap and I’m still paying on it from a dealership. How does it not have a recall like the others when it’s doing the same thing. My dealership said it’s a common problem with these years and engines and now my engine is on its last leg. It’s going to leave me stranded or get me hurt by blowing up unless someone does something about these tapping/knocking engines!!! It has did it for 3 years that I’ve owned it but now it’s really bad to the point it’s serious metal on metal. Also this vehicle has been well maintained and I have all my service records and receipts to frequent oil changes etc etc
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 3, 2022
We have not been able to get this vehicle to pass emissions, ive taken it to multiple kia locations and no one has been able to help. The engine light has been on and theyve changed the sensor as thats what repair shop suggested it may be, but still nothing. Then just out of the blue its stopped working. I took it to a smaller shop as i no longer trusted the kia dealership and the guy told me it was a recall as this is not an old car and it needed engine work. I contacted kia and they said yes there was an important sfety recall that we should of received a letter, suggested to call 18003334542 for a tow, but i have spoken to 6 people who i cant understand and have been able to get a tow to a kia dealership
Engine, Dec 9, 2021
Engine Knock, Engine failure and replacement. The car had to be towed to the dealer and they would not cover the repair because we were the second owner. We purchased the car with 67k miles on it and the engine failed 6 months after purchase.
Engine, Oct 25, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at 50 - 55 mph, noises were heard and smoke came from the front and rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer replaced the engine and fuel pump. However, while the dealer was test driving the vehicle, abnormal noises were heard. The dealer informed the contact that they would contact the manufacturer to replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,917.
Engine, Jun 8, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The contact parked the vehicle and saw smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. The contact exited the vehicle before the vehicle caught on fire. There was no injury sustained. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact called local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 85,400.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 7, 2021, fire
MY 2013 KIA FORTE KOUP WAS PARKED AS I RAN INTO THE STORE, I CAME OUT TO MY CAR ON FIRE AND IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. IT WAS ALL FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD THE ELECTRICAL I BELIEVE AS MY STEERING WHEEL AND EVERYTHING WAS ON FIRE. I HAVE A 10YR WARRANTY ON MY CAR, I RECEIVED AN URGENT RECALL A FEW DAYS AFTER MY CAR FIRE IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE AND SOMETHING ELSE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM BUT THEY SAID WE DO NOT DEAL WITH THAT YOU MUST CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SO I DID THE VERY NEXT DAY. I SPOKE WITH RYAN AND HE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER STATED NOT TO WORRY THEY WILL GET ME IN A CAR AND HAVE MY CAR INSPECTED AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I HEARD FROM HIM TWICE THEN NOTHING FOR TWO WEEKS THEIR SYSTEMS WERE DOWN, I HAVE CALLED AND EMAILED SO MANY TIMES WITH NO CALL BACK OR EMAIL BACK. I DEMANDED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR BECAUSE 3 WEEKS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE I DID NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT CAR OR RENTAL AND MY RENTAL THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD ONLY BE FOR 30 DAYS. THE MANAGER WAS JEFF STROUP WHO WAS NOT HELPFUL AND A LITTLE SHADY ALSO LAUGHED AT ME BECAUSE I WAS UPSET I HAD NO CAR NO ANSWERS NO RESULTS. HE SAID IT TAKES A WHILE TO HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THEN ANOTHER MONTH FOR THE RESULTS, BUT YET I AM AT THEIR MERCY BEING I HAVE NO CAR AND I HAVE A WARRANTY. HE WAS RUDE AND NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. HE ASKED ME TO SEND HIM THE BILL FOR THE RENTAL CAR I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET, I DID AND HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM. I HAVE CALLED MANY TIMES AND THEY DO NOT GIVE YOU ANYONES DIRECT NUMBER OR EMAIL. IT IS ABOUT 2 MONTHS SINCE MY CAR FIRE AND NO PHONE CALLS NO INSPECTION OF MY CAR AND ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM KIA! I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY GIVE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FAIL TO ASSIST SOMEONE WHO SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON THEIR CAR AND HAS A WARRANTY. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO VEHICLE BUT A WARRANTY THAT DOES NOTHING
Engine, Mar 30, 2021
TOOK CAR TO GET WASHED. DROVE HOME EAST TO WEST. CAR IN MOTION SLOWED U.W. BAY DRIVE 40 MILES, 30, 20. CAR STATIONARY 1 HOUR OR MORE. POLICE JUMP. DIDN'T TURN
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT NOTICED HER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, SHE STOPPED FOR FUEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND SHAKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MISFIRE SHORT IN THE WIRING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED A BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Engine, Feb 23, 2021
LOUD TICKING OR KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE. SOUNDS EXACTLY THE SAME AS OTHER ENGINES THAT WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF 'ROD KNOCK'. THIS SAME ENGINE WAS RECALLED ON MANY OTHER MODELS SO WHY NOT ON THE 2013 KIA FORTE?
Engine, Feb 15, 2021
SEVERAL RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE THETA II ENGINE. I OWN A 2013 KIA FORTE KOUP EX WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L MPI ENGINE. THE 2.4L ENGINE OF THE SAME TYPE WAS RECALLED JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO ENGINES IS THE SIZE. THEY ARE NOT FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT OTHER THAN A FEW TWEAKS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE EXTRA VOLUME. LIKELY THIS MEANS THE SAME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES WERE USED FOR BOTH ENGINES. IT WOULD BE INCREDIBLY INEFFICIENT TO CREATE NEW MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR EACH OF THESE ENGINES. THEREFORE, IF THERE WAS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING ERROR IN THE 2.4L PRODUCTION (SAY METAL SHAVINGS THAT BLOCK OIL ACCESS TO THE ROD BEARINGS CAUSING CRITICAL WEAR AND DAMAGE), THEN THAT ERROR PROBABLY OCCURRED IN THE 2.0L MANUFACTURING. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE 2.0L MPI ENGINE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. THE 2.0L MPI ENGINE ON MY KIA FORTE KOUP EX HAS BEGUN TO KNOCK. BY THE SOUND, THE ROD BEARING HAS PROBABLY WORN THROUGH AND THE LIFE OF MY CAR AND MY OWN SAFETY ARE AT A HIGH RISK. I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW ENGINE OR A NEW CAR RIGHT NOW JUST BECAUSE KIA SCREWED UP. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. JUST BECAUSE NOT AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE CARS WITH THE THETA II 2.0L MPI ENGINE DOESN'T MEAN OUR SAFETY AND OUR LIFE SAVINGS CAN BE THROWN OUT THE WINDOW.
Engine, Feb 5, 2021
WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR 20V750000, BUT WAS TOLD I NEED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO ROD BEARINGS AND PISTONS. VEHICLE MAKES KNOCKING NOISES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL KEPT AND HAS ONLY 45,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD A NEW ENGINE WOULD COST $5,600. MY CAR IS ONLY WORTH $5,600. PLEASE ADD THIS VIN TO THE RECALL LIST, I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW ENGINE. AND THE ENGINE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE OTHER THETA II ENGINES BEING RECALLED. I AM AFRAID IT WILL CATCH FIRE AS OTHERS HAVE, BUT I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT
Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2021
2013 KIA FORTE SEDAN, 2.4L THETA II, MY MPI ENGINE APPROX. 98K MILES (DEC 18 2020), LIGHT TICKING WAS OBSERVED WHILE DRIVING AS USUAL. THIS TICKING QUICKLY ESCALATED (DEC 21, 2020) TO THE POINT OF STOPPING THE CAR AND NOT DRIVING ANY FURTHER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN ASE SHOP TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE (DEC 25, 2020). WITHIN A FEW DAYS (DEC 28 - JAN 31) IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE HAVING METAL IN THE OIL AND FILTER. BASED ON MY RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS, FORUMS AND RELATED RECALLS POINTING TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HOWEVER, TO DATE (JANUARY 18, 2021) THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PLATFORM. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND, KIA IS TO ANNOUNCE A RECALL (JANUARY 27, 2021) OF THIS SPECIFIC SERIES OF ENGINES AS WELL. CURRENTLY THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED HAS NOT MADE ANY EFFORT TO FACILITATE THIS ENGINE PROBLEM. ONLY THE FACT THAT THE SERVICE DEPT HAS AGREED TO KEEP THE CAR UNTIL MORE RECALL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE HELP WITH INFORMATION OR CONTACT TO FACILITATE A SOLUTION TO THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL KEPT WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES.
Engine, Jan 15, 2021
I HAVE A RATTLING NOISE AT 45000 MILES AND I WAS TOLD BY TAYLOR KIA AFTER DIAGNOSTICS THAT AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. KIA HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE AS SHOWN ON MANY FORUMS AND THIS MODEL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
Engine, Jan 14, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE APPEARED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERGUSON KIA (1501 N ELM PLACE, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012, (918) 258-1800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARING FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE)AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000.
Engine, Jan 1, 2021, fire
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I-70 MD AT 65MPH WHEN I HEARD A TICKING SOUND AND I WASNT GETTING ANY POWER. CAR WAS STRUGGLING TO MOVE WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN BANG!!!! SMOKE, PLASTIC AND METAL WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE FROM THE ENGINE BAY, RICOCHETING OFF THE ASPHALT TOWARDS THE SIDES OF MY VEHICLE AND OTHER CARS TRAILING BEHIND ME. CARS SWERVED TO AVOID THE DEBRIS FROM HITTING THEIR VEHICLES. POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND I STRUGGLED TO MOVE THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER ACROSS ANOTHER LANE. I COULDVE EASILY BEEN KILLED HAD A DRIVER NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION OR LOOKING AT THEIR PHONE CROSSING LANES AS THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WAS COMING TO A STOP, INABLE TO MOVE. I SOMEHOW SAFELY GOT TO THE SHOULDER AND GOT THE CAR TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO THE MECHANIC. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. ROD SNAPPED AND BLEW A 2 INCH HOLE THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND CAR LIT ON FIRE BRIEFLY. BOUGHT A NEW (USED) THETA II ENGINE (THE SAME ENGINE RECALLED IN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OTHER KIAS AND HYUNDAIS) BUT NOT FOR THE 2013 KIA KOUP WITH THE SAME ENGINE PROBLEM. $4800+ LATER, IM STILL SCARED DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS I COULDVE EASILY BEEN SMASHED THAT DAY BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL EVERY SINGLE MAKE YEAR AND MODEL WITH THE THETA 2 ENGINE. HAVE NEW (USED) ENGINE RECIEPT AND ALL DOCUMENTATION PERTAINING TO THE INCIDENT.