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: exterior lighting
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Feb 26, 2025
Issue with having to replace brake and taillights too often
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 16, 2024
I purchased my 2013 Kia Forte EX5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that Yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melting of the socket just a blub blown. I go to Advance auto, and thankfully they are adept in swapping out the front lights but for all the rear I most have to get a mechanic
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.
Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 6, 2022
No accident to report. This will will be my second time replacing suspension springs and brake light assembly. I have reason to believe that the 2013 Kia Forte EX model has a recall on these item because my car isn't the only vehicle in for these exact issues. I wish to have these investigated because this is becoming most costly than expected.
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2021
I have owned my 2013 kia forte for over 7 years. Within the last 3 years I have had significant issues with my tail lights and break lights burning out. To the point that the socket completely melted and shattered the light bulb.upon attempting to fix and remove the melted socket I sliced my hand open. I have been pulled over multiple times for my lights flickering or even just being out. It's to the point where I carry spare light bulbs in my car. I've had a mechanic look at my vehicle and I've been advise that I need to have the whole tail light assembly replaced. This is a huge safety issue especially when traveling with my small children. I've spoken with many people that have this model car and all experience the same issue. I'm shocked to know this is not a recall issue!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2020
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS NOW AND I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR TAIL LIGHT/ BRAKE LIGHT BULBS CONTINUOUSLY BLOWING OUT. I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM ALMOST EVERY 1-2 MONTHS. WHEN REPLACING THEM, THEY ARE VERY HOT. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A WIRING ISSUE AMONG MANY OTHER FORTES AS I HAD READ UPON NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2020
I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 YEARS. SINCE 2017, I HAVE STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER'S BRAKE LIGHT BURNING OUT. AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE AND MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS WITHIN A 4 MONTH PERIOD, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE ENTIRE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE REPLACEMENT SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AND THE ISSUE WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR. IN 2018, I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT AGAIN FOR THE LEFT AND RIGHT. IT STARTED WITH NEEDING TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS EVERY QUARTER. NOW, I REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHTS AT LEAST EVERY 1-4 WEEKS. THE LIGHT EITHER HAS BECOME SO HOT AND BLOWN OUT, OR WHEN I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD -- THE LIGHT DISLODGES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE SURMISED THAT THE ISSUE IS NOT RELATED TO ELECTRICAL WIRING, BUT THEY BELIEVE THE SOCKET IS NOT HOLDING THE BULB SNUGLY TO RETAIN LIGHTING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE INABILITY FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO KNOW THAT I AM BRAKING. THERE WAS ONE INSTANCE THAT BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT AT NIGHT. AS A RESULT, I CARRY A SPARE PACKET OF TAILLIGHT BULBS IN MY VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. I INTEND TO RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/15/2020 TO REQUEST ANOTHER REPAIR TO THE LIGHT AND TO PURCHASE A NEW TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE VEHICLE ENSURING SERVICE IS COMPLETED IN A TIMELY FASHION. THIS HAS BEEN THE ONLY NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT IT IS A CRUCIAL ISSUE AS IT PUTS MY LIFE AND OTHERS' LIVES IN DANGER. THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE WITH THE 2013-2014 KIA FORTE. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN FORUMS. YET, THERE IS NO RECALL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 10, 2019
I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE WHICH I PURCHASED AT 21,000 AND IT NOW HAS AROUND 65,000. IN THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL DIFFERENT LIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES. IT BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT WITH REPLACING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT THREE TIMES IN A SIX MONTH PERIOD. FROM THERE I HAVE REPLACED THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS TWICE THE OTHER BRAKE LIGHT TWICE. WHEN REPLACING THE BRAKE LIGHT IN THE BACK WINDOW, THE SOCKET WAS MELTED. THIS PAST YEAR I REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT AND A COUPLE BIG MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE. NOW THE DRIVER SIDE HAS GONE OUT AGAIN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Feb 7, 2018
DURING MONTH OF DECEMBER 2017 DISCOVERED ALL BRAKE LIGHTS (TOTAL OF 3 BULBS) BURNED OUT. THE CENTER TOP BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY DISCOVERED MELTED (SELF REPLACED WITH NEW ONES). THREE WEEKS AGO, RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULB BOTH BURNED OUT AND MELTED. I REPLACED THE LIGHT BULB AND USED ELECTRICIAN TAPE TO HOLD SOCKET AND BULB IN PLACE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 28, 2017
REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULBS KEEP BURNING OUT. FOUND A RECALL FOR THE SWITCH. I BROUGHT IT IN TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAY IT'S THE SWITCH. CALLED KIA CUSTOMER REP AND THEY SAID THERE IS A RECALL BUT IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY KIA FORTE. NOT GOOD! I HAVE A KIA AND A HYUNDAI. HAVING ISSUES WITH THE HYUNDAI AS WELL. THESE ARE BOTH 2013 MODELS AND I EXPECTED MORE. I WILL NOT BE BUYING THESE CARS AGAIN SINCE THEY HAVE ONGOING ISSUES AND THE COMPANY DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT FOR ITEMS THAT SHOULD NOT WEAR OUT IN 4 YEARS. VERY POOR QUALITY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 26, 2017
I KEEP HAVING ISSUES WITH MY BREAK LIGHT HAVING TO BE REPLACED ALL THE TIME. NOW IT'S WHERE THEY DO NOT WORK AT ALL NOR DOES THE CAR GO INTO GEAR! I HAVE TO USE SOMETHING TO PUSH THE SHIFT LOCK DOWN SO THAT I CAN SHIFT GEARS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN UNIVERSAL ISSUE AROUND THE BOARD ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT FORUMS. NOW THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSE SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITHIN MY VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO KIA AND AT SOME POINT I'M SURE THIS IS ISN'T THE FIRST THEY HAVE HEARD OF THIS BECAUSE THEY KEEP SAYING WELL YOUR VEHICLE DOESN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS. OKAY I UNDERSTAND BUT AT THE SAME TIME THE EXACT SAME THATS HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO PREVIOUS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL BREAKLIGHT ISSUES. IT'S FAR TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IF YOUR VEHICLE ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE, KIA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT OR BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT! IF IT WALKS LIKE A DUCK....QUACKS LIKE A DUCK....IT'S A DUCK...PLAIN AND SIMPLE! I FEEL THIS IS NEGLECT AND IT'S PUTTING CONSUMERS LIVES AT RISK.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 23, 2017
THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE NEED REPLACING EVERY FEW WEEKS ALONG WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT DISENGAGING WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND GEAR SHIFT DOES NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL LIGHT WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHT CONTROL IS IN THE OFF POSITION BUT WHEN THE CAR IS ON AND LIGHTS HAVE BEEN TURNED ON, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT. WHEN IT FIRST BEGAN HAPPENING THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO EARNHARDT KIA IN PHOENIX AND THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IN THE COURSE OF THREE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN 12-15 LIGHTBULBS REPLACED INCLUDING A HEADLAMP.
Exterior lighting, Sep 13, 2017
RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT TOOK CAR TO MIDAS TO HAVE BULB REPLACED, WHERE THE MELTED LIGHT SOCKET WAS DISCOVERED. TOOK CAR KIA DEALERSHIP THE SAME DAY 9/11/2017 TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ITEM AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOT. THE KIA ADVISOR JACK TOLD ME THAT THEY WHERE ABLE TO REPLACE THE BULB BUT HAD TO GET APPROVAL TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SOCKET. ON 9/12 I WAS INFORMED THAT DPSM DENIED THE REQUEST TO COVER THE PART. PICTURES SENT TO DPSM BY KIA DEALERSHIP.