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
195 reports, newest first.
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.
Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakes, Jan 10, 2024
Engine light abs sensor from right wheel Repair at Mavis Tire 1701 19th St Bessemer Al 35020 phone# Mavis 205 666 0750 Repair made 08/18/2023 $381.12 total I have invoice from Mavis Tire I am unable to send my invoice.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40–45 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 approximate failure mileage was 99,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Service brakes, Dec 11, 2023
In November 2022 the brake pedal kept sticking to the floor or halfway down causing sudden jerk of the car. Took it to Paramount Kia in Hickory North Carolina. This was a recall. THey repaired the problem. In October, 2023, same thing is happening again. Went to Kia dealership in December. They even kept it over night because this happens in colder weather. They drove it in the morning. THe temperature did not drop enough. THey called me and said there was nothing wrong and to come get the car. I had called them before this and told them the same thing was happening again like it did in 2022. They were familiar with the car. They basically refused to help me. I let a relative drive the car when weather was cold and they told me when they put on the brake, they almost went through the windshield. I need this to be fixed again. Dealership had told me they were not going to replace the same part a second time.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke coming from the passenger’s side of the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the thermostat. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, but the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Nov 17, 2023
this vehicle (2013 kia forte rides extremely rough.It sounds like the suspension has totally faild.New engine at 40000 miles. well aligned and rides well.terrible noise inside vehicle while driving on gravel roads.(very concerned) appreciate any input
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.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2023
As a loyal customer one of my KIA was stolen and the officer said to contact KiA so the cars can get the update on anti- theft software and a safety car lock to prevent this from happening again. Spoke with [XXX] and gave me this # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.