repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2013 Kia ForteProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 195 owner complaints about the 2013 Kia Forte, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 9, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Kia Forte has problems
195 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
107Engine10 crash/fire/injury
25Electrical system8 crash/fire/injury
24Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
16Air bags12 crash/fire/injury
14Service brakes, hydraulic
14Exterior lighting
13Steering
10Power train
8Seat belts
2811 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 107 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 8 |
| Service brakes | 24 | 3 |
| Air bags | 16 | 12 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 14 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 2 |
| Steering | 13 | 2 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 8 | 5 |
| 11 other systems | 28 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2013 Kia Forte recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2019 Q2
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Risk. 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…
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2017 Q4
Front: retractor
Risk. If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
85kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 74 engine complaints. 66% were reported before 100,000 miles.
5under 30k miles49under 100k miles25100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Forte year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forte median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Kia Forte safety ratings
2013 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Kia Forte, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
- Air bags may be disabled during crashLed to recall 18E-043
In owners' words
What Forte owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2013 Forte?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.