2013 Kia Forte: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
195 NHTSA owner complaints · 5 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
195 NHTSA owner complaints · 5 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Complaints per year on the road: 15.0
Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.
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 Numbe…
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…
The system that is failing are the brakes and the tail lights. They used to be an open recall for the brake pedal stopper pad, however I’m not sure if that part is able to break again because in October I remember hitting the break and something I heard a crack down by the pedal, but I wasn’t able to see if anything had broken. I can’t check after that. I’ve have had continuous issues with my tail lights. The tail li…
What the community is saying right now.
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 18V363000 | Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Modu | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedo… |
| 17V773000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Lin | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing… |
| 20V750000 | Engine | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, an… |
| 16V312000 | Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The scre… |
| 23V652000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Tract | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 20… |
EPA combined 29 MPG · estimated annual fuel cost $2,100
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (107 complaints in our indexed sample).
Our data verdict is CAUTION with a reliability score of 50/100, computed from 195 NHTSA complaints and 5 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for the 2013 Kia Forte, 4 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 01/06/2018. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorComplaints & recalls: NHTSA ·
Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov ·
Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements.
Last updated: 2026-08-20.