Is the 2013 Kia Forte reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia Forte is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Forte?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Forte have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Kia Forte

◆ Worse than typical

2013 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:38.077Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 195
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 5
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2013: 195 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	154
2012	291
2013	195
2014	443
2015	262
2016	136
2017	305
2018	135
2019	150
2020	78
2021	69
2022	27
2023	65
2024	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

55% · 107 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-30

Also filed under Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-18

Service brakes

19% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Electrical system

13% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.

FIREINJURY

Air bags

8% · 16 reports

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

I received a letter from Kia dated July 27 regarding a recall on airbags. On July 28, I was in a car accident with a drunk driver, and my airbags did not deploy. The car is totaled, and I no longer have it. There is a police and collision report.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-10

I had an accident in April where my entire front end was damaged. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not catch me causing me to smash my face into the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-03

Also filed under Seat belts

I was in an accident. I was sitting still when I was struck from the rear by a dully truck that was traveling greater than 40 miles per hour. I was pushed approximately 4 feet into the car in front of me. My airbag did not deploy and my seat broke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-28

Also filed under Seats

Exterior lighting

7% · 14 reports

FIREINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2013Complaint volume 195 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-07-01Seat belts16V312000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-01-30Service brakes, hydraulic17V773000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-08-30 Air bags may be disabled during crash
R

2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
R

2021-01-25Engine20V750000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
R

2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 107 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 38 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V312000 · Seat belts
Recall 17V773000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
Recall 20V750000 · Engine
Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Kia Forte reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia Forte is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Forte?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Forte have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.