2013 Kia Forte
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 122 of 211 complaints (58%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (13) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 305 in 2012 to 211 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,100–2,400 | 2,100–2,400 | 2,100–2,400 | 2,150–2,600 | 2,100–2,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–30 | 26–30 | 26–30 | 24–29 | 24–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–27 / 30–35 | 22–27 / 30–35 | 22–27 / 30–35 | 21–26 / 28–36 | 21–26 / 28–37 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 296–342 | 296–342 | 296–348 | 305–370 | 294–370 | |
| Complaints filed | 161 | 305 | 211 | 441 | 259 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 28 | 20 | 17 | 32 | 16 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 12 | 22 | 14 | 36 | 20 | |
| Injuries reported | 35 | 16 | 18 | 29 | 11 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Forte have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Kia Forte?
Engine: 122 of 211 NHTSA complaints (58%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Forte get?
EPA rates it 26–30 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Kia Forte?
EPA estimates $2,100–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (9)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 314 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 326 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 30 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 347 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 31 mpg | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 348 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg | 35 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 309 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 317 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg (high) | 35 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | $2,100 (low) | 296 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 344 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 31 mpg | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 348 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 122 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 27 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 37 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 20 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 19 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 13 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 23V652000 · Sep 26, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. 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.
ENGINE · Campaign 20V750000 · Dec 3, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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. 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.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · Campaign 18V363000 · Jun 5, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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. 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · Campaign 17V773000 · Dec 5, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · Campaign 16V312000 · May 17, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC132.