2013 Kia Forte: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Kia Forte: 5 recalls, 195 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #16V312000 · 2016 · 5,245 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #17V773000 · 2017 · 134,366 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V363000 · 2018 · 507,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Engine Vehicle recall #20V750000 · 2020 · 294,756 vehicles
What's wrong: An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: 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,…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 13 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (107): the most common themes are noise or vibration (59), stalls / loses power (29), warning light on (27).
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), fire / smoke (9), warning light on (5).
- Brakes (24): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5).
- Airbags (16): the most common themes are fails to deploy (8).
The 2013 Kia Forte has 195 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 16 Forte model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 160). Complaints peaked in 2023 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 79,979 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (292 complaints, 4 recalls), 2014 (444 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Kia Forte.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Kia Forte problems?
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (107), electrical (25), brakes (24).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Kia Forte repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.