Recalls
5campaigns
2 brake · 1 engine · 1 air bag
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
195filed
Owner reports, 2009–2018 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 4★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
30mpg combined
$2,177/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic
5 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (5)
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Forte. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2013 Kia Forte. Not checked against your VIN.
Park outside: fire risk. NHTSA advises parking outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
32.4% repairedof 1,730,192 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V652000
Listed for 2013 Kia Forte. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Damage May Cause Fire
Engine
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
72.5% repairedof 294,756 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V750000
Listed for 2013 Kia Forte. Not checked against your VIN.
Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled
Air bags · air bag/restraint control module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
44.5% repairedof 507,587 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V363000
Listed for 2013 Kia Forte. Not checked against your VIN.
Brake Pedal Stopper may Deteriorate
Service brakes, hydraulic · pedals and linkages
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
51.6% repairedof 134,366 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V773000
Listed for 2013 Kia Forte. Not checked against your VIN.
Improperly Tightened Seat Belt Retractor Screws
Seat belts · front · retractor
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
41.9% repairedof 5,245 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V312000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (195)
195 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
16involved a crash
13involved a fire
17injuries reported
1deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 195 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 107 | 54.9% |
| Service brakes | 37 | 19% |
| Electrical system | 25 | 12.8% |
| Air bags | 16 | 8.2% |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 7.2% |
| Steering | 13 | 6.7% |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 6.7% |
| Power train | 10 | 5.1% |
| Seat belts | 8 | 4.1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 3.1% |
How 2013 compares with other Forte years
Best and worst Forte years →20091
2010221
2011153
2012292
2013195
2014443
2015260
2016136
2017304
2018136
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | 221 | 3 |
| 2011 | 153 | 3 |
| 2012 | 292 | 4 |
| 2013 | 195 | 5 |
| 2014 | 443 | 3 |
| 2015 | 260 | 1 |
| 2016 | 136 | 1 |
| 2017 | 304 | 3 |
| 2018 | 136 | 3 |
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 3★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 3★ · Passenger 5★★★★★☆
Side pole★★☆☆☆
RolloverRollover risk 10.3%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Kia Forte 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 30 mpg combined
30
mpg combined
27
city
35
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,250
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 296 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,177per year
$181per month
500gallons a year
Miles ÷ 30 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | $2,250 | 296 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | $2,300 | 309 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | $2,400 | 317 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 | 344 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 | 348 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2013 Forte for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2013 Kia Forte FAQ
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 23V652000 (brake), 20V750000 (engine), 18V363000 (air bag), 17V773000 (brake), 16V312000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2013 Kia Forte problems?
Owners filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (107), Service brakes (37), Electrical system (25) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2013 Kia Forte get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 27 city, 35 highway and 30 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2013 Kia Forte get?
NHTSA rated the 2013 Kia Forte 4 dr fwd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 4 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.3% rollover risk).
How does the 2013 Forte compare with other years?
Among the 2009–2018 Kia Forte model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2014 the most (443). The 2013 drew 195. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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