CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Kia Forte has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 13 fires, 17 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (107 reports).
2013 Kia Forte recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
The air bag control unit in these Kia vehicles may short circuit during a crash.
Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Release Without Brake
A worn brake pedal stopper pad can keep the brake light switch plunger extended after the pedal is released.
Front seatbelt retractor plates may break in a crash
Some 2013 Kia Forte vehicles built between September 10, 2012 and October 31, 2012 may have front seatbelt retractor retaining plates whose screws were not properly tightened.
Most common 2013 Kia Forte problems
Problem areas named in the 195 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 107 |
| Electrical System | 25 |
| Service Brakes | 24 |
| Air Bags | 16 |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 |
| Steering | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 13 |
| Power Train | 10 |
| Seat Belts | 8 |
What owners report
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 Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, an unknown dealer attempted to charge the contact to replace the engine, even though the recall notification stated that the engine would be replaced as needed, free of charge. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but declined the service
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 no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 139,000.
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 Iâm 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 wasnât able to see if anything had broken. I canât check after that. Iâve have had continuous issues with my tail lights. The tail lights wonât turn on. Theyâll turn on sometimes sometimes they wonât. The tail lights will stay on. I wonât blink when I break. Theyâll just stay on one of them will be on the others will be off.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal failed to operate as needed and depressed to the floorboard without warning. As a result of the brake failure, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that both front driver and front passenger seat belts failed to retract as both she and her son were violently jerked forward upon impact. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. Both the contact and her son were treated for minor pain and bruising at a local hospital. The whereabouts of the other driver are unknown. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where the contact was g
The engine has been making humming noise which is getting louder with time
2013 Kia Forte questions
Does the 2013 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Forte: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash; Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Release Without Brake; Front seatbelt retractor plates may break in a crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Forte?
Based on 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (107), Electrical System (25), Service Brakes (24).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Kia Forte has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.