Worst 2013 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Brakes
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Kia Forte.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 107 | 1 | 9 | 86,123 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | 7 | 70,056 mi | |
| Brakes | 24 | 3 | — | 61,450 mi | |
| Airbags | 16 | 11 | 1 | 87,365 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 14 | — | 1 | 67,240 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 13 | 2 | — | 103,571 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | 1 | 1 | 44,478 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | 62,585 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 5 | — | 98,500 mi | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | 95,333 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | 18,500 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wiring & Fuses | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum:Wheel Cylinders | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Side/Rear Glass | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2013 Kia Forte
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,672,146 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Kia Forte Years
2013 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Kia Forte reliable?
What are common problems with the 2013 Kia Forte?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Kia Forte?
How safe is the 2013 Kia Forte?
Does the 2013 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2013 Kia Forte?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2013 Kia Forte
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99