2013 Kia Forte: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Kia Forte has 601 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. Owners most often flag engine failure (oil consumption, piston ring issues, catastrophic failure) — particularly noted in pre-2019 gdi engines and some theta ii engines; some reports of replacement under warranty. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

601
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
49
Crash reports
40
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Kia Forte vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
333
service brakes
114
electrical system
77
air bags
50
exterior lighting
43

Recalls affecting the 2013 Forte

engine

Campaign 20V750000

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.

air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Campaign 18V363000

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 c…

service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages

Campaign 17V773000

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 releas…

seat belts:front:retractor

Campaign 16V312000

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 prop…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Forte is widely regarded as a solid value proposition, offering good features, technology, and interior space for the money, particularly when purchased new or lightly used with the rem

  • Engine failure (oil consumption, piston ring issues, catastrophic failure) — particularly noted in pre-2019 GDI engines and some Theta II engines; some reports of replacement under warranty. Frequency: recurrent.
  • CVT/IVT transmission reliability concerns — noted for premature failure, especially in belt-driven units from 2019 to mid-2021; design updated to chain-driven in 2021+ models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Long-term build quality and durability — older models (e.g., 2010-2014) reported with issues like rusted brake lines, exhaust perforation, and interior rattles developing sooner than competitors like Toyota. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Rapid depreciation — significant loss in resale value, especially with higher mileage; noted as being "worth almost nothing" with 115,000 miles compared to competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior water leaks — isolated reports of bad seals leading to water seepage into the cabin, causing odors. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Forte.

Typical used price

Used Forte listings typically run $12,994–$19,170 across 2013 to 2024 model years.

Other Forte model years

2021 Forte2019 Forte2017 Forte2010 Forte
Full Kia Forte owner reportCompare against another car