NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Kia Forte Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Kia Forte has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 195 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Kia Forte, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Kia Forte owner complaints

Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Forte, describing incidents dated July 22, 2012 to March 17, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 110 complaints
Service Brakes 37 complaints
Electrical System 25 complaints
Air Bags 16 complaints
Exterior Lighting 14 complaints
Steering 13 complaints

Of the 195 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 13 a fire; across all 195 complaints, owners report 17 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11730126 · Filed April 9, 2026
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…
ODI #11724539 · Filed March 16, 2026
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…
ODI #11724344 · Filed March 14, 2026
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 I’m 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 wasn’t able…

Read all 195 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Kia Forte in 5 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ23-002: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Open since November 17, 2023
Engineering Analysis EA19-001: Electrical overstress
Closed September 19, 2024
- Recall 20V-024
Engineering Analysis EA21-003: Engine Fires
Closed February 5, 2024
- Recall 23V-877
Defect Petition DP22-003: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 12, 2023
Preliminary Evaluation PE18-003: Air bags may be disabled during crash
Closed August 30, 2019

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire

NHTSA #23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,730,192 vehicles

Repair completion: 32.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC284 · Owners notified March 29, 2024

Recall group: Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Damage May Cause Fire

NHTSA #20V750000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported December 2, 2020 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 294,756 vehicles

Repair completion: 72.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC200 · Owners notified January 25, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

NHTSA #18V363000 · Air Bags — Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 507,587 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC165 · Owners notified September 28, 2018 · Vehicles built February 24, 2009 – August 31, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Pedal Stopper may Deteriorate

NHTSA #17V773000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported December 1, 2017 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 134,366 vehicles

Repair completion: 51.56% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC158 · Owners notified January 30, 2018 · Vehicles built May 2, 2012 – February 28, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Improperly Tightened Seat Belt Retractor Screws

NHTSA #16V312000 · Seat Belts — Front — Retractor · NHTSA notice

Reported May 17, 2016 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 5,245 vehicles

Repair completion: 41.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC132 · Owners notified July 1, 2016 · Vehicles built September 10, 2012 – October 31, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 3, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

10% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

5 investigations

195 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Forte.

Engine

ODI #11730126

Incident: March 17, 2026 · Filed: April 9, 2026

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 request. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11724539

Incident: March 1, 2026 · Filed: March 16, 2026

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.

Electrical System; Service Brakes

ODI #11724344

Incident: October 15, 2025 · Filed: March 14, 2026

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 I’m 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 wasn’t able to see if anything had broken. I can’t check after that. I’ve have had continuous issues with my tail lights. The tail lights won’t turn on. They’ll turn on sometimes sometimes they won’t. The tail lights will stay on. I won’t blink when I break. They’ll just stay on one of them will be on the others will be off.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11709918

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: December 20, 2025 · Filed: January 9, 2026

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 given an estimate for the repair. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had yet been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were two recalls on the vehicle, NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic, where it could be salvaged. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Engine

ODI #11707534

Incident: August 1, 2025 · Filed: December 29, 2025

The engine has been making humming noise which is getting louder with time

Electrical System

ODI #11681154

Incident: August 10, 2025 · Filed: August 17, 2025

The electric side mirror/s controls not working correctly. The motor is buzzing and unable to set the mirrors accurately. This could drain the cars battery. The electric mirror had to be disconnect until gets repaired.

Air Bags; Seat Belts

ODI #11672004

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: February 16, 2025 · Filed: July 8, 2025

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that her daughter was occupying the front passenger's side seat while the wife of the contact's daughter was driving 65 MPH. The contact stated that another vehicle that was driving approximately 100 MPH crashed into the rear driver's side of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over approximately 4-5 times. The vehicle landed on its driver's side against a tree. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to restrain the contact's daughter. The emergency units arrived at the scene, cut the vehicle, assisted both passengers out of the vehicle and transported the passengers to the hospital. The driver sustained bruises and whiplash and received assistance from a chiropractor. The contact's daughter sustained a break to the c6, fracture of the c7, t2 t3, t4 and t7, , sustained a broken left clavicle, large laceration on the right thigh, bulging of the C6, broken front teeth and a strain of the natural neck curve. Additionally, the contact's daughter was partially scalped and nearly died due to blood cloths in the lungs and legs caused by body trauma. The contact's daughter underwent surgeries on the scalp and neck and was currently undergoing physical therapy and pain management. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the information available. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering

ODI #11665161

Incident: June 5, 2025 · Filed: June 5, 2025

Steering column coupler has repeatedly gone bad, causing clicking and play in the steering wheel. There is an open recall for this issue on Kia optima’s, which use the same part. I’ve had this issue diagnosed and fixed by 2 different shops. It is an extremely common issue in these cars.

Engine

ODI #11657001

Incident: November 24, 2024 · Filed: April 26, 2025

On 11/20/2024 I spoke to Denise Sanchez , she is the service manager for KIA and the reason of the call was about a complaint from Joel Sambrano one of her associates that was very unprofessional when I first called to set up the appointment for the recall. On 11/24/2024, I had a towing company delivered my 2013 KIA Forte to the service department at the Laredo KIA dealership for a recall on the engine. That day I did received a call from her telling me that my vehicle was there, but supposedly I did not had an appointment. I was upset with her because twice I had spoken to her about me taking the vehicle there and she was telling me that I didn't. Three weeks passed and I never heard of the dealership, so I called them and requested to speak to her, she informed me that my vehicle was parked in the back still and that they haven't had my vehicle checked because I did not have an appointment. So I told her that since she took it upon herself to do that, I was going to file a complaint against her with I did with corporate office. I was given this case#[XXX] by Monica, and she said that she will call me back with the status of my vehicle. A week passed and I got a call from the Laredo KIA dealership telling me that I had to go to the dealership to pick up my battery, and take them back the battery after it was recharged or a new battery because my vehicle won't start. That sounded to me very offensive so I told her that it wasn't my fault that the manager kept my vehicle all that time there, so the battery got damaged also so that was her fault and she needed to deal with that situation. A few days later I contacted corporate again but I found out that the complaints that they were making, they were sending them to her and she was the one responding to those complaints against her. I spoke to the manager Mario and he said to me that he was going to assist me with this , but till this day hasn't done anything to fix the issue other than giving me excuses. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine

ODI #11654225

Incident: April 12, 2025 · Filed: April 12, 2025

Not an incident but I have noticed a whining noise and also a knocking noise coming from the engine and I've been told that it could be lifters or pistons not sure which but alot of others have complained about the same noises on their vehicles. If they were faulty from being built shouldnt the manufacturer replace these parts? That can be costly and if people are like me on a fixed income, I simply cant afford to come out of pocket for these repairs! They should have recalls on these parts. My car needs these replaced now and I just cant afford it like I'm sure many others cant. Yall should be ashamed of yourselves for selling vehicles that you cant stand by! The whole engine probably needs replacing now. Just something that you all should be aware of, in which I'm sure you are...and just refuse to address the issues

Other Kia Forte model years

Check your 2013 Kia Forte VIN

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