NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
This page covers 6 recalls, 195 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Kia Forte.
26–29 mpg combined
8.1–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 to 2013 Kia Forte received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The sedan earned four stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. However, it scored two stars in the side pole crash test, which measures protection in crashes involving narrow objects like utility poles. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2011 to 2013 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2013 Kia Forte's complaint record by a wide margin, with owners frequently describing stalling, loss of power, and the vehicle dropping into a reduced-power mode that caps speed around 20 mph. Several owners report the check engine light triggering alongside this condition, with a knock sensor diagnosis coming up in multiple accounts. More serious engine complaints describe sudden stalls at highway speed with no restart, and at least some owners were told the piston rings had failed and a full engine replacement was needed. Exterior lighting and hydraulic brakes each draw a smaller but notable share of complaints. On the brake side, owners report the pedal traveling unusually far toward the floor under normal braking conditions. Tail light problems appear in a handful of reports, sometimes mentioned alongside brake concerns.
195
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
13
Fire-Related
12
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Kia Forte has 6 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: the anti-lock brake control module can ignite under the hood, and a second recall covers an engine compartment fire that can occur while driving.
The brake and restraint systems account for several other concerns. A small rubber pad behind the brake pedal can deteriorate over time, which leaves the brake light switch plunger extended even when your foot is off the pedal. The result is brake lights that stay on continuously, giving drivers behind you no accurate signal of when you are actually braking. On the airbag side, the restraint control module can short-circuit in a crash, disabling the front airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners at the moment they are needed most, leaving occupants with less protection in a serious collision.
Two recalls address the front seatbelt retractors on certain vehicles built in the fall of 2012. The screws holding the retractor retaining plates may not have been fully tightened during assembly, and in a crash the plates can fracture and send pieces into the cabin where they can strike the occupants. These two filings describe the same underlying defect and should be treated as a single concern. Owners of this model should check whether their VIN is covered by any of these campaigns, as the vehicle spans a meaningful range of safety system issues across brakes, airbags, seatbelts, and fire risk.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may short circuit during a crash, stopping the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an extension wire harness kit to the air bag control unit connectors to restore proper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal stopper pad can wear down, causing the brake light switch to stay activated when you release the pedal. This keeps your brake lights on continuously and lets you shift gears without using the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The screws securing the front seatbelt retractor plates may not be tight enough, causing the plates to break during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Screws holding the seatbelt retractor's retaining plate may not be properly tightened. In a crash, the plate could break and contact occupants, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seatbelt assembly and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
