NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
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
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.
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 conditions that can cause an engine compartment fire, either while the vehicle is being driven or while it is parked.
On the restraint side, loose screws in the front seatbelt retractor's retaining plate can cause the plate to break apart in a crash and strike occupants. A separate recall covers the airbag control unit, which can short-circuit in a crash and prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying at all. There is also a brake system concern: a small rubber pad behind the brake pedal can deteriorate over time, leaving the brake light switch in a permanently extended position so the brake lights stay on even when the pedal is not pressed, which can confuse drivers following behind.
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
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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 →
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.
