Model year guide

2013 Kia Forte

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 372 on record.

2013 Kia Forte — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Kia Forte at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints195
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$9,511

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2013 Kia Forte recalls 5

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

Fix: 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,…

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #18V363000 · 01/06/2018

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.

Fix: 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 i…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #17V773000 · 01/12/2017

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 p…

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:front:retractor NHTSA Campaign #16V312000 · 17/05/2016

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2013 Kia Forte common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2013 Kia Forte safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2013 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2013 Kia Forte MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,250

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2013 Kia Forte worth?

Low
$7,500
Typical price
$9,511
High
$11,400

From 372 comparable 2013 Kia Forte listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,900
Total$17,150
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,511) with the same model 3 model-years older ($5,962), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Kia Forte trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · LX · Koup EX · SX · Koup SX · N/A
Engines
2.0L · 2.4L

2013 Kia Forte vehicles on record

2013 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A28D5738465 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A22D5724414 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A26D5682378 2013 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A2XD5718881 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20D5658140 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte Koup EXKNAFU6A29D5700736 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20D5651639 2013 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A26D5701138 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20D5664228 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A23D5707363 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte SXKNAFW4A32D5701301 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A23D5719836 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A25D5710670 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A24D5722258 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A26D5728305 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte Koup EXKNAFU6A21D5738803 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20D5666867 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A23D5672100 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A22D5740175 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20D5657604 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A27D5736302 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A27D5736686 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A24D5725163 2013 Kia Forte 2013 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A26D5718678

Other Kia Forte model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2012 2011 2010

2013 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Forte?

Based on 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 2013 Kia Forte safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2013 Kia Forte an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 4★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Forte get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Kia Forte at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2013 Kia Forte worth?

Comparable 2013 Kia Forte listings run roughly $7,500–$11,400, typically around $9,511 (from 372 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.