The Lemon Index2013 Kia Forte.
The 2013 Kia Forte is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 29 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 26 to 30 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 211 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 107K miles on the car (136 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 58K–112K miles
Recalls 5
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- engine 2020
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- airbags 2018
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- brakes 2017
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
- seat belts 2016
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 75 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Mdps flexible coupling replacement - this bulletin is issued to provide information about
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- Tsb rev1: mdps flexible coupling replacement - this bulletin is issued to provide information…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte 5 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Car brake pedal will stick and not come back up. This has also caused traction control light to come on. Only occurs when it is raining or a little cold outside. 2013 Kia Forte.
2013 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 10615195
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2013 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (28%), brakes (24%) and steering (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Forte have?
5 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Forte get?
26 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Kia Forte problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 107,200 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 136 complaints.
Does the 2013 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Kia Forte have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works