GREEN CHOICE
The EPA has certified this vehicle as among the 20 percent lowest-emitting passenger vehicles for its model year, based on government greenhouse gas and smog ratings.
Kia Forte
EPA MPG:
30 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
30 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.
The 2013 Kia Forte has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2013 Kia Forte has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Kia Forte
Kia Forte
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
Ford C-MAX
Ford C-MAX
Honda Civic
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Honda Fit
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Soul
Kia Soul
Mazda 3
Mazda 3
Scion xB
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius C
Toyota Prius C
Toyota Prius V
Toyota Prius V
Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta
Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Powertrain
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Engine Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Engine Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Engine Cooling
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Engine Electrical
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Transmission Major
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Transmission Minor
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Drive System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Exhaust
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Brakes
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Climate System
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Build Quality
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Body Hardware
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Paint/Trim
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014*
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
2018
2019*
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
2025
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Sep 25, 2023
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
23V652000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1730192
ENGINE
Dec 02, 2020
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V750000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
294756
AIR BAGS
Jun 01, 2018
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V363000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
507587
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Dec 01, 2017
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V773000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
134366
SEAT BELTS
May 17, 2016
If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
16V312000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
5245
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