Is the 2013 Kia FORTE reliable?

The 2013 Kia FORTE has 272 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Kia FORTE?

Top problems: ENGINE (110 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (38 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (25 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Kia FORTE?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): ENGINE, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Kia FORTE?

The 2013 Kia FORTE gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2013 Kia FORTE often stolen?

The Kia FORTE was the #8 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 10,800 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: very-high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Kia FORTE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Kia FORTE is approximately $1,797/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Kia FORTE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Kia FORTE has 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 213. The most common issue is engine problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: 2013 kia forte. consumer writes in regards to major engine defects. *smd the consumer stated three weeks after her daughter purchased the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle overheated. the vehicle started to malfunction and became difficult to control. smoke and a very st. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 23 fire reports filed.

23 fire reports 20 crash reports 20 injuries

272

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

110 complaints

40%

• 2013 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MAJOR ENGINE DEFECTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THREE WEEKS AFTER HER DAUGHTER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. SMOKE AND A VERY ST
• KIA FORTE 2013 PURCHASED NEW AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH CAR WHEN DRIVING 55-70 MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CAR SHAKES,TIRES MAKE NOISES LIKE THEY'RE FLAT,TROUBLE WITH STEERING,REALLY ROUGH RIDE,SMOKE CAME FROM ENGINE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN A PAIN CONSIDERING IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE NEW. IT ALSO LEAKS WHEN IT R
• I PURCHASED THE CAR DECEMBER 2012; 2013 KIA FORTE EX. ABOUT A 9 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR, I WAS DRIVING AND THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOSE IN THE ENGINE AND ABOUT A HOUR LATER THE CAR STALLED ON ME IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO, CA. I GOT THE CAR TOWED TO SACRAMENTO KIA (2820 FULTON AVE, SACRAMEN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 10 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“2013 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MAJOR ENGINE DEFECTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THREE WEEKS AFTER HER DAUGHTER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. SMOKE AND A VERY ST”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Kia FORTE

Based on 161 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 76K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 29K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 85K mi · 76 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 81K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 75K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Later than typicalmedian 100K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

ENGINE02/12/2020

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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

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, 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.

Very high theft risk

#8 most stolen in 2025

The Kia FORTE was the #8 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 10,800 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Kia FORTE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Kia FORTE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,797

Full coverage / month

$150

Liability only / year

$589

vs US avg

+7%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.28x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1797

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia FORTE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2013 FORTE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 272 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 2013 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MAJOR ENGINE DEFECTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THREE WEEKS AFTER HER DAUGHTER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. SMOKE AND A VERY ST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 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. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: AT VEHICLE START - GAUGES ON DASH DID NOT WORK AND SHIFT LOCK WAS ENGAGED. UNABLE TO SHIFT VIA SHIFT RELEASE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. *TR *JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS SITTING STILL WHEN I WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR BY A DULLY TRUCK THAT WAS TRAVELING GREATER THAN 40 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS PUSHED APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT BROKE. THE SEAT IS IN THE RECLINED POSITION. THE ADJUSTER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)