← Back to Search

2013 Kia Forte EX

The 2013 Kia Forte EX is a 156-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with an intelligent variable transmission and front-wheel drive. It starts at $17,800 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

It makes 156 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 144 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Forte measures 178.3 inches long on a 104.3-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$17,800 ($24,828 *)
MSRP with Destination$18,575 ($25,909 *)
Destination Charge$775
Engine
Engine Type2.0L, inline 4-cylinder, aluminum block and head
Displacement1.998 L
Horsepower156 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque144 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC, four valves/cylinder, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionIntelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Fuel Economy
City25 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity13.7 gal
Brakes
Front Brake DiscHydraulic, power-assisted vacuum 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS + Electronic Stability Control
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.3 in
Width69.9 in
Height57.5 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Ground Clearance5.9 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (10.3 % risk)
Tested variant: 2013 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia FORTE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

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.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

Dec 2, 2020 · ENGINE

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 20V750000

Jun 1, 2018 · AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 18V363000

Dec 1, 2017 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V773000

May 17, 2016 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

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.

Consequence: If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V312000

195 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia FORTE

Owner Complaints

195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia FORTE (16 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 12 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine107
Service Brakes37
Electrical System25
Air Bags16
Exterior Lighting14
Hydraulic14
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 9, 2026 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated the vehicle was…”
Mar 16, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who…”
Mar 14, 2026 · Electrical System, Service Brakes
“The system that is failing are the brakes and the tail lights. They used to be an open recall for the brake pedal stopper pad, however I’m not sure if that part is able to break again because in…”
Jan 9, 2026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic Crash 2 injuries
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal failed to operate as needed and depressed to the floorboard without warning. As a result of the…”
Dec 29, 2025 · Engine
“The engine has been making humming noise which is getting louder with time”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2013 KIA FORTE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search