2013 Kia Forte EX
All photo credits
- Photo: 2011 Kia Forte EX, front left (Joshua Tree) by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2010 Kia Forte SX in Titanium Metallic, front right, 2024-09-09 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: KIA FORTE (TD) China by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2013080205 Kia Forte by Dynamicwork, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2011 Kia Forte EX, rear left (Joshua Tree) by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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 Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $17,800 ($24,828 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $18,575 ($25,909 *) |
| Destination Charge | $775 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L, inline 4-cylinder, aluminum block and head |
| Displacement | 1.998 L |
| Horsepower | 156 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 144 lb-ft |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, four valves/cylinder, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 25 MPG |
| Highway | 35 MPG |
| Combined | 29 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Tank Capacity | 13.7 gal |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Hydraulic, power-assisted vacuum 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS + Electronic Stability Control |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 178.3 in |
| Width | 69.9 in |
| Height | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.9 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2013 Kia Forte EX with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (10.3 % risk) |
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
| Engine | 107 |
| Service Brakes | 37 |
| Electrical System | 25 |
| Air Bags | 16 |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 |
| Hydraulic | 14 |
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.