Kia Forte Complaints (2013)

195 consumer complaints on file.

#11730126April 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 unable to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the knock sensor was replaced as a temporary fix. The failure reoccurred 2 days later. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, an unknown dealer attempted to charge the contact to replace the engine, even though the recall notification stated that the engine would be replaced as needed, free of charge. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but declined the service request. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724539March 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 diagnosed that the piston rings had failed, causing catastrophic engine damages. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724344March 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 October I remember hitting the break and something I heard a crack down by the pedal, but I wasn’t able to see if anything had broken. I can’t check after that. I’ve have had continuous issues with my tail lights. The tail lights won’t turn on. They’ll turn on sometimes sometimes they won’t. The tail lights will stay on. I won’t blink when I break. They’ll just stay on one of them will be on the others will be off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709918January 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 brake failure, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that both front driver and front passenger seat belts failed to retract as both she and her son were violently jerked forward upon impact. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. Both the contact and her son were treated for minor pain and bruising at a local hospital. The whereabouts of the other driver are unknown. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where the contact was given an estimate for the repair. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had yet been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were two recalls on the vehicle, NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic, where it could be salvaged. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11707534December 29, 2025
ENGINE
The engine has been making humming noise which is getting louder with time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681154August 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electric side mirror/s controls not working correctly. The motor is buzzing and unable to set the mirrors accurately. This could drain the cars battery. The electric mirror had to be disconnect until gets repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672004July 8, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that her daughter was occupying the front passenger's side seat while the wife of the contact's daughter was driving 65 MPH. The contact stated that another vehicle that was driving approximately 100 MPH crashed into the rear driver's side of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll over approximately 4-5 times. The vehicle landed on its driver's side against a tree. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to restrain the contact's daughter. The emergency units arrived at the scene, cut the vehicle, assisted both passengers out of the vehicle and transported the passengers to the hospital. The driver sustained bruises and whiplash and received assistance from a chiropractor. The contact's daughter sustained a break to the c6, fracture of the c7, t2 t3, t4 and t7, , sustained a broken left clavicle, large laceration on the right thigh, bulging of the C6, broken front teeth and a strain of the natural neck curve. Additionally, the contact's daughter was partially scalped and nearly died due to blood cloths in the lungs and legs caused by body trauma. The contact's daughter underwent surgeries on the scalp and neck and was currently undergoing physical therapy and pain management. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the information available. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11665161June 5, 2025
STEERING
Steering column coupler has repeatedly gone bad, causing clicking and play in the steering wheel. There is an open recall for this issue on Kia optima’s, which use the same part. I’ve had this issue diagnosed and fixed by 2 different shops. It is an extremely common issue in these cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657001April 26, 2025
ENGINE
On 11/20/2024 I spoke to Denise Sanchez , she is the service manager for KIA and the reason of the call was about a complaint from Joel Sambrano one of her associates that was very unprofessional when I first called to set up the appointment for the recall. On 11/24/2024, I had a towing company delivered my 2013 KIA Forte to the service department at the Laredo KIA dealership for a recall on the engine. That day I did received a call from her telling me that my vehicle was there, but supposedly I did not had an appointment. I was upset with her because twice I had spoken to her about me taking the vehicle there and she was telling me that I didn't. Three weeks passed and I never heard of the dealership, so I called them and requested to speak to her, she informed me that my vehicle was parked in the back still and that they haven't had my vehicle checked because I did not have an appointment. So I told her that since she took it upon herself to do that, I was going to file a complaint against her with I did with corporate office. I was given this case#[XXX] by Monica, and she said that she will call me back with the status of my vehicle. A week passed and I got a call from the Laredo KIA dealership telling me that I had to go to the dealership to pick up my battery, and take them back the battery after it was recharged or a new battery because my vehicle won't start. That sounded to me very offensive so I told her that it wasn't my fault that the manager kept my vehicle all that time there, so the battery got damaged also so that was her fault and she needed to deal with that situation. A few days later I contacted corporate again but I found out that the complaints that they were making, they were sending them to her and she was the one responding to those complaints against her. I spoke to the manager Mario and he said to me that he was going to assist me with this , but till this day hasn't done anything to fix the issue other than giving me excuses. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654225April 12, 2025
ENGINE
Not an incident but I have noticed a whining noise and also a knocking noise coming from the engine and I've been told that it could be lifters or pistons not sure which but alot of others have complained about the same noises on their vehicles. If they were faulty from being built shouldnt the manufacturer replace these parts? That can be costly and if people are like me on a fixed income, I simply cant afford to come out of pocket for these repairs! They should have recalls on these parts. My car needs these replaced now and I just cant afford it like I'm sure many others cant. Yall should be ashamed of yourselves for selling vehicles that you cant stand by! The whole engine probably needs replacing now. Just something that you all should be aware of, in which I'm sure you are...and just refuse to address the issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648269March 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I’m reading it states that my knock sensor detection system and HECU FUSE NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645087February 26, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Issue with having to replace brake and taillights too often
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621129October 21, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX] , my 2013 Kia Forte SX Koup caught fire while I was driving on the tollway. Kia failed to notify me that I was sold a Lemon Car, leading to this life-threatening incident. The steering wheel and gas pedal became unresponsive, and my brakes stiffened, making it extremely difficult to stop. I feared for my life and safety as I struggled to pull over. After parking, I smelled fumes and saw fire under the hood. I called 911, and emergency services arrived to extinguish the fire. As a result, I now have respiratory issues from inhaling fumes, migraines from hitting my head, and a pulled muscle from forcing the locked steering. I have been unable to seek medical care due to the financial burden of renting a car, which has cost me $1,083.74 so far, using funds intended for rent. I contacted Kia on October 9th, 2024, but they delayed their response until October 15th. Since then, they have continuously prolonged the process, now saying it will take over a month and a half. Kia also failed to notify me of a recall related to this issue, which I later discovered on my own. I am requesting immediate action from Kia, including reimbursement for my rental, vehicle replacement, and compensation for medical expenses. Kia's delays and lack of concern for my safety and well-being are unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11618724October 8, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte EX. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 55 MPH, she noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and called roadside assistance. All the warning lights illuminated. Upon arrival, roadside assistance informed the driver the engine had caught fire and had seized. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed him the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, who started a claim. The manufacturer requested a photo of the engine but the contact stated that he did not have any photos. The failure mileage was approximately 118,150.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11604214July 24, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 55-70 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal slightly, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The ABS, traction control, and ECU warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact opened the hood and noticed an abnormal burning odor and smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed, and the HECU fuse box had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602539July 16, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I purchased my 2013 Kia Forte EX5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that Yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melting of the socket just a blub blown. I go to Advance auto, and thankfully they are adept in swapping out the front lights but for all the rear I most have to get a mechanic
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11601750July 13, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I recently discovered that my car has a could safety recalls, regarding the HECU possibly having a short, and a brittle brake switch stopper. I called my local Kia dealer - Cartown Kia in Nicholasville, KY - about this issue, and was informed that it might not potentially be fixed for upwards of 2 months (2 weeks of I show up with my car today). This is not going to be fixed in a timely manner, especially with the risk of my car catching fire, and the dealership not providing a loaner car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600781July 10, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
8/24/22, 2/3/23, 10/23/23. 6/14/24 I began getting random illumination of an ICON of an engine. It would come on then off. When I called KIA, I was told if the light stayed on then get an appointment with Kia. The illumination rarely stayed on then I got a recall letter, so I got an appointment with Kia rather soon initially. I didn't get much information on the matter from the mechanic and that bothered me. I started leaving the car parked due to getting a run around from Kia. There were problems in slow starting the vehicle as well as light issues inside and outside the vehicle, so I got a new battery. There were some weird types of shakings or types of car seizures at times. During August 2022, Kia ran some software tests. Kia continued to service my vehicle and the prices got expensive. With all the tests and repairs the vehicle MIL returned then it failed to start and at times, it began having difficulty starting during 2023. I began contacting Kia and its manufacturer more often about the times my car was out and had to be tolled a few times during last year until the starter had to be replaced last year. The Kia dealer initially tried to scheduled appointment during the month of September, 2024 as the MIA and some other Haydraulic light came on and made it more difficult to even drive. I was told they were seriously busy when I called Kia. Then the next appointment when I called the dealer of Kia on 6/18/24 was set for 7/17/24 in VB, but I never got any calls or confirmation. I called numerous times. It was really frustrating even after I been contacting Kia and the manufactural numerous times without any returned calls. I got a similar recall on my Kia 2019, Cadenza during the end of May 2024. I hope I can get my 2013 back soon before this other car needs fixing or breaks down, too. Both of these vehicles were purchased new. I don't understand why it is taking so long to fix with a fuse. I had considered trying to sale as I need my vehicle(s).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593138June 7, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and taken to a dealer. The dealer was not able to diagnose the vehicle; however, an unknown software update was performed, and it was confirmed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590396May 23, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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