Makes›Kia›Forte›2013

2013 Kia Forte

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Kia Forte
Pictured: 2016 Kia Forte Koup EX in Silky Silver, front right. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan LX/EX, 4dr Sedan Sx/Sx Luxury, Koup EX 2dr Coupe, Koup Sx 2dr Coupe /Sx Luxury
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
Length
170.9–178.3 in
Curb weight
2,707–2,972 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Kia Forte is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,707 lb (4dr Sedan LX/EX).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 19% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 197 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Forte — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Forte →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan LX/EX178.3 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.4 in2,707 lb62/38
4dr Sedan Sx/Sx Luxury178.3 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in60.6 / 61 in2,952 lb62/38
Koup EX 2dr Coupe176.4 in69.7 in55.1 in104.3 in61 / 61 in2,800 lb63/37
Koup Sx 2dr Coupe /Sx Luxury176.4 in69.7 in55.1 in104.3 in61 / 60.6 in2,956 lb63/37
5 4 Dr Hatchback LX/EX170.9 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.4 in2,780 lb62/38
5 4 Dr Hatchback Sx/Sx Luxury170.9 in70.1 in57.5 in104.3 in60.6 / 61 in2,972 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forte Eco2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+19%$2,250296
Forte2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+15%$2,300309
Forte Koup2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+8%$2,400314
Forte2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+11%$2,400317
Forte Koup2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+4%$2,500326
Forte Koup2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 260%$2,600347
Forte Koup2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 260%$2,600348
Forte2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+3%$2,600344
Forte2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+3%$2,600348
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Kia Forte.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Kia Forte (this car)30 MPGNot rated5
2013 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated0
2013 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2013 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated4
2013 Hyundai Elantra32 MPGNot rated4
2013 Ford Focus32 MPGNot rated14

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Engine · Dec 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Jun 1, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · 507,587 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Dec 1, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V773000 · 134,366 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · May 17, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V312000 · 5,245 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

197Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
14Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
83,659 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine117
Electrical System25
Service Brakes23
Air Bags18
Exterior Lighting15
Unknown Or Other13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic13
Power Train9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/05: 323/07: 123/08: 123/09: 323/10: 123/11: 723/12: 324/01: 324/03: 324/04: 124/05: 224/06: 124/07: 424/10: 225/02: 125/03: 125/04: 225/06: 125/07: 125/08: 125/12: 126/01: 126/03: 226/04: 123/0523/0923/1224/0424/0725/0325/0726/01max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Kia Forte buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 117 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Service Brakes — 23 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,659 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Forte. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Forte years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2024 Forte34182.7 in★★★★★026
2023 Forte34182.7 in★★★★★366
2022 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★128
2021 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★269
2020 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★078
2019 Forte35182.7 in★★★★★2150
2018 Forte32179.5 in★★★★★3136
2017 Forte32179.5 inNot rated3305
2016 Forte30179.5 inNot rated1138
2015 Forte30179.5 inNot rated1259
2014 Forte29179.5 inNot rated3421
2012 Forte30178.3 inNot rated4283

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →