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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan LX/EX | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,707 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan Sx/Sx Luxury | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 2,952 lb | 62/38 |
| Koup EX 2dr Coupe | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 61 in | 2,800 lb | 63/37 |
| Koup Sx 2dr Coupe /Sx Luxury | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 2,956 lb | 63/37 |
| 5 4 Dr Hatchback LX/EX | 170.9 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,780 lb | 62/38 |
| 5 4 Dr Hatchback Sx/Sx Luxury | 170.9 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 2,972 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte Eco | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +19% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +15% | $2,300 | 309 |
| Forte Koup | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +8% | $2,400 | 314 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +11% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Forte Koup | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +4% | $2,500 | 326 |
| Forte Koup | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Forte Koup | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 348 |
| Forte | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +3% | $2,600 | 344 |
| Forte | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | +3% | $2,600 | 348 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kia Forte (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
Recalls (5)
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.
Not every 2013 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 117 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 23 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,659 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 26 |
| 2023 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 66 |
| 2022 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2021 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 69 |
| 2020 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 78 |
| 2019 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 150 |
| 2018 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 305 |
| 2016 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 138 |
| 2015 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 259 |
| 2014 Forte | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 421 |
| 2012 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →