2013 KIA Forte Engine Problems
Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2013 KIA Forte, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 85,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “knocking noise” (11% of reports).
- 107engine complaints
- 85,000median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 55%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Knocking noise: mentioned in 12 of 107 complaints (11%)
- Well maintained: mentioned in 8 of 107 complaints (7%)
- Theta engine: mentioned in 6 of 107 complaints (6%)
- Rod bearings: mentioned in 6 of 107 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 74 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 107 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 9 a fire.
KIA Forte engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 8 | 31% | 39,000 |
| 2023 Forte | 9 | 14% | 49,000 |
| 2022 Forte | 4 | 14% | 12,800 |
| 2021 Forte | 22 | 32% | 93,532 |
| 2020 Forte | 20 | 26% | 53,355 |
| 2019 Forte | 37 | 25% | 16,500 |
| 2018 Forte | 57 | 42% | 67,000 |
| 2017 Forte | 145 | 48% | 69,500 |
| 2016 Forte | 66 | 49% | 67,000 |
| 2015 Forte | 158 | 61% | 86,000 |
| 2014 Forte | 216 | 49% | 93,500 |
| 2013 Forte | 107 | 55% | 85,000 |
| 2012 Forte | 161 | 55% | 100,000 |
| 2011 Forte | 45 | 29% | 105,945 |
| 2010 Forte | 74 | 33% | 100,000 |
| 2009 Forte | 1 | 100% | 120,456 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
The engine has been making humming noise which is getting louder with time
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2013 KIA Fortes have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 107 owner complaints about engine for the 2013 KIA Forte (55% of the 195 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2013 KIA Forte engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 85,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2013 KIA Forte?
The most frequent phrase is “knocking noise”, in 12 of 107 complaints, followed by “well maintained” (8).
See all 2013 KIA Forte problems or engine problems across all Forte years.