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 the federal safety agency 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.
2013 Kia Forte engine problems
110 complaints (56% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,400. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 110
- of this car's complaints
- 56%
- typical mileage
- 85,400
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Forte engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Kia Forte engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Knocking 48Engine failure 41Check engine light 21Stalling 15Loss of power 12Won't start 7
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 20V750000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V‑568, 17V‑226, 20V‑746, and 21V‑727; and Kia recalls 17V‑224, 19V‑120, 20V‑750, and 21V‑844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V‑877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA21003
What 2013 Kia Forte owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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 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
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
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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).
I took my car into the dealership to be told there’s not yet a remedy for my cars it’s been 5months and now my cars stalling and the check engine light is flashing after I just had repairs done in April
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after accelerating at 20 MPH from the complete stop, another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, and the vehicle was pushed towards a residence. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, causing the front end of the vehicle to crash into the residence. The air bags deployed. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which she related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My windows began to roll up slower than usual. When I roll my window up seems like my lights would dim. But not all the time. On this particular day, I parked my car. It seemed to be running just fine before I turned it off. However, when I went back out to turn it on, the key would not turn nor would the gear move. Once I sat for hours waiting for a family member to assist me. The family member came and was able to get the car started. Once started we began to see and smell smoke. It smelled like electricity. The car died out and continued to smoke really bad and the smell of electricty became stronger. The car would no longer start.
Questions about the 2013 Kia Forte engine
Does the 2013 Kia Forte have engine problems?
Owners have filed 110 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Kia Forte, 56% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Kia Forte engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,400 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Kia Forte engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V750000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Forte have bad engine?
The Kia Forte model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (220 complaints), 2012 (167 complaints) and 2015 (164 complaints).
Other 2013 Kia Forte problems
Brakes 37Electrical 25Airbags 16Lights 14Steering 13Transmission 10Seat belts 8Fuel system 6Wheels 5Suspension 3Visibility 3Acceleration 2Body 2Driver assistance 2Seats 1Tires 1
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