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Which year to buy
Best bet2022Fewest serious problems: 0.4× usual
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2013–2014, 2017Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2011–2012, 2015, 2018–2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2013AVOIDSerious complaints 2.7× usual, mostly engine and brakes
188 serious complaints of 211, the most about engine (119) and brakes (24); per car on the road, 2.7× this model's usual year. 5 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA19001: electrical overstress. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 kia forte koup. While driving 73 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Dec 2017
“When driving 55 - 80 miles per hour, especially right at 70, the car shakes, and the engine knocks. It feels like a vibration, and the wheel shakes under your hands with a rhythmic knocking noise from the engine. The car also has issues with the front right brake when it is chilly or wet.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Sep 2015
Fixes and extended coverage
- Repair program DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento,… (SC141DP, Dec 2016)
- Repair program SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014 MY Sorento,… (SC141DPSM, Dec 2016)
- Repair program SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima and Optima Hybrid,… (TSB-SC141, Dec 2016)
- Repair program SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER LETTER - Advises Owners of certain 2011-2013 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used of a service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to underbody components of vehicle. (SC141OWNERTD, Jan 2017)
- Repair program Additional anti-corrosion treatment (SC141QA, Dec 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
211 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26–30 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2013
- Starting prices: +$200 (2 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: Theta II → 2.4L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine (SX)
- Engine: Theta II → 2.0L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine (LX, EX)
2013 Forte trims
| EX | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | $17,800 | $15,400 | — |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 2.0L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine | 2.0L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine | 2.4L DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder Engine |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic: 6-speed electronically controlled overdrive with Sportmatic 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual overdrive | 6-Speed Automatic: 6-speed electronically controlled overdrive with Sportmatic 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual overdrive | 6-Speed Automatic: 6-speed electronically controlled overdrive with Sportmatic 6-Speed Manual: 6-speed manual overdrive |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in | 5.9 in | 5.9 in |
| Length | 178.3 in | 178.3 in | 178.3 in |
| Curb weight | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,791 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,729 lb | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,791 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,729 lb | 6-Speed Automatic: 2,898 lb 6-Speed Manual: 2,849 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | — | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | — | Optional |
| Digital gauge cluster | Optional | — | — |
| Speakers | 6 | — | 6 |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Cloth | Cloth | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | — | — | Optional |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | Optional | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 15 in + option | 15 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (27)
| EX | LX | SX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Package $300 | Optional | — | — |
| Premium Package $950 | Optional | — | — |
| Leather Package $1,000 | — | — | Optional |
| Technology Package | Optional | — | Optional |
| Body Kit $1,250 | — | — | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Appliqué $75 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Spoiler $395 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Power Sunroof with Tilt | — | — | Optional |
| Cargo Mat $95 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $50 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray $80 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Carpeted Floor Mats $115 | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| EC Mirror with Compass $275 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror with Compass and HomeLink $350 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| iPod Cable $29 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Start $425 | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Aurora Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bronze | Optional | — | — |
| Clear White | — | Optional | — |
| Crimson Red | Optional | — | Optional |
| Gunmetal Gray | Optional | — | Optional |
| Snow White | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Cloth | Optional | — | — |
| Black Leather | — | — | Optional |
| Black Sport Cloth | — | — | Optional |
| Stone Cloth | Optional | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Oem order guide, Oem order guide, Other. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–34 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 25 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–34 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 63 | Steering (14) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 26–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 27 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 28–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 68 | Engine (22) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 28–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 76 | Unknown or other (26) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp manual available | FWD | 31–35 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 147 | Power train (47) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147–164 hp manual available | FWD | 25–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 136 | Engine (57) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp 2.0L 4-cyl, 147–164 hp manual available | FWD | 25–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 303 | Engine (145) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 137 | Engine (68) | No |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 260 | Engine (158) | No |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 1.8L 4-cyl 2.0L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 24–29 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 443 | Engine (216) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 211 | Engine (119) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 306 | Engine (174) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 161 | Engine (48) | No |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | FWD | 26–30 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 232 | Engine (80) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Forte 2017–2024 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 25 |
| 2023 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 3 | 63 |
| 2022 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 27 |
| 2021 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Optional | Standard | 2 | 68 |
| 2020 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | Standard | No | 0 | 76 |
| 2019 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 147 |
| 2018 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 303 |
| 2017 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 3 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 135 |
| 2016 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 137 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2015 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 260 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 442 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 442 |
| 2014 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 443 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 195 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte 5 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 195 |
| 2013 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 211 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 292 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 292 |
| 2012 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 306 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 153 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte SW FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2011 | Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2010 | Kia Forte 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release) | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 221 |
| 2010 | Kia Forte 2-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 232 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2024 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 34 |
| 2023 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–32 |
| 2023 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 34 |
| 2022 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–33 |
| 2022 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2021 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
28–33 |
| 2021 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2020 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
28–33 |
| 2020 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2019 | Forte | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
31–34 |
| 2019 | Forte FE | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 35 |
| 2018 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–32 |
| 2018 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2017 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, SIDI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–32 |
| 2017 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2017 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
26–28 |
| 2016 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–30 |
| 2016 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2016 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2015 | Forte | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L |
29–30 |
| 2015 | Forte 5 | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2015 | Forte Koup | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2014 | Forte | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
28–29 |
| 2014 | Forte 5 | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2014 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L | 29 |
| 2014 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo |
24–28 |
| 2013 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2013 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2013 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2012 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2012 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2012 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2011 | Forte | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–29 |
| 2011 | Forte Eco | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 30 |
| 2011 | Forte Koup | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–28 |
| 2010 | Forte | Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
26–30 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.