2013 Kia Forte brakes problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
22 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2013 Kia Forte, 20% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 94,000 mi.
- Brakes complaints
- 22
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 94,000 mi
Specific components reported
Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 13 |
| Service brakes | 9 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum:wheel cylinders | 1 |
Brakes complaints across Kia Forte years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Remedy: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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.
Remedy: 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.
What owners say
- Filed Mar 14, 2026CABrakesElectrical System
The system that is failing are the brakes and the tail lights. They used to be an open recall for the brake pedal stopper pad, however I’m not sure if that part is able to break again because in October I remember hitting the break and something I heard a crack down by the pedal, but I wasn’t able to see if anything had broken. I can’t check after that. I’ve have had continuous issues with my tail lights. The tail lights won’t turn on. They’ll turn on sometimes sometimes…
NHTSA complaint #11724344 · source - Filed Jan 9, 2026159,000 miNMCrash2 injuredBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal failed to operate as needed and depressed to the floorboard without warning. As a result of the brake failure, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that both front driver and front passenger seat belts failed to retract as both she and her son were violently jerked forward upon impact. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was…
NHTSA complaint #11709918 · source - Filed Jul 24, 2024150,000 miARBrakesElectrical System
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 55-70 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal slightly, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The ABS, traction control, and ECU warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic).…
NHTSA complaint #11604214 · source - Filed Jul 13, 2024KYBrakesElectrical System
I recently discovered that my car has a could safety recalls, regarding the HECU possibly having a short, and a brittle brake switch stopper. I called my local Kia dealer - Cartown Kia in Nicholasville, KY - about this issue, and was informed that it might not potentially be fixed for upwards of 2 months (2 weeks of I show up with my car today). This is not going to be fixed in a timely manner, especially with the risk of my car catching fire, and the dealership not…
NHTSA complaint #11601750 · source - Filed Jun 7, 202432,000 miVABrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to…
NHTSA complaint #11593138 · source - Filed May 23, 2024CABrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11590396 · source - Filed Apr 12, 2024TXCrashTowedBrakesEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11582549 · source - Filed Mar 8, 202489,000 miNJBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, smoke was detected, and vehicle was extremely hot. The contact stated that it was unknown if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
NHTSA complaint #11576183 · source - Filed Mar 7, 2024TXBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
NHTSA complaint #11576006 · source - Filed Jan 10, 2024ALBrakesElectrical SystemWheels & Tires
Engine light abs sensor from right wheel Repair at Mavis Tire 1701 19th St Bessemer Al 35020 phone# Mavis [phone removed] Repair made 08/18/2023 $381.12 total I have invoice from Mavis Tire I am unable to send my invoice.
NHTSA complaint #11564756 · source - Filed Jan 4, 2024OKBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11563555 · source - Filed Dec 12, 202399,000 miTXBrakes
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40–45 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…
NHTSA complaint #11559684 · source
Other 2013 Kia Forte problem areas
- Engine (68)
- Electrical System (18)
- Other / Unknown (10)
- Lighting (8)
- Steering (6)
- Airbags (4)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (4)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (4)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)
- Suspension (2)
- Wheels & Tires (2)
- Seats & Seat Belts (2)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology