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2013 Kia Forte Brakes Problems

24 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

24
Complaints
2
Recalls
3
Crashes
Jan 2024Dec 2016
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Brakes Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #17V773000

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.

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.

RECALLCampaign #23V652000

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.

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.

Owner Complaints (24)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CrashFiled: Jan 2026

Your brake pedal suddenly lost all function and sank to the floor without warning while you were driving at 30 mph, causing you to crash into another vehicle. Your seat belts also failed to retract properly during impact, and you and your son were injured. Your vehicle has two unaddressed safety recalls related to brake system failures that may have contributed to this incident.

NHTSA #: 11709918
criticalSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2024

While driving at 35 mph, your car suddenly accelerated to 55-70 mph on its own. The brakes worked when you pressed the pedal, but your ABS, traction control, and engine warning lights came on. After this incident, you noticed a burning smell and smoke coming from under the hood. At the dealer, they found your battery had failed and the brake control unit's fuse box had melted. This issue has been linked to known Kia brake system recalls, and the repair will likely involve replacing the battery and brake control unit fuse box.

NHTSA #: 11604214
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jun 2024

Your 2013 Kia Forte is part of a recall for hydraulic brake issues, but the replacement parts weren't available when you brought it in. While driving, your check engine light came on and the engine stalled, though it restarted and you made it to the dealer. The dealer couldn't identify the problem, performed a software update, and confirmed the recall parts still weren't in stock. The fix will require waiting for the manufacturer to make the brake system parts available and then having the dealer install them.

NHTSA #: 11593138
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: May 2024

Your 2013 Kia Forte is subject to a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V652000) for a potential hydraulic brake system issue, but the required repair parts aren't available yet. You haven't experienced any brake problems so far, but the manufacturer has taken longer than expected to make the parts available for the repair.

NHTSA #: 11590396
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Apr 2024

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA #: 11582549
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Mar 2024

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 reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11576183
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Mar 2024

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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11576006
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jan 2024

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 #: 11563555
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Dec 2023

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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11559684
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2023

In November 2022 the brake pedal kept sticking to the floor or halfway down causing sudden jerk of the car. Took it to Paramount Kia in Hickory North Carolina. This was a recall. THey repaired the problem. In October, 2023, same thing is happening again. Went to Kia dealership in December. They even kept it over night because this happens in colder weather. They drove it in the morning. THe temperature did not drop enough. THey called me and said there was nothing wrong and to come get the car. I had called them before this and told them the same thing was happening again like it did in 2022. They were familiar with the car. They basically refused to help me. I let a relative drive the car when weather was cold and they told me when they put on the brake, they almost went through the windshield. I need this to be fixed again. Dealership had told me they were not going to replace the same part a second time.

NHTSA #: 11559560
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11557259
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke coming from the passenger’s side of the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the thermostat. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, but the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.

NHTSA #: 11557092
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11556675
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received a 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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11555976
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, other drivers were honking at him. The contact’s brother, who was following behind in another vehicle, alerted the contact that the brake lights failed to illuminate while the vehicle was stopping. Additionally, the transmission was able to shift gears while the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer did not perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA #: 11510866
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2022

Recurrence of brake issue related to vehicle recall late 2017 which was fixed on my vehicle on Feb 14, 2018. Kia says since recall closed out it's not their responsibility.

NHTSA #: 11492625
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2020

MY BRAKE PEDDLE BEGAN TO STICK. I WOULD HAVE TO TAP ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO GET IT TO UNSTICK. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE KIA DEALER NEAR ME. THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE DUE THE THE BRAKE STOPPER RECALL. THEY WANTED TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THEN. WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD AT THAT TIME. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. THE BRAKES ACTUALLY STARTED ENGAGING ON THEIR OWN. ONE TIME I WAS ON THE HWY AND HAD TO PULL OVER AND TAP ON MY BRAKES TO GET THEM TO UNENGAGE . I TOOK MY CAR BACK TP THE DEALER HAD THEM DO THE DIAGNOSTICS. THEY TOLD ME MY MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND BRAKES FRONT AND REAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SO I CALLED KIA CORPORATE AFYER READING THE DIAGNOSTICS REPORT. I WAS HUNG UP ON TWICE! I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER PLACE AND HAD THEM DO THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTICS. I HAD TO COME OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE A REPAIR THE ENTIRE ABS SYSTEM ON MY CAR. IT WAS DUE TO A DEFECT INSIDE THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE MAATER CYLINDER WAS COMING APART FROM THE INSIDE. THE PEICES WERE CLOGGING MY BRAKE LINES. YET KIA ONLY DYOOD BEHIND A WARRENTY NOT THE PRODUCT . I HAVE AND LIVE ON A LIMITED INCOME DUE TO MY PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN GOOD FAITH THAT KIA WAS A GOOD AND LOYAL CONSUMER. I AM STILL STUGGLING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. MY NEIGHBORS KEPT KNOCKING O. MY DOOR ONE MORNING TO TELL ME MY LIGHTS ON MY CAR WERE ON. I WENT OUT TO CHECK AND IT WAS IN FACT MY BRAKE LIGHTS. I HAD TO TAP ON MY BRAKE PEDDLE TO GET THEM TO TURN OFF. IT RAN MY BATTERY DOWN. I HAD TO CALL MY MAINTENANCE MANAGER FOR A JUMP START. KIA EVEN HAD TO NERVE TO CHARGE ME FOR A LOANER CAR TO DRIVE WHILE THEY CONDUCTED THE DIAGNOSTICS. I DO HAVE ALL REPORTS AND PAPER WORK AND RECEIPTS. I WAS SO PROUD OF MY NEW CAR. NOW I AM FINANCIALLY STRAPPED DUE TO THIS MAJOR DEFECT THAT WAS IN MY 2013 MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD HAPPEN ON CITY STREETS,THE HWY AND PARKED, TURNED OFF WITH NO ONE IN THE CAR.*DT*JB

NHTSA #: 11311597
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2017

CALIPER SEIZED UP, GRINDING NOISES, AROUND 35000 MILES

NHTSA #: 10946901
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2016

WHEN CAR IS REALLY COLD, THE BRAKES WHEN APPLIED GET STUCK DOWN. I HAVE TO PHYSICALLY DISENGAGE THE BRAKES.. EVEN WHEN I PARK MY CAR AT TIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BE DOWN AND ONLY WAY I NOTICED IS THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE BACK OR ON.. ONLY TIME THIS HAPPENS IS WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE.. DEALER TOOK 2 TIMES AND DECIDED NOT TO TAKE IT ANY MORE BECAUSE THEY ADVISE THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. SEEMS THEY HAD OTHER YEARS OF RECALL AND SEEMS FROM THIS SITE THAT IT IS HAPPENING WITH THIS MODEL TOO.. THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY IN THE MORNING OR LATE EVENING WHEN TEMPERATURE BELOW 40 DEGREES

NHTSA #: 10936581
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Dec 2016

YESTERDAY MY BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT ENGAGE AND HAD AN ACCIDENT. I HAD REPORTED TO KIA THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STICKING AND I WOULD HAVE TO FLIP IT BACK UP HOWEVER WHEN I TOOK IT IN THEY INFORMED ME THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. KIA SHOULD REALLY LOOK INTO TO THIS COSTLY PROBLEM. I HAVE LOOKED AT REVIEWS AND I SEE WHERE THERE IS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA #: 10930120
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2016

TAKATA RECALL TURNING OFF A ROAD OF 55 MPH ONTO A 35 MPH ROAD. I LET OFF OF BRAKES AFTER TURN AND I TRIED PRESSING ON GAS AND NO GAS PEDAL! I HIT THE CURB BECAUSE I WAS N SHOCK LOOKING FOR GAS PEDAL. THIS MESSED MY RIM AND TIRE UP. THE GAS PEDAL WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THIS COULD OF EASILY BEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I'M SURE THEY ARE MADE OUT OF SAME MATERIAL. I AM WAITING FOR INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO COME IN THE MORNING TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE. POLICE DID NOT WRITE ACCIDENT REPORT.

NHTSA #: 10872631
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2016

BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES DON'T RETRACT BACK UP AFTER THEY BEEN APPLIED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE BELOW 32 DEGREES. DEALER COULDN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG, WHEN I GET TO THE DEALER ITS NOT COLD ENOUGH TO HAVE THE PROBLEM, ITS NOT A CONSISTENT PROBLEM, BUT CAN BE DANGEROUS AT TIMES.

NHTSA #: 10825862
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2015

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. THE BRAKE STICKS AND WILL NOT COME UP, GRINDING AND CAUSING THE CAR TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THE PEDAL SINKS IN AND WILL NOT COME BACK UP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND BEEN TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. BOTH ISSUES ARE STILL GOING ON, AND WORSENING AS I DRIVE IT. PRETTY SURE BEING PUSHED PAST MY WARRANTY. TAKING TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR SECOND OPINION, WORRIED IN MEAN TIME THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BASED ON OTHER SIMILAR REPORTS. I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM DEALERSHIP, AND WAS ABLE TO VERIFY IT HAD ONE OWNER. AT TIME OF PURCHASE THE CAR DROVE FINE, BUT WITHIN DAYS BOTH ISSUES HAD BEGUN. I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER FOR SERVICE.

NHTSA #: 10777855
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2014

CAR BRAKE PEDAL WILL STICK AND NOT COME BACK UP. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TO COME ON. ONLY OCCURS WHEN IT IS RAINING OR A LITTLE COLD OUTSIDE. 2013 KIA FORTE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10615195

Other 2013 Kia Forte Issues