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Kia Forte

2009–2013 only

1,145 classified complaints 7 recalls

318,646 sold in the US for 2009–2013 (latest year still partial).

27 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2009–2013 Kia Forte models have 1,145 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 7 recalls. The most common issue in this range is Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically surfacing around 92,350 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2009–2013 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Kia Forte report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

2009–2013

2014–2018

2019–2023

2024–2024

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2009–2013 only

Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings) · Engine 334 complaints · 10/10k sold

Median onset: 92,350 miles.

More common in older model years.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 172 complaints · 5.4/10k sold

Median onset: 73,000 miles. 40.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 135 complaints · 4.2/10k sold

Median onset: 75,365 miles. 3.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 74 complaints · 2.3/10k sold

Median onset: 76,500 miles. 6.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 48 complaints · 1.5/10k sold

Median onset: 53,110 miles. 4.2% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 45 complaints · 1.4/10k sold

Median onset: 76,990 miles. 8.9% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 44 complaints · 1.4/10k sold

Median onset: 70,000 miles. 6.8% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

TPMS sensors and warnings · Wheels and tires 31 complaints · 1.0/10k sold

Median onset: 53,500 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $230–$430 nationally.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

How does 2009–2013 compare with other Forte years? Every model year ranked by complaints per 10,000 sold. See years →

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2009–2013 model years. See the full Kia Forte report for every year and full specs/safety data.