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SteeringPart report

2013 Kia Forte Steering Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
7%of 195 total for the year
Median mileage
29,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Kia Forte, 7% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The steering wheel locked onto one side, I could not regain control of the vehicle as the brakes stopped working as well and it made a u-turn onto the same street I was driving on, hitting the curb, rolling over. I was found upside down in my car unconscious from the crash because my air bags did not deploy.”

NHTSA complaint #11171034, filed 2019-01, 108,000 miles

“Backing up my car under the carport, as I was parked straightening my wheels, I heard clicking with each turn. Husband checked and found the same concern. Took car to Kia dealer the next day. They were going to try to replace the small plastic part in the column. Discovered they could not and now I have to purchase a new steering column at a total cost of $1,818.36. Ouch! I have never experienced this before. My last Kia lasted 13 years with no major problems. This is extremely disappointing and unnerving.”

NHTSA complaint #11190535, filed 2019-03, 68,000 miles

“My Kia went on fire and I was never notified by Kia, I found out from carfax and set up appointment to have this recall fixed and found out there was 2 recalls. Set up the appt for saturday, while my car was parked and off I ran into the store came out and my car was on fire all of the dashboard all behind it. My car was totaled by insurance. 2 days after my car goes on fire I am suddenly getting red emergency recall notices in the mail. Dealership will not speak with me, the Kia consumer assistance gave me a case number but has done nothing in over 2 weeks. …”

NHTSA complaint #11398959, filed 2021-03, 74,000 miles

“Kia Forte 2013 purchased new and had problems with car when driving 55-70 miles at highway speed. The car shakes,tires make noises like they're flat,trouble with steering,really rough ride,smoke came from engine and the car has been a pain considering it's supposed to be new. It also leaks when it rains and sometimes you can't see out rear window. All these things and more were reported to Kia motors who sent me to dealership. The dealership scoffed at the referral,stated Kia motors knows about problems and allegedly checked Forte reporting nothing can be done and nothing is wrong. …”

NHTSA complaint #10524257, filed 2013-07, 800 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11600781, filed 2024-07

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202414%
20231523%
2022414%
2021913%
202034%
201996%
201854%
201793%
201654%
201542%
20146414%
2013137%
201293%
201153%
2010115%

Other parts of the 2013 Kia Forte

Engine
107 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Kia Forte

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology