Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact Sedan / C-Segment
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Affordable, fuel-efficient, well-equipped compact vehicle with modern styling and good reliability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Target User:
        
        
            DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and dealership technicians.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension, Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System
        
     
    
        
            Body And Frame:
        
        
            Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seats
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit Diagrams, Component Testing
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
        
     
    
        
            Adjustment:
        
        
            Wheel Alignment, Parking Brake Adjustment, Door & Hood Alignment
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and Usage of Specialized Tools
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            In-depth mechanical and electrical repair procedures, including detailed specifications, diagrams, and troubleshooting charts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            PDF Features:
        
        
            Searchable text, bookmarked chapters, high-resolution diagrams.
        
     
    
    
        
            Print Readability:
        
        
            Designed for clear printing with legible text and sharp illustrations.
        
     
    
    
        
            Digital Format:
        
        
            Instant Download PDF
        
     
    
    
        
            Physical Manual Equivalent:
        
        
            Content equivalent to a professionally bound, high-quality workshop manual.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Inline 4-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.1:1
        
     
    
        
            Valvetrain:
        
        
            DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 Valves per Cylinder, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Peak:
        
        
            165 hp @ 6200 rpm (SAE Net)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Peak:
        
        
            145 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (SAE Net)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            MPI (Multi-Point Injection) / GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) - Check specific sub-model; manual covers GDI
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            HOC (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) - typically Blue or Pink
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type Recommended:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20 API SN or higher
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity W Filter:
        
        
            Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.6 Liters)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            178.7 inches (4539 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            69.7 inches (1770 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            57.7 inches (1465 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            104.3 inches (2649 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Front Headroom:
        
        
            Approx. 40.0 inches (1016 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Headroom:
        
        
            Approx. 37.1 inches (942 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Legroom:
        
        
            Approx. 43.6 inches (1107 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Legroom:
        
        
            Approx. 35.0 inches (889 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 15.5 cubic feet (439 Liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 2900-3050 lbs (1315-1383 kg), varies by trim and transmission
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg)
        
     
    
    
        
            Standard Wheel Size:
        
        
            16-inch alloy or steel wheels
        
     
    
        
            Optional Wheel Size:
        
        
            17-inch alloy wheels
        
     
    
        
            Standard Tire Size:
        
        
            205/55R16
        
     
    
        
            Optional Tire Size:
        
        
            215/45R17
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Offset:
        
        
            ET44 (Typical for 16-inch), ET45 (Typical for 17-inch)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            4 out of 5 stars (as of model year testing)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Varies by specific year and testing, often received 'Good' ratings in key areas.
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake System:
        
        
            Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BA (Brake Assist)
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control System)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM satellite radio capability, USB and auxiliary input jacks.
        
     
    
        
            Optional Infotainment:
        
        
            UVO infotainment system with touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera (availability depends on trim level)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control
        
     
    
        
            Optional Features:
        
        
            Not typically available on this model year, focus is on core comfort and safety features.
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming on higher trims or with UVO system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium-tipped plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            First flush at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) thereafter.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Automatic: 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under severe conditions, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) under normal conditions. Manual: Inspect at 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific type; typically ATF Dexron III or compatible
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Related:
        
        
            Potential for carbon buildup in GDI engines, occasional check engine light codes related to EVAP system or sensors. Some reports of oil consumption in early production runs.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Related:
        
        
            Some owners report occasional rough shifting in the automatic transmission; regular fluid changes are crucial.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Related:
        
        
            Infrequent reports of minor electrical glitches, such as door lock actuators or accessory issues.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Related:
        
        
            Normal wear and tear on bushings and ball joints over time.
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Filter Part Number Example:
        
        
            e.g., Kia Genuine Part 26300-02500, or aftermarket equivalents like Wix 57356, Fram PH10575
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Kia Motors Corporation
        
     
    
    
    
        
            First Generation Launch:
        
        
            2009 (as Forte / Cerato)
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Launch:
        
        
            2013 (model tested by this manual)
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Designed under Peter Schreyer, focusing on European-inspired styling and improved build quality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Hwaseong, South Korea; Yuen Long, China (for Chinese market); Gwangmyeong, South Korea
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Previous Model Year Awards:
        
        
            The Forte line has historically received positive reviews for value, fuel efficiency, and design from automotive publications.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Reliability ratings can vary; consult specific year reports. Kia generally improved reliability in this era.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Compliance:
        
        
            Compliant with EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.