2013 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 981 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 23 involved a crash and 44 involved a fire. 33 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 2, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 6, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
Campaign 15V626000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
60 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Air bags, Jun 24, 2024
I have been Trying to set up a appointment with Citrus Motors Kia, Ontario California.1350 S Woodruff Way Ontario California 91761. And they are giving me the rounds. Seen last week I have been texting them and calling. And no answer.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2024
Since I purchased my 2013 KIA SORENTO I have had at least 3 recalls. My vehicle AIR BAG LIGHT is still ON. I have been waiting since last year (2023)to get this recall item repaired and the local dealership has informed me that the part is on ORDER but never received( I have the work order from dealership stating that).. My Anti- thief system won't allow my vehicle to start upon demand I have to wait and turn the key over and let panel lights come on before it starts I have to do this 3x always. I've tried different approach's to rectify this issue, still dealing with it today( March 1, 2024). My speed control sensors had too be replaced. ABS lights would come on and stay illuminated. A lot is going on with my KIA SORENTO. I really enjoy my vehicle until all these recalls started. Now, I'm afraid to drive it as much, due too this FIRE RECALL!!!!!! I have documentation of these recalls.
Air bags, Seats, Oct 1, 2023
In the past two weeks the Warning lamp for front passenger seat remains lit up indicating airbag problem in that area second row seats clip areas to lift seats and allow entry to third row were very hard to operate and now malfunctioned and don't work at all to lift seats. This has been checked out by Kia dealer last year to no resolve(they were able to lift seats up with great effort), but I am not able to get the seats lifted rendering access to 3rd row impossible for use.
Air bags, Apr 17, 2023
After a routine oil change my air bag sensor light illuminated after turning the car on. Tried the reset, still on. I took it to a mechanic who told me this is a common problem with KIA Sorentos. He also said that it is likely some sensor or the airbag itself and it being on it is very unsafe to drive because it won’t deploy if there is an accident. There has never been a collision or any other reason for this to occur other than faulty manufacturing. After researching I’ve found many posts of other Sorento owners with the same issue. All of them being required to pay a heavy amount for a fix that should be a safety recall. We all have paid a large amount for a “safe” vehicle. Common sense would say that it is KIA’s responsibility to fix the issue, regardless of warranty. It isn’t a wear and tear, its lives and financial burden. I cannot afford to have it fixed, but it is my only vehicle. What am I supposed to do? Please, get this recalled.
Air bags, Apr 6, 2023
My airbag light has been on for a while and I didn’t know until today that technically I shouldn’t be driving it. I learned that, if the light is on, there is a possibility that in the event of a collision the airbags may night deploy. I am financing this car from car shop and had to have a recall for the airbags be repaired. Is there any way to have this issue corrected without paying? I’d rather not die going food shopping.
Air bags, Mar 10, 2023
uNKNOWN
Air bags, Feb 15, 2022
Passenger air bag warning light stay on . On the dash. Brought up to the attention of the dealership. Advised them that I felt it wasn't safe, I was advised that the recall had not been received. Still my bright red light stays on. Worried when I am driving with a loved one in the passenger seat.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Feb 4, 2022
I own a 2013 Kia Sorento LX FWD AUTO, granted I bought it USED in June 2020. But every since I've owned my vehicle I've had a problem with my Engine Light being on, the Driver Side Break light keeps going out and the USB and Cigarette Lighter keep Blowing the FUSES. I Love my Truck and I need to know how KIA can help to fix these problems.
Air bags, Nov 21, 2021
The passenger airbag light remains turned on even when front passenger seat is occupied and seat belt is in use.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2021
I started the vehicle as usual to head home from running errands. I usually watch the warning lights go off. For some reason after the lights went off the air bag light came back on as I was going down the road. I pulled over and turned it off. Waited 5 minutes and started it back up thinking it just needed shut off and restarted. The light again went off for a second and back on all the way home. My normal shop can not work on that component so I have to take it to the Kia dealer to get it fixed and pay to have it checked. Under 130000 miles, this shouldnt be happening.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Mar 6, 2021
OVER A PERIOD OF A MONTH ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS DURING NORMAL DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, ONLY ALLOWING ENOUGH DRIVE ABILITY AT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED POWER AND SPEED TO PULL OVER. IN EACH OF THOSE INSTANCES, THE POWER WAS RESTORED TO NORMAL AFTER A SMALL PERIOD OF REST. AN OVERLAPPING CONDITION EXISTED DURING THAT SAME PERIOD, IN WHICH ALL POWER WAS LOST TO THE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING, AS THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. IN EACH OF THOSE CASES, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER UNTIL AFTER A PERIOD OF REST OF AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. THERE WAS NEVER AN ENGINE WARNING TO INDICATE AN ISSUE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AND ASSESSED BY CERTIFIED MECHANICS, BUT NO PROBLEM WAS DETECTED. DURING ONE SUCH INSPECTION WITH AAMCO OF REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA, THE CAR LOST POWER DURING THEIR FINAL TEST DRIVE FOLLOWING A RIGOROUS INSPECTION IN WHICH NO ISSUE WAS IDENTIFIED, AND NEVER REGAINED POWER AGAIN. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD CEASED WITH 141,335 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ANOTHER ISSUE REVOLVED AROUND AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP AND TURN SIGNAL. IT CEASED TO WORK WHILE WITHIN THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND WAS FIXED WITHOUT COST. HOWEVER, IT CONTINUED TO FAIL AFTERWARDS AND WAS FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES AT PERSONAL EXPENSE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS ALSO BEEN ON FOR HALF THE LIFE OF THE CAR, AND IS STILL ON AT THIS TIME, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE DESPITE A RECALL ON THAT LIGHT. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE LIGHT WAS TRIPPED DUE TO SOME EMPTY SODA CANS THEY DISCOVERED UNDER THE CHAIR AND WHICH WERE PROBABLY ROLLING AROUND ACCORDING TO THEIR OPINION. THEY STATED THAT THE TRIPPED AIRBAG LIGHT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Sep 2, 2020
B1764 OCS MAT DEFECT. IT'S BEEN REPORTED TO US BY CENTURY KIA (TAMPA, FL) THAT THEY CANNOT FIX MY AIR BAG SENSOR FORCING US TO PAY A TOTAL $2,400.00. WE DON'T FEEL WE SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR A PART THAT REQUIRES ZERO MAINTENANCE. I'D LIKE FOR KIA TO RESOLVE THIS OR FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
Air bags, Aug 9, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT TESTED. FIRST WE HAD TO PAY A FEE TO HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RUN. WE WERE THEN INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD GONE BAD AND THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY WITHOUT US REPAIRING IT. THE COST TO REPAIR IT WAS $2,000 BECAUSE THE ENTIRE SEAT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THAT WAS TWO WEEKS AGO. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AGAIN.
Air bags, Jul 13, 2020
AFTER DRIVING THE CAR APPROXIMATELY 25 HIGHWAY MI. AIRBAG INDICATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH, WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. AFTER ARRIVING AT DESTINATION AND PARKING AND SHUTTING OFF CAR, RESTARTED ENGINE AGAIN STATIONARY, AIRBAG INDICATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH UNTIL SEATBELT INDICATION FINISHED FLASHING, THEN TURNED OFF ONLY TO RE-ILLUMINATE AFTER A COUPLE SECONDS AND STAY LIGHT. SHUT OFF CAR, REMOVED AIRBAG FUSE (15A) AND RESTARTED VEHICLE STATIONARY, RESULTED IN INDICATION REMAINING ILLUMINATED THE ENTIRE TIME AFTER STARTING CAR (INSTEAD OF SHUTTING OFF AND COMING BACK ON AFTER SEATBELT INDICATOR SHUT OFF). SHUT OFF CAR, REPLACED AIRBAG FUSE (15A) AND RESTARTED VEHICLE, RESULTED IN INDICATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH UNTIL SEATBELT INDICATION FINISHED FLASHING, THEN TURNED OFF ONLY TO RE-ILLUMINATE AFTER A COUPLE SECONDS AND STAY LIGHT. ADDITIONAL INFO: CAR HAS 130K MILES, BUT ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT ~115K UNDER WARRANTY, SO ENGINE IS ONLY ~15K OLD.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. I WAITED A FEW DAYS TO SEE IF THE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND IT DIDN'T. I AM AFRAID IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Air bags, May 30, 2020
I GOT IN MY VEHICLE TO DRIVE IT LIKE NORMAL AND MY AIR BAG SYMBOL CAME ON AND NEVER WENT BACK OFF. NO NOISES SO FAR OR OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN. I HAD JUST STARTED UP THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STATIONARY LIKE IT IS DAILY IN THE SAME SPOT FROM WHEN I RETURN HOME FROM WORK. *TR
Air bags, Jan 27, 2020
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON & THEY MAY NOT DEPLOY ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER. I FIND MANY KIA MODELS/OWNERS REPORT THIS SAME PROBLEM. SHOULD BE COVERED W/A RECALL!, REFUND, ETC. OWNERS ARE NOT AT FAULT & AGE OR "NORMAL WEAR & TEAR" OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT TO BLAME! NHTSA SHOULD HAVE REQUIRED THE KIA/HYUNDAI CORP. TO ORDER A RECALL OR NOTIFY OWNERS THEY'D FIX THIS IF IT HAPPENED. REPAIR IS BETWEEN $800-$2100+!
Air bags, Engine, Jan 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE RPMS DROPPED TO ZERO. IN ADDITION ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (NEMET KIA LOCATED AT 153-03 HILLSIDE AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11432) FOR A DIAGNOSIS WHICH WAS INCONCLUSIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY RESOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Air bags, Jan 9, 2020, crash
INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY.SOMEONE HIT ME VERY HARD LOST CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 25, 2019
HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS OTHER THEN HAVING TO PUT 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN THE MOTOR EVERY OTHER DAY AND IT STALLING TO THE POINT OF ALMOST CUTTING OFF WHEN I START TO TAKE OFF. I GOT UP PUT OIL IN THE CAR STARTED MY DAY AS USUAL, RAN ERRANDS AND THE PARKED THE CAR AS USUAL. WENT TO GET IN IT THE NEXT DAY AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. STARTED TO DRIVE IT AND IT MADE THE SOUND AS IF IT WAS MISFIRING. LATER THAT DAY HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS PLUGS. SO I CHANGED THE PLUGS AND COIL PACKS AND IT DID NOT CHANGE A THING. STILL HAD THAT NOISE AND WHEN YOU ARE GOING DOWN THE ROAD IT WILL START SHAKING AND HAVE TO GEAR DOWN. CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY SAID IT WAS PART OF THE 147 RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT SHOWED THAT IT HAD BEEN FIXED IN 2018. I EXPLAINED THAT IT SHOOK WHEN DRIVEN THAT PLUGS AND COIL PACKS HAVE BEEN CHANGED, HAD TO FILL UP ON OIL INSTEAD OF GAS AND THAT THE OIL HAD GAS IN IT. TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ME 230 OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT TOWED. NEXT DAY TOOK IT TOO KIA DEALERSHIP WHO SAID I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE MOTOR LOCKED UP BEFORE THEY COULD DO ANYTHING. FINALLY GOT THEM TO LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID THE MOTOR WAS BAD. IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE IT COULD CAUGHT FIRE OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BUT YET NOT PART OF THE RECALL SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. NOT ONLY DID KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NHTSA BOTH SAID IT WAS PART OF THE 147 RECALL. I AM WITH OUT A VEHICLE AND STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ONE THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE OR GET FIXED.
Air bags, Oct 3, 2019
ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF PASSANGER SIDE DASH AIRBAG. FROM DEALERSHIP INSPECTION: 'AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SCANNED CODES RETURNED CODE B1764 OCS MAT DEFECT, PERFORMED TEST ON BODY SENSOR AND FOUND NO VOLTAGE GOING TO OCS MAT AND SRSCM MODULE, WILL NEED TO REPLACE MODULE AND MAT. TOTAL $3,058.' FURTHER CONVERSATION WITH TECHANICAN: NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE, LIKELY FAULTY WIRES OR FAILED ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. UNFORTUNATELY, ONLY OPTION TO REPLACE THE PASSANGER MODULE. UNCLEAR IF AIRBAG WILL STILL OPERATION IS COLISSION. OWNER OPINION: IF AIRBAG ASSEMBLY IS FAILING IN THIS MANNER, IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. OTHERWISE, PASSANGERS ARE AT RISK. YEAR: 2013 MODEL: KIA SORENTO MILEAGE: 120548
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2019
RECEIVED EXTENDED WARRANTY INFORMATION REGARDING MY AIRBAG LIGHT BROUGHT THIS IN TO HAVE THE CLOCK ASSEMBLY SPRING REVIEWED AND IT WAS REPLACED BUT THEN WAS TOLD I HAD TO PAY $2000 TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SEAT CHANGE TO HAVE THE SENSOR GO OFF.
Air bags, Jun 24, 2019
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING RECENTLY. THE CODE APPEARS AS B1346, VOLTAGE IN WIRING OF DRIVER AIRBAG. ALL INDICATIONS ARE IT IS THE CLOCK SPRING MECHANISM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 110,475 MILES.
Air bags, Jun 6, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT ON. PASSENGER SEAT OC MAT SENSOR BAD. ONLY WAY TO FIX IS REPLACING SEAT $2100. TOLD AIRBAG WONT DEPLOY UNLESS FIXED. THERE SHOULD BE A OVERRIDE TO FORCE DEPLOYMENT IF SENSOR GOES BAD. SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE WARRANTEE UP TO 10 YEARS.