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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 981

Of the 2013 reports, 23 involved a crash and 44 involved a fire. 33 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine496 reports · 51% of complaints
Owner complaints981Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine496
  2. Electrical system116
  3. Structure91
  4. Service brakes89
  5. Other or unspecified89
  6. Exterior lighting70
  7. Power train69
  8. Air bags60

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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: engine

512 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine, Sep 8, 2016

    ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 30TH, 2016, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING IN OUR 2013 KIA SORENTO WITH OUR TWO TODDLERS WHEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH DRIVING STRAIGHT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. WE LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING POWER STEERING SO IT TOOK ALL HE HAD TO COAST AND PULL OVER SAFELY. HE CALLED KIA WHO GOT A TOW TRUCK EN ROUTE TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO OUR DEALERSHIP. MY DAD HAD TO COME BY TO PICK UP MY FRIGHTENED GIRLS WHILE MY HUSBAND WAITED WITH THE VEHICLE (IT TOOK TWO HOURS). WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR ISSUES BEFORE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND FAITHFULLY HAD IT MAINTAINED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT GAVE US NEWS WE WERE NOT EXPECTING; THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AS WE BROKE A CRANKSHAFT. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT!! LUCKILY THIS IS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE THEY VERIFIED THAT IT WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED BY THEM. FAST FORWARD A WEEK AND WE GET THE CALL TONIGHT THAT KIA HAS YET TO RELEASE A NEW ENGINE TO BE INSTALLED AND THEY HAVE NO TIME FRAME.

  2. Engine, Sep 7, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

  3. Engine, Aug 16, 2016

    WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AT 55MPH THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN LEAVING ME WITHOUT POWER, THE BATTERY LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACKSEAT, NOT ONLY DID I NOT HAVE POWER TO THE ENGINE I DIDN'T HAVE POWER STEERING FOR THE VEHICLE SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR ONLY TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS WAS THE SCAREST MOMENT FOR ME ALONE ON THE SIDE OF THE PARKWY WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND TRAFFIC FLYING PAST US. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IT IS THREE DAYS LATER AND THE CAR IS STILL NOT STARTING AND THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY. MY CAR ONLY HAS 61,000 MILES.

  4. Engine, Aug 3, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THAT THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL HAD BEEN DEPOSITED INTO THE VEHICLE RECENTLY BEFORE THE STALL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

  5. Engine, Jul 29, 2016

    DURING ACCELERATION THE ENGINE RATTLES AND JERKS LOSING POWER UNTIL I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. ENGINE IS ATTEMPTING TO STALL.

  6. Engine, Jul 28, 2016

    CAR STOPPED DEAD IN ROAD WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON CITY STREET.TAKEN TO KIA DEAL WHO REFUSED TO EVEN CONSIDER MANUFACTURING DEFAULT. UPON EXAMINATION DETERMINED THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL WHICH CAUSED ENGINE TO SEIZE. TO REPLACE ENGINE THEY WANT TO CHARGE $6800 FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR HYUNDAI ENGINES PROMPTING A RECALL OF OVER 600,000. SAME ENGINE IS USED IN THIS KIA WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN RECALL ON KIA'S WITH THIS ENINE?

  7. Engine, Jul 27, 2016

    WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON CITY STREET TO STOP SIGH, ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. ATTEMPT TO JUMPER DID NOT WORK.THIS WAS SECOND INCIDENCE OF THIS PROBLEM FIRST TIME ALTERNATOR REPLACED AND ENGINE THEN WORKED,FOR 2 WEEKS. CAR IS NOW AT KIA DEALER FOR EVALUATION. I S PROBLEM METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL ? COULD THIS BE SAME PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI ENGINES THAT WERE RECALLED. SAME ENGINE ,SAME PLANT, SAME TIME FRAME. . .

  8. Engine, Jul 12, 2016

    IN THE PAST YEAR MY VEHICLE HAS LOST COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING TWICE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART IT. BUT SCARES ME TO THINK THIS COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT'S NOT EASY WHEN YOU HAVE NO POWER TO STEER THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE. BOTH TIMES I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH.

  9. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 20, 2016

    BOUGHT MY KIA ON 6/17/2016 AND TODAY 3 DAYS LATER I AM DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STARTS POWERING DOWN WHILE I AM AT 70MPH. SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. THERE IS ALSO A JERKING FORWARD MOVEMENT THAT I GET, BUT TODAY WAS THE SCARIEST, THE CAR ACTUALLY STOPPED WITH NO POWER WHILE DRIVING. I HAD TO PULL ASIDE AND RESTART THE CAR. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS. M DAUGHTER COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR. THIS IS CRAZY A 2013 CAR SHUTTING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE ON THE ROAD. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.

  10. Engine, Jun 17, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/10/2017*CT CONSUMER STATED DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PARTS 6/7/18*JB

  11. Engine, Jun 14, 2016, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND FOLLOWED BY A LOUD METAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL DRIPPING UNDER THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WAS HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

  12. Engine, Apr 25, 2016

    I PURCHASED MY KIA NEW IN 2012. PERFORMED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. IT SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND SMOKE POURED FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER SAID THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES AND THERE WAS CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IT HAS JUST OVER 100,000 MILES. I HAVE A VAN THAT HAS 270,000 MILES AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. WHEN I FOUND A GARAGE TO REPLACE IT FOR $1,000 LESS, THAT MECHANIC TOLD ME HE JUST REPLACED AN ENGINE IN A 2013 KIA SORENTO THAT ONLY HAD 30K MILES ON IT. KIA DENIED THEIR WARRANTY. I BELIEVE KIA IS A COMPLETE RIP OFF. I HOPE I CAN GET THIS TRADED IN BEFORE THIS USED ENGINE DOES THE SAME THING. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER KIA.

  13. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 16, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

  14. Engine, Mar 1, 2016

    I PURCHASED THE KIA SORENTO NEW JUNE 2013. I HAD MY FIRST OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALER AT ABOUT 5700 MILES ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 2013. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT KIA HAD THE BEST WARRANTY AND ONLY SUGGESTED OIL CHANGES AT 7500-10,000 MILE INTERVALS. I PURCHASED THE OIL AND MY FATHER CHANGED THE OIL 2 MORE TIMES ONCE IN JULY 2014 AND AGAIN SEPTEMBER 2015. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FOR MY WIFE WHO GAVE BIRTH TO OUR SON THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT WAS NOT DRIVEN OFTEN BECAUSE SHE DID NOT RETURN TO WORK UNTIL OCTOBER 2013. AS A TEACHER SHE ONLY WORKED UNTIL MAY 2014 AND DID NOT RETURN TO WORK UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2015. SHE WORKED LESS THAN 10 MILES FROM HOME THEREFORE OUR MILEAGE WAS LOW. AROUND DECEMBER 9, 2015 MY WIFE SAID THE CAR WAS 'ACTING FUNNY'. I TOLD HER TO COME HOME AND I WOULD HAVE MY DAD LOOK AT IT. WHEN SHE CAME HOME THE CAR APPEARED FINE NO LIGHTS, NO WARNINGS, NO SOUNDS THAT WASN'T NORMAL. THE NEXT DAY WE WERE DRIVING AND THE CAR IT JUST STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AGAIN NO WARNING LIGHTS, OR ENGINE LIGHT NO LOW OIL LIGHT... NOTHING. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER TOOK SEVERAL DAYS TO TELL US THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN BECAUSE WE DIDN'T CHANGE THE OIL ENOUGH. WE WERE NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE FOR 5000 MILES. AFTER A MONTH OF WAITING KIA TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT FIXING UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE SPOKE TO MANY PEOPLE, DEALERSHIPS, JUNK YARDS, MECHANICS... ALL SAY AFTER ONLY 30000 ON THE CAR NO WAY IT SHOULD HAVE THAT MUCH ENGINE SLUDGE TO BLOW THE ENGINE EVEN IF IT WAS NEVER CHANGED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH KIA AND HYUNDAI. FACT: KIA HAS HAD A PREVIOUS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE 2004-2009 KIA SORENTO DUE TO ENGINE ISSUES. FACT: TOYOTA HAD PREVIOUS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THEIR ENGINE SLUDGE ISSUES. (LOST THE CASE AND IS REPAIRING THE ENGINES) FACT: HYUNDAI SONATA HAS KNOWN ISSUES - KIA AND HYUNDAI SAME COMPANY!!!!

  15. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 25, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE CONTACT WAITED APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MORE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED NORMALLY, BUT COULD NOT EXCEED 40 MPH. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,800.

  16. Engine, Dec 22, 2015

    STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED OUT. WAS IN " DRIVE " AND WAS NOT LOW ON GAS. PUT FLASHERS ON AND SHUT OFF CAR. WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR AND DROVE HOME. CALLED KIA IN SMITHTOWN WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD IF I BROUGHT IN CAR AND IT DIDN'T STALL WHILE IN THEIR CARE THE TECHS WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHY IT HAPPENED.

  17. Engine, Dec 22, 2015

    STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED OUT. WAS IN " DRIVE " AND WAS NOT LOW ON GAS. PUT FLASHERS ON AND SHUT OFF CAR. WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR AND DROVE HOME. CALLED KIA IN SMITHTOWN WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD IF I BROUGHT IN CAR AND IT DIDN'T STALL WHILE IN THEIR CARE THE TECHS WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHY IT HAPPENED.

  18. Engine, Sep 22, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

  19. Engine, Jul 29, 2015

    ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 2.5 YEARS THE ENGINE HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE NARROWED DOWN HOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM: 1) SET CRUISE CONTROL 2) SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL 3) TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL QUICKLY AFTER SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THE PROBLEM DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT WHEN IT DOES: 1) THE ENGINE STOPS IMMEDIATELY 2) A BUNCH OF DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON: CHECK ENGINE, OIL PRESSURE AND OTHERS I CAN'T REMEMBER 3) THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING (PROBABLY BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS OFF) THIS IS VERY ALARMING! I GENERALLY WORK AROUND THE PROBLEM, BUT ON 7/26 WHILE TRAVELING IN WYOMING (80 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON I-25), THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE I WAS GOING 80 MPH! LUCKILY THE BRAKES STILL WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR THE SIDE AND RESTART. I COULD HAVE EASILY WRECKED. TO RESTART THE ENGINE, I: 1) SHIFT INTO PARK 2) TURN OFF IGNITION 3) TURN ON IGNITION I MAILED KIA THE ABOVE INFORMATION TWO DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN.... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF

  20. Air bags, Engine, Jul 28, 2015

    AT 60,800 MILE MY KIA SORENTOS ENGINE BLEW. I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BELIEVING IT WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY ONLY TO FIND OUT THEY VOIDED MY WARRANTY STATING I HAD EXCESSIVE SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. FOR MORE THAN A MONTH PRIOR TO THAT INCIDENT WE ALSO HAD A AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. AT THE TIME OF ENGINE FAILURE WE THOUGHT THAT WE COULD FIX THAT ISSUE AS WELL ONLY TO FIND THAT MY ELECTRICAL WARRANTY WENT OUT AT 60,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THESE ITEMS ONLINE ONLY TO FIND THAT THERE IS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF BOTH ENGINE FAILURE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING WHICH IS SAID TO BE A CONTROL MODULE. WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE WHY IS THERE NO RECALL.

  21. Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 9, 2015

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

  22. Engine, Dec 24, 2014

    PURCHASED 2013 KIA SORENTO BRAND NEW ON 6/11/12, CAR WAS SHAKY AND IDLED ROUGHLY ON & OFF DURING THE FIRST YEAR, SEEMS TO HAVE RESOLVED ITSELF. ON 12/22/14 WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON SECONDARY ROAD ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND. PARKED VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY ON 12/23/14 TO KIA DEALERSHIP, THEY CALLED ME THAT AFTERNOON AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE OIL CONTROL VALVE AND IT WAS ORDERED AND REQUESTED FOR OVERNIGHT AND CAR WOULD BE DONE ON 12/24/14. I CALLED DEALER ON 12/24/14 @ 11:03AM AND PART WASN'T IN YET WAS TOLD THAT I'D BE CALLED WHEN PART ARRIVED. RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALER AT 2PM THAT PART HAD ARRIVED AND BEEN INSTALLED BY TECH BUT THAT ENGINE WAS STILL MAKING TICKING NOISE, SO NOT FIXED. WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO START OVER AGAIN ON FRIDAY 12/26/14 WITH REQUEST TO KIA WARRANTY SERVICE FOR APPROVAL FOR "ENGINE TEAR DOWN", WHICH I WILL ALSO HAVE TO AUTHORIZED AND AGREE TO PAY $400.00 FOR (WAIVED IF ALL REPAIRS ARE COVERED BY WARRANTY). THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 53000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 30 MONTHS, ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES FOLLOWED AND THERE SHOULD NO WAY BE AN INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM ON A PROPERLY BUILT ENGINE. KIA HAS SOME SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE IN THIS CAR AND SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE ENTIRE LINE OF 2013 SORENTO'S AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER THAT " WE MAY BE LOOKING AT A NEW ENGINE". I HOPE NOT, EVEN THOUGH I COULD HAVE A ALMOST 3 YEAR OLD CAR WITH NO MILEAGE I DON'T WANT ONE, IF THE FIRST ENGINE HAS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WHAT WOULD THE SECOND ENGINE HAVE. I AM GOING TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO HOLD KIA RESPONSIBLE AND MAKE THEM COVER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

  23. Electrical system, Engine, Oct 17, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

  24. Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 17, 2014

    ENGINE SIMPLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING AND STEERING CONTROL. ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. COASTED TO A STOP, PUT TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR TO KIA DEALER WHO SAID IT NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE WHICH WAS PERFORMED. THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF HAPPENED THE VERY NEXT DAY. TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TODAY. *TR

  25. Engine, Oct 16, 2014

    2013 KIA SORENTO LX LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL. I HAD JUST EXITED A 55MPH BOULEVARD ONTO A 35MPH RESIDENTIAL STREET. AS I ACCELERATED TO THE POSTED SPEED THERE WAS A ?POP?, THE CAR LURCHED, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I CUT OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED A MINUTE AND RESTARTED IT. THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL ALL SEEMED TO BE FINE BUT THE ACCELERATOR WAS NON-RESPONSIVE. SURPRISINGLY THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WAS SUFFICIENT TO PUSH THE CAR ALONG ON MODERATELY HILLY ROADS. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO THE KIA DEALER, WHERE I PURCHASED IT, AND LEFT IT WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AFTER I GOT HOME I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR ?KIA SORENTO ACCELERATION? AND FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS OF ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS WITH 2012 THROUGH 2014 KIA SORENTOS. HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/2011-2013-XM-SORENTO-FORUM/76454-2012-SORENTO-DISCONNECTED-ACCELERATOR.HTML HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/KIA/SORENTO/2013/ENGINE/DIED_WHILE_DRIVING.SHTML AFTER REVIEWING THE VARIOUS POSTS I BELIEVE THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE UPGRADE THAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE LOADING ARE NOT GOING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, OTHERWISE KIA WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I BELIEVE THE ACTUAL ISSUE IS A FAULTY PART THAT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED OR REDESIGNED. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEN I WILL HAVE THIS ISSUE AGAIN SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. THE TECH REPORTED THAT THEY FOUND 3 SERVICE CODES. THEY CLEARED THE CODES, CHECKED THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND "FOUND OLD VERSION". THEY REPORTED THAT THEY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE AND PERFORMED A THROTTLE CLEANING. THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR TWICE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT TURN BACK ON (NO CODES). *TR