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: engine
512 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle whenever the vehicle was parked. There was a burning fuel odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was oil and anti-freeze between the cylinder head and engine block, causing the head bolts to be stripped. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not under an engine recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the result of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 25, 2025
I called quirk Kia in Manchester NH to have the recall done on my vehicle..my vehicle has had a hard time starting and staying started sometimes...the vehicle would shut down while driving all dash lights come on and loose s all power to gas pedal and steering..had hard time starting for couple weeks before it stopped starting ..I believe there is electrical problem ..but when I called quirk to get the recall done the service guy told me he can not do the recall unless the vehicle runs ..I told him I believe it's not running because of the part that is being recalled .he said I doubt it .I then asked for a supervisor and he told me he doesn't have one ..then I asked him his name he again told me he doesn't have one .so I said are you really gonna refuse to do this recall ..it has to be done he then hung up on me ..I tried calling back and got to the sales department..spoke to the GM in sales and explained what just happened with the service department and he told me I would get a call back and still haven't heard from them ..this recall has to be done ..and I don't know what else to do
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving the vehicle with her boyfriend seated in the passenger’s seat, while approaching a stop sign at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was stopped safely on the side of the road, and then the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 71,935.
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was knocking before the engine seized. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle side-swiped a concrete mailbox. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine rod had fractured the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in June 2018, the engine was replaced; however, in April 2019 the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed of an unknown expired recall repair however, the VIN was not included. The contact was informed that the recall repair might have prevented the failure; however, the contact stated that the recall notification was not received. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Nov 2, 2024
Engine failed to start and made loud knocking noises. Knocking noises continued and vehicle towed to dealer. Oil level was full and all routine maintenance performed up to this point. Oil level full at time of failure. Dealer confirmed knocking, stated the knocking went away after running for a period of time. Dealer requested 3 hours of labor and we are currently determining our next step. The vehicle is available for inspection at Kings Kia in Northern Cincinnati. 137,000 miles. Also have video of engine knock. Recently had HECU recall and it potentially caused ABS light, independent repair shop recommended new HECU after recall performed due to low voltage from yellow wire, dealer claimed replacing wheel speed sensor, we still suspected other electrical issues may have been caused.
Engine, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine oil was abnormally low and added engine oil to the vehicle. The contact stated that a month later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 231,000.
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
When we bought this car several years ago after a test drive, we left the lot and about 5 or 6 miles down the road it completely shut down. The dealership ( Smail Auto) fixed the engine so we thought. We were told not to mention anything about the engine problem to anyone or we would lose the car. We get it back and again does the same thing. Ever since that day our car has been down more than driven. We attempted to contact the dealership and nobody would reach back out to us. All the lights on the bashboard check tire, engine, gas light, etc are all on everytime this happen. Even now we attempted to get ahold of the dealership or even Kia and nobody has called me or my wife. The break downs happen on different dates. But the latest on happen 5/30/24
Engine, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to have the A/C unit repaired. After the A/C repair was performed on the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and while idling. The contact stated that prior to vehicle stalling, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Kia Voluntary Service Campaign: SC106 - 2011-2013, My Kia Sorento ECM Logic Upgrade, which the contact linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge became elevated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Electrical system, Engine, May 9, 2024
The engine has been stalling while driving. The rpm gauge isn't moving it is at 0. Plus the radio and plug ins randomly shut off and on all the time. They don't stay on.
Engine, May 4, 2024
Upon accelerating from 35 to 55 the engine quit but I was able to pull off the highway onto the shoulder. Vehicle was towed to a local KIA dealer. I was notified today 5/4/24 that the engine had seized up, and they were contacting the manufacture in regards to complete engine replacement. Waiting on results. Vehicle has approximate 133,500 miles. Mileage was 130,265 when purchase from a dealer.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was making an abnormal sound. The contact stated that numerous warning lights had been illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact called a local mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the vehicle was experiencing engine failure. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,724.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 18, 2024
Good Morning...... I'm the owner of a 2013 Kia Sorrento that is subject to the above safety recall. This has become known as the 'PARK OUTSIDE RECALL' because of the supposed fire danger. I was first notified about this issue my mail on [XXX]. To date, NO remedy has been provided. My local Kia dealer here in Syracuse says they have no information, while Kia USA in California says "we're working on it." If we can collect rocks from an asteroid and return them to earth, it seems like the development of a corrective part could be accomplished in something less than 7 or 8 months (or longer if you use the Sept 25 date in the original recall). Is there a way to get this issue addressed? Thanks in advance for your help. Have a great day…… INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The oil pressure switch fails, dumping large amounts of oil out while driving and after parked which could cause engine failure. The 2014 models are covered under a recall for this exact problem but there are 2013s with same issue. I contacted kia customer service and they will not help. My oil pressure switch failed on 2/19/2019 at 69,000 miles, on 6/21/2023 with 99,000 miles and again on 3/25/2024 with 110,000 miles. I included repair statements of the first 2 incidents.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
According to my mechanic I needed to contact KIA directly because there was something wrong with my engine. It is engine failure and my mechanic has seen several KIA's with the same thing happen and said there is a recall on them. However, when I am trying to file the claim on the KIA website, it is not allowing me to do so with the VIN and states there is a deadline of April. It states that there is no recall on a 2013 KIA Sorento with VIN [XXX] . However, again, my mechanic is stating that this is the exact same issue with the engine that he has seen with the other KIA's covered under a recall or law suit. Can you please assist? I am a single mother with four children and this is our family vehicle and I still owe $6,000 on it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms that parts are not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced due to a hole in the radiator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding additional oil after driving for thirty minutes. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Feb 13, 2024
Unknown
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2024
I drove with my family south bound on i95 and between exit 6-5 the engine light came on out of no where and the gas peddle and brake stopped working. My luck was that I was on the right lane and I pulled over to shoulder of the highway till the car stopped. after 5-10 min I turned the car on and I was able to crawl to exit 5 ramp driving barely 10-15mph. The engine was making knocking sounds and then it just died in the middle of the exit, where I had to push the car in neutral through the ez-pass booth. We waited for an hour and got a tow truck to tow us to the nearest shop, where the mechanic told me that the engine is done and I need a new engine. I told him when it comes to engine, only an authorized kia dealer repair shop would be able to do the job.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 2, 2024
On February 1, 2024, I was driving home from work. I had been driving for about 20 minutes and out of nowhere almost every dashboard light indicator that exists came on. Initially, it was the ABS, Tire Pressure, and Stability Control. I stopped at a light and all of these lights went off but as soon as I started driving again they came back on along with the AWD, Brake, and Airbag indicators. I drove approximately 10 more minutes and the check engine light came on and I had a loss of power. I was able to get to a road that had less traffic where the car started sputtering, the oil lamp came on, and then the car shut completely off. Prior to shutting off it would not allow me to place the vehicle into any gear other than neutral. I was able to use a battery pack to restart the vehicle temporarily but it started doing the exact same thing before shutting off. I ended up having to push the vehicle out of the middle of the street. Prior to this I had experienced a loss of power and the battery indicator came on so I had the alternator replaced in November 2023 along with the battery. I ended up having to return to the mechanic after I experienced another loss of power. The mechanic checked the alternator and other electrical components and stated that the rear hatch wasn't closed all the way even though there was no indicator on the dashboard. The vehicle seemed to be fine until this. After a little research it appears that I am not the only person with this same make & model that this has happened too - Kia is going to get someone killed!!!!
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
On 11/20/2023 I was entering the freeway when the engine on my Kia completely quit. No lights, no sputtering, no indication at all of an issue. Obviously I lost power steering. I was able to get to the side of the road and try to restart the engine. Would not restart. I had the car towed to my mechanic and called Kia customer service later. I was advised to have it towed to a Kia dealership (fee would be reimbursed), get it diagnosed (fee would be reimbursed), and that the engine would be replaced. The diagnosis was no compression in cylinder 4 and that this is not covered under warranty. I was offered an engine for $6000. Called customer service back and was told they would research the case. Two months later I am told they will not be replacing the engine. I am out a tow fee, diagnostic fee, and have a lawn ornament that I owe $4000 on. This is absolutely a safety issue and Kia needs to be held accountable. To go immediately from power steering to none, engine turning to stalled is not safe! I feel lucky as I was not traveling fast, not trying to merge or pass. I am disgusted that this is not a safety concern and that Kia continues to deny any fault.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
raw gas leaking under the engine and causing carbon monoxide poisoning - my entire family could have died. Dropped off the car at Kia Abilene - 325-267-9380. Informed Kia customer service immediately - case# [XXX]. Not getting proper response from Kia - not offering loaner car or repairs . Please follow up and close this ASAP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)