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, Mar 1, 2023
The contact’s wife owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact’s wife was able to restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated; however, after the vehicle was retrieved, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin Number: SC106. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,178.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 13, 2023
Engine keeps shutting off at 50 miles per hr no warning lights or engine codes, this keeps happening every two or 6 days. Mechanic replicated the issue but no engine codes were presented, so no solution. This vehicle is no save to drive. When vehicles shuts off you lose control of the steering wheel. And you can’t start the vehicle back up until you get to a full stop.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 10, 2023, fire
Vehicle was parked at a store in accessory mode while I ran inside to grab drinks on the way to a birthday party. My children were inside and noticed smoking from the hood and got out before the vehicle was consumed by flames. Luckily the engine was not running and we were not driving/accelerating at the time of fire. I had several issues with headlight and taillights blowing, the last time the headlight harness was completely melted and had to be changed out. The fire department speculates the fire started near the battery, which would make sense considering the headlight in question was the one closest to the battery, and accessory mode was on. My 5 year old now believes every car we have will eventually catch fire. Please advise.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2023, fire
My vehicle was having trouble starting so I scanned it and found out it might be part of a recall. I called Kia recall department and they confirmed that there was a safety recall for my engine and to make an appointment with the dealership. I called the Longmont Kia Fowler dealership in November but they refuse to service the recall for mr in a timely manner. They said it would take 2 months to even do the diagnostic that was a safety concern. They said all Kia dealerships are busy with the recalls and I would just have to wait. I called Kia management back and told him my concerns and documented every call because I didn't know what to do and needed help but didn't have another vehicle. Kia just said keep on them and didn't tell me not to drive the vehicle or that my life could be in danger like it was. The engine caught on fire in December and I was put in considerable danger. It was towed to Kia Fowler Longmont and they have refused to service it or give me a rental car. First they never did the diagnostic and filed the wrong request for the incorrect recall and then tried to lie about it. Now they're on their third reason of why I don't qualify for the recall that kia already confirmed I am part of throuhout this ordeal sayin I didn't ask for it to be serviced before the damage was done, which was not true and I've records of them refusing to service it in a timely manner and make me wait 2 months which was dangerous. Now they're saying since I'm not the original owner I don't get the service and get it fixed as it is now $9,000 to fix the engine that caught on fire because they wouldn't do the safety recall in a timely manner when I asked. So now I'm out of a car,no rental car and $9,000 they are saying I owe for the the damage they caused. They put my life was in danger. I've done everything to comply with this recall and more. I kept in touch with Kia the whole time and beg them for help and they're being impossible and breaking the law
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 26, 2022
Hello. The gugua started turning on the lights on the panel about 7 months ago. The lights on are the engine, the brakes, the “ABS”, and other lights that cannot be explained. Those lights have never gone out and since then the gugua has turned itself off, many times it does not turn on, a battery inflated me (I had to buy a new battery), the foot brake also causes a lot of problems. When trying to stop the gugua with the foot brake, the gugua shakes, the foot brake blows like air, the pedal shakes, among others. Also the handbrake (emergency brake) does not work well, on a sloping road the gugua does not stop with the handbrake when I put it on. The gugua has electrical problems in general. There are also other things that I don't know how to explain. The gugua is a danger as it is, please I need you to do something about this matter. Thanks a lot.
Engine, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it remained awaiting diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2022
Driving on the highway, the engine began “knocking” then the engine seized up without a check engine light or any other warnings. Steering and brakes did not work. We were lucky to get off the highway without an accident. Regarding the recall, it was over a month’s wait at three different dealerships at three Ohio locations. The first available appointment was October 7th. The engine failure was September 17 before the recall repair appointment. Per a local mechanic, the engine threw a rod and the engine was not repairable. Kia charged $6500 for a replacement engine because they would not honor the engine recall replacement. The engine they sent to the local mechanic was the incorrect engine. Further investigation revealed the correct engine was discontinued. Kia failed to remedy the recall because of their scheduling problems, put our lives in danger by losing steering and brakes at a high rate of speed when the engine unexpectedly seized up. The Kia Sorento is still sitting at the mechanic with no working engine while we are paying car and engine loans.
Engine, Oct 28, 2022
I was driving along the Baltimore beltway when the Engine died and I coasted to an exit towards an apartment parking. I restarted the SUV to go to a nearby auto repair shop then it died again along the way then wouldn't start. A resident of the area helped me diagnose the problem and we found out that it was out of oil. There had been no indication of a leak and just had an oil change a few months earlier. Also, the low oil indicator did not lit up anytime before and during the time the engine died. The resident then provided oil and we filled up the oil tank. The car wouldn't start and so he hooked up his SUV's battery to mine to see if it would start and it wouldn't. I had the SUV towed to Pep Boys Auto repair and was told after the diagnostics the engine needs replaced as it was damaged due to the empty oil chamber.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was stalled. The contact stated he waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Firerelated, Aug 30, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact noticed there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact inspected underneath the hood and saw there were flames coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the contact had not yet received notification. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and made an abnormally loud noise. The vehicle then lost motive power with several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Engine, Jul 31, 2022
A week ago my fiancée and I were driving down the highway when I noticed the vehicle overheating…the thermostat was at H and fluctuating. We pulled over let the engine cool and read that if you turn the heat on this will pull heat away from the engine to allow you to get somewhere safe. No warning lights were illuminated and no reason to know that my engine had overheated…I only noticed by happenstance when I was checking my speed. As we were headed to the nearest exit driving approximately 60-65 mph the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. All warning lights were on and a ticking/knocking noise could be heard. I lost my brake and power steering and rapidly began to decelerate. We were lucky I was able to cost to the nearest exit and pull into a gas station. The car stopped on its own barely hitting a fence. I check underneath the car and it was pissing fluid of some sort. I checked the oil and it was completely bone dry. It should be noted I still had 2000 miles before my next oil change. I never received any indication I was low on oil or that anything else was wrong. This is a 2013 with 100,000 miles on it. If my understanding is correct the engine is seized and will need to be towed to a dealership to have it looked at. I am baffled that I had no indication something was wrong. No engine light illuminated to notify me of an issue.
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
The car engine locked down and i need assistance with Change /repair
Engine, Jul 26, 2022
I was never notified about the theta II recall and I always service my car when it needs to be done. I had my routine oil change done before I left for vacation. I came home and when I was driving my vehicle on the highway the engine just stopped. Now the engine will not start. Brought it to the mechanic and was told the engine seized. How can this happen the vehicle is only 9 years old. Shouldn't this have been replaced from the theta II recall? I Shouldn't have to pay for this repair. I feel like this should be covered under that recall. Please help me with a response ASAP.
Engine, Jul 17, 2022
I was driving 75MPH on I85 in charlotte, NC, middle lane and my car went dead, all warning lights came on but I lost all function of vehicle, no ability to accelerate power steering went. I was rapidly decelerating and boxed in my semi trucks. I eventually get off the road but almost hit back end of trucker to be able to get between vehicles and to the side. I turned off the car. Then turned car back on. I was a 2 miles from my destination and my exit was in sight. I decided to continue to destination to get off dangerous road. I made it to destination , then went to an autozone (after finding the mechanic was closed) to check battery/alternator. The battery was dead and so I replaced it. I got back on the road. Drove 5 miles and started to hear a flapping type noise (like a playing card in a bike spoke) I thought maybe something wasn't tightened after battery change or something fell into engine area. I pulled off at next exit to a gas station. I was apparently in a really bad part of town so 2 men in utility work trucks stopped to help me. Nothing was loose or in visually in the engine, the visible belts seemed fine, oil level good, but the engine was shaking pretty good and when I reeved the engine there was a bad rattling sound. But it was not a safe location for me to stay so they suggested I go up a couple exits. I did get back on the highway went about 40MPH and the noises continued and increased in intensity , it sounded like something was coming loose and about to fall off and then a noise that sounds like metal scraping started. I was about to pull off to side of road but before I could the same thing happened from before. Vehicle stopped running, all indicator lights turned on but everything else turned off, no power to vehicle little control. I pulled off and car would not restart this time. Mechanic diagnosed next morning and said complete engine failure and metal shavings in the oil. I had an oil change 5 days prior synthetic high mileag. (123,000m)
Engine, Jun 15, 2022
The Kia Sorento (engine) stalled while driving. It happened moments after being stopped at a red light. Both the air conditioner and Eco Mode were ON at the time. I was able to coast/steer to a parking lot to shut the car off. After about five minutes I was able to start the car and drive home (AC and Eco Mode OFF).
Steering, Power train, Engine, May 1, 2022, fire
On 4/29/22 @ 215 pm whilst deselorating for an off ramp from I-57 in Mattoon IL to enter onto RTE 16. The car made a huge search and a loud knocking near could be heard from the engine compartment. The cabin began to have smoke enter from the air vents. No warning lights where illuminated on the driver's control panel. The noise stopped and the car resumed it regular forward motion. Yet large amounts of smoke could be seen coming from the rear of the car. A min or two later the car smoke got more intense and the cabin and all the drivers warning light illuminated. The car stalled and engine and steering and breaks failed to function. The car coasted to a bit and then had to be pushed off the the busy highway. A security guard from the hospital has seen the smoke coming from the car and when I opened the lock on the hood a huge cloud of smoke rose up he yelled for me to get out of the car as it was going to catch fire. I exited the car and stepped way back from it as he told me to do. He got the smoke to stop. And then looked at the cars engine compartment and said this smells very bad. He pulled the oil dip stick to check it and it smelled of gasoline. He said not to stay in the car but to await the tow truck on a lawn many feet away as he was worried it might catch fire again. The car was towed at my expence ($282.00) to a mechanic who looked at it an said we got very lucky had it not been for that officer the whole car would have caught fire. He stated the engine is seized up and needs a total long block replacement. Total cost to fix it about $5000.00 rough estimate.
Engine, Apr 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle decelerated. During the failure, the check engine warning light was flashing continuously. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed the drive belt was faulty and a tune-up was needed. The drive belt was replaced and a tune-up was performed however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Engine, Apr 5, 2022
The engine malfunctioned. A ticking noise in engine while driving, engine stopped . Placed my life and grandsons life in danger. Died right on the road.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a clicking and bubbling sound coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over safely and checked under the hood and discovered that the engine was overheating. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The contact added coolant to the reservoir; however, the engine was still overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine, Feb 23, 2022
I was driving down the highway and without warning my car began to stall and would not take the gas. I was able to drift off the highway to a mechanic shop. He put the vehicle on 2 separate computers and nothing registered but the engine light was on. After 2 hours of sitting the car drove normally. The Kia dealership in Danville, VA reported no recalls (I've only had the car for 2 years). While driving to the dealership the car did the same thing. I had it towed to a certified mechanic. The mechanic said that it was the engine but he did not do engine work. My car is now sitting in my driveway, after being towed 4 times. I am making payments on a vehicle that I cannot drive. The safety issue is that there was no warning that the car is about to break down! I am driving on the highway with vehicles going 70 mph and the vehicle stops working properly. There are too many engine recalls for this year, make, and model and I find it disturbing that my VIN is not on the recall list. I just bought the vehicle 2 years ago but they are saying that this vehicle was not on the list. I am disturbed, disgusted, and disappointed. My children were in the car with me when this happened! We could have been hurt or killed!!!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into PARK, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact was unaware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V626000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer but no repairs were performed on the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to rattle with several unknown warning lights on the instrument panel. Upon inspection, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 9, 2022
smoke coming from engine compartment
Engine, Jan 19, 2022
My engine started knocking and suddenly locked up.Had to get it towed to the repair shop. The mechanic said it was clogged oil passages from metal shavings that caused the restriction and I had to pay 4970.35 dollars for a engine replacement
Engine, Dec 28, 2021, crash
My 2013 Kia sorento got recalled for an engine filling/Engine knocking. Back in 2019 so i toke it to the dealer and there's was not issues at the moment until 2021, i was driving on the highway and the car turned off. I lost power to the brakes and the steering was very hard to turn. The engine light started flashing so i pulled over and called the tow truck to take it to the kia dealership. Next day they called me and the engine was valid for the recall but they told me since it's a rebuilt car the car is not valid for a recall.