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: exterior lighting
70 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2024
Some Unknown The vechicle wire and cable has shortage/ electrical problems, no accident occur.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 1, 2024
We were told by our auto mechanic that this vehicle needed a new electrical control module. The part has been on back-order with the local KIA dealership for a couple of months. My daughter was driving the car recently when all of the lights went out, and the car would only drive forward approximately 5 miles per hour. The car began to shudder and I had my daughter pull into the nearest parking lot and park the car. The engine shut off as she entered the parking lot, the car could not be placed in any other gear except neutral, and there was a burning smell. We pushed the car into a parking spot and removed the key from the ignition. We had to put the emergency brake on to keep the car from rolling. There is a safety recall related to this specific problem, but KIA states it does not have a remedy for the problem yet. What are we supposed to do?
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2023
Received important safety recall on 14th November 2023, I called Kia dealership and corporate office to resolve and got the answer that the remedy is not available. It’s been more than 45 days since I received a letter, I am not parking my car in my garage, or neither driving secondary to concerned of fire, risk and injury as indicated in later. I went to local Kia dealership as I was instructed by the Kia corporate number, They instructed me not to worry about it just a precaution, which which is contradictory and different information then I received a letter. I’m strongly filing a complaint on behalf of all the Kia Sorrento owners, who received this letter and afraid to drive for more than 45+ days and afraid to park inside the garage or right next to the neighbors house. Please address this issue as soon as possible as there are so many of me and they don’t know what to do next.
Exterior lighting, Oct 25, 2023
2022-09-22 I took my 2013 Kia Sorento for both low beam lights out to Ed Voyles Kia Service - 2145 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. Initially, the Service shop only replaced the bulbs and wanted to send me on my way. I explained that I already replaced both bulbs 2 times and the low beams keep going out and changing the bulbs is not going to solve the problem. I demoed how pushing on the hood alone makes the lights flicker. Then, the Service shop replaced the passenger low beam connector per Kia warranty extension. They did not replace the driver low beam connector. 2023-10-20 I took my 2013 Kia Sorento for driver low beam light out and airbag light on to Ed Voyles Kia Service - 2145 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. They fixed the airbag clock assembly per Kia warranty extension but although they admitted that the fix to the driver low beam connector should had been done a year prior, now the warranty expired, and they did not honor it.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2022
Having to replace the headlight bulbs weekly. They go out without any warning until I cannot see while driving. Taillights need replacement about 30-60 days. Again without any warnings. Safety issue in my opinion. Definitely a defect from Kia. Unsafe and replacing bulbs weekly is not practical. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Exterior lighting, Jun 28, 2022
Passenger Headlight connector has melted - dealership refuses to repair without replacing entire headlight fitting.
Exterior lighting, May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the front driver's side headlight was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.
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.
Exterior lighting, Oct 28, 2021
My headlights have not worked properly since I bought the vehicle in February of 2017. I took it to the dealership I got it from (Stephen Wade Chevy) and explained the problem. They replaced the bulb and maybe the wires but I can't remember (I still have the paperwork from it if needed). The headlight worked for a short time and then would sporadically quit working here and there. Now, the wires look burnt which could cause a fire and the headlight will not work at all. I took it to Kia dealership and they said since I had it "fixed" through the dealership I got it from, it voided my warranty and I would have to pay to have the entire headlight assembly replaced. I looked online and it appears that there are over 300,000 complaints on this issue (including my sister in laws car which has the same issue). I don't believe I should be responsible for the fix as its been an issue this whole time. On top of this, the other headlight is now also working sporadically and I've been driving in the dark and had NO HEADLIGHTS when the other just stops working. This is a huge safety issue. Kia has told me that they will not do a goodwill fix. I've taken this to the escalation dept. but if they still refuse, my next move will be a lawyer. Kia needs to fix this issue. I wanted you to be aware. I've been pulled over several times because if this issue. Paying for tickets and bulbs (that don't fix the problem) is getting old. I hope you can document this and help in some way. I've attached a photo of the wires now. The other photo is of the original bulb and wires that were replaced (and I paid for. The bill is attached as well) also, a letter I got in 2019 regarding the lights flickering. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2021
Headlight wiring seems to be coming loose. Replaced bulbs, no change. Lights will go out while driving on both sides. Cannot get them set back to remain on.
Exterior lighting, Oct 10, 2021
While driving I my head lights will automatically turn off and takes a while to come back on or may come back on a few seconds after they shut off on their own. I only notice due to it being dark outside that this was happening, due to hardly driving at night I don't know how long it's been happening until recently.
Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2021
- I have replaced the passenger head light bulb several times, starting summer or 2019, early 2020, fall 2020 and 2021. I recently learned it is not the bulb, it is the wiring connector which this time is damaged I believe by heat. The vehicle is available for inspection. - It is very dangerous driving this vehicle as a single low beam does not adequately illuminate the roadway. This is my wife's vehicle and she is legally blind in one eye. Proper/reasonable roadway lighting is essential. - I tried to purchase the wire pig tail today, was told I had to replace the entire wiring harness, several hundred dollars. I did not have the vehicle serviced. - No warning lights or error codes, the bulb just kept going out and I thought this is odd. This time, instead of just swapping the bulb, I put the "bad" bulb in the drivers side and it worked fine. That is how I determined it was the wiring connector. Closer examination confirmed this. - Trying to identify a less expensive solution online, I learned that this is a well known problem, I would hate to have a vehicle fire and unsure I there is a reasonable repair option.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2021
Brake/taillight on driver side keeps burning out, not as quick as the headlight on the driver side does but I have replaced the taillight on the driver side 4 times already this year
Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2021
Since august 2021 passenger side headlight bulb has been replaced 3 times and has blown again only this time it has melted the headlight wiring harness
Exterior lighting, Structure, Engine, Aug 9, 2021
Paint peeling and chipping off my car and my insurance stated they will not cover a Manufacture defect…
Exterior lighting, Jul 7, 2021
Vehicle’s headlights keep burning out, right after replacing them. The headlight wires and bulb connectors keeps melting, causing a potential for fire. I had to replace the headlight wires and connectors 4 times due to this issue. This is a major safety issue and Kia needs to fix this ASAP. Thanks
Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2021
Driver side headlight keeps burning out within 24 hours of being replaced. It has happened 6 times in a row now
Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2021
I AM HAVING A CONSTANT ISSUE WITH MY HEADLIGHTS MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALL THREE LIGHTS (HIGH BEAM, LOW BEAM AND FOG LIGHT) ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ARE DIM. WHEN I DISCONNECT THE LOW BEAM BULB THE THE OTHER TWO BULBS LIGHT UP FULLY. WHEN I CONNECT THE LOW BEAM BULB BACK THERE IS A HUMMING SOUND THAT STARTS AND ALL PASSENGER SIDE BULBS GO DIM AGAIN. MY KIA SORENTO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR GOING ON SIX YEARS NOW. USUALLY WE COULD CUT THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN BACK BRIGHT. THE PAST COUPLE OF TIME WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE BULBS. NOW NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP. WHEN CHANGING THE BULBS THEY ALL STAY DIM UNLESS I DISCONNECT THE LOW BEAM BULB WHICH I CAN'T DO FOR SAFETY REASONS. AND TO AVOID GETTING A TICKET I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE DIM. NEXT STEP IS TO TRY AND REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT WIRING HARNESS OR TAKE IT TO THE KIA SERVICE DEAPARTMENT.
Exterior lighting, Mar 6, 2021
MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. I HAVE REPLACED IT ALMOST A DOZEN TIMES. BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE WENT OUT TWICE WITHIN A YEAR.
Exterior lighting, Feb 10, 2021
WAS DRIVING HOME ON ICY SNOW COVERED ROADS WITH THREE CHILDREN IN MY VEHICLE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY PASSENGER LOW BEAM LIGHT WENT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD. ON TOO OF THE SNOW AND ICE MIXTURE I WAS ALSO TRAVELING THROUGH AN AREA OF CONSTRUCTION SO ALL THE STREET LIGHTS WERE OUT AND HAVING ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT MADE IT DIFFICULT AND SCARY TO NAVIGATE THE ROAD AND ALL THE CONSTRUCTION COMES. I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON AND THE NEXT DAY IMMEDIATELY BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT BULB. WHICH WAS A WASTE OF MONEY.....BECAUSE THE BULB IS NOT THE ISSUE. BEING A SINGLE MOM OF 3 I DO NOT HAVE MONEY TO BE WASTING AND NOW I'M NOT ONLY OUT THE MONEY FOR THE BULB BUT I STILL HAVE TO PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE AT NIGHT AND I CANNOT AFFORD A TICKET FOR DRIVING EVERYWHERE WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON. FROM READING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS IT SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY NEEDS REPLACED WHICH IS EXPENSIVE AND ALSO NOT SOMETHING I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD ANYTIME SOON. I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND I HAVE LOVED IT UP UNTIL NOW. I WISH THAT KIA WOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURERS MISHAP.
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2021
ON DEC 31 2020 I REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS DUE TO THE PASSENGER BULB BEING OUT. ON APPROXIMATELY JAN 20TH 2021, BULB WAS NOT ON (DRIVER'S SIDE WAS ON). PULLED BULB AND PUT IT BACK IN, MAKING SURE IT WAS SECURELY SEATED. TURNED ON LIGHTS, BULB CAME BACK ON. THE NEXT DAY, NOTICED BULB WAS OUT AGAIN (DRIVER'S SIDE STILL WORKING). BOUGHT A NEW BULB, REPLACED OTHER BULB WHICH IS LESS THAN 3 WEEKS OLD. ON APPROXIMATELY JAN 30TH, NOTICED BULB WAS OUT AGAIN (DRIVER'S SIDE STILL WORKING). VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, NOR HAS THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY BEEN REPLACED, ONLY THE BULB. ON JAN 31 I PULLED EXISTING BULB, SNAPPED BACK INTO PLACE, TURNED VEHICLE BACK ON. BULB WHICH APPEARED TO NOT BE WORKING, TURNED ON. PULLED BULB AND PUT IN THE PREVIOUS BULB (BOUGHT DEC 31 2020) BACK IN, SNAPPED IN PLACE, TURNED VEHICLE ON, AND BULB WORKED. THIS WOULD SEEM TO INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH EITHER THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY, OR THE "PIGTAIL" FOR THE LOW BEAM BULB.
Exterior lighting, Jan 13, 2021
THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT BULBS BURN OUT QUICKLY. THE CONNECTOR TO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HAS MELTED AND BEEN REPLACED MANY TIMES, EVEN BY THE DEALERSHIP. THERE IS LIKELY TOO MUCH AMPERAGE AND OR POWER GOING TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE ISSUE AND POSSIBLY DUE TO A FAULTY WIRING DESIGN.
Exterior lighting, Nov 25, 2020
DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP WENT OUT. WENT TO REPLACE AND SAW CONNECTOR FOR FOR BULTB MELTED/BROKEN. READ ONLINE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. DECIDED TO CHECK REST OF LIGHTS AND SEE THAT HIGH CENTER TAIL LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY WORKING WITH SOME BULBS/LEDS BURNED OUT.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2020
MY KIA SORENTO 2013 HEADLIGHTS KEEP SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING OUT. I KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE BULBS AND THE PLASTIC IS ALWAYS MELTED. PER MY RESEARCH, THERE IS NO RECALL OR NO REAL WAY TO FIX IT. I WAS TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY, WHICH ISN'T THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS THE WIRING AND I'VE EVEN READ THAT PEOPLE KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY. I CANNOT AFFORD THAT AND I'M UNHAPPY ABOUT IT.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2020
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP WILL SUDDENLY STOP WORKING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB, OFTEN THE BULB IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND HAD SOCKETS REPLACED AND HAVE HAD THEM CHECK ALL OF THE WIRING AND GROUNDS. I JUST PAID TO HAVE THIS FIXED ON FRIDAY AND IT IS NOT WORKING AGAIN THREE DAYS LATER.