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: service brakes
88 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a vehicle 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor outside of the vehicle from underneath the hood. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started decelerating. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while, the vehicle was restarted and began functioning properly. The contact stated that a certified mechanic confirmed there was a leaking gasket. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2023
Almost got into crash on highway with a truck going on right lane as Kia did not pick up speed while going on speeding lane and lanes getting merged due to construction. Having trouble changing the gears - Engine keep creating lot of noise even during the 1st gear. Can feel jerks while gears being changed and sometimes feel burning smell. 2 Recalls were done in 2021 on this vehicle related to Engine and transmission. Kia dealer at Abilene (325-267-7409 - James) not willing to check anything at all - also not going to fix the latest recall. Saying it might take couple of months to fix. Afraid of even driving this Kia Sorento due to fire risk and kept car outside in the frontyard. Spent thousands on rental cars and Uber as it is primary and only car for our whole family.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 27, 2023
On November 15, I was driving my vehicle in traffic. As I approached an intersection, I looked in my rear-view mirror and noticed smoke trailing behind the vehicle. I attempted to brake, but there was no braking action. The vehicle rolled to a stop. Immediately, smoke and flames poured from the front end of the vehicle, under the hood. My passenger and I were able to exit the vehicle as the flames grew in size and engulfed the engine compartment of the vehicle. Video shot by a bystander showed flames under the vehicle as well, just prior to getting it stopped. Shortly after the incident, I was told that there were recalls on some Kia Sorentas, so I checked the NHTSA website and the VIN showed it was included in Kia's latest recall. I had not received anything from Kia prior to the fire. However, I did receive an interim recall notice on November 24.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 24, 2023
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 contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2023
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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2022
Drove approximately 6 miles from home to grocery store, parked car, did shopping and on way home 3 lights lite up on dash, ABS - ESC-TPMS. Just had serviced on 8/1/2022 with 111279 miles, currently has 111,378 miles on it. Vehicle is garage kept and I'm retired. I have had the car serviced at the dealership where vehicle was purchased.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2022
Breaks Squeak a lot when braking on a stop sign and fills like it has air in the system
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 18, 2022
The car brake failed while I was driving. The brake warning light came on. The warning light was off after I added brake fluid. After driving for about 10 miles, the warning light came back on. The car is losing brake fluid fast. I cannot find any trace of brake fluid leak. The car is available for inspection. After I picked up the car from the dealer after motor replacement recall, my remote control for the door lock system no longer works.
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
Service brakes, Oct 22, 2020
PARKING BRAKE INTERNAL PARTS RUSTED AND DISINTEGRATED IN ONE BACK WHEEL AND THE PARKING BRAKE INTERNAL PARTS SEVERELY RUSTED ON OTHER BACK WHEEL. ALL IN LESS THAN 8 YEARS UNDER MINIMAL AVERAGE USE. HAD THIS NOT BEEN DISCOVERED DURING ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION, WOULD HAVE LIKELY NOT HELD WHEN PARKING ON AN INCLINE, AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATION ON DASH THAT PARKING BRAKE WAS FAILING.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 8, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I NOTICED THAT ALL MY WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE COMING ON. ALL OF THEM WERE LIT UP RED AND NOT GOING OFF. THE NAVIGATION AND RADIO SCREEN WENT COMPLETELY BLACK. I NOTICED I WAS LOSING SPEED AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND I HAD NO POWER TO ACCELERATE THE CAR. I WAS ON THE INSIDE LANE OF THE FOUR LANE ROAD AND COASTED TO THE MIDDLE MEDIAN ON THE FOUR LANE ROAD TO SAFELY GET MY TRUCK OUT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WITH NO CAPABILITY TO ACCELERATE MY TRUCK TO GET IT OUT OF TRAFFIC THIS OPTION DEEMED TO BE THE SAFEST MANEUVER TO DO. WHEN THE TRUCK FINALLY STOPPED I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO KEEP TRUCK FROM ROLLING. AT THIS TIME I COULD NOT TAKE THE TRUCK OUT OF DRIVE MODE AND PUT INTO PARK MODE. WITH ASSISTANCE MY TRUCK BATTERY WAS TEMPORARILY CHARGED SO I COULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO PLACE THE TRUCK IN PARK MODE. WHEN BATTERY CHARGER WAS DISCONNECTED THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. MY 2013 KIA SORENTO SX WAS TOWED TO JOEY GRIFFIN KIA IN ROCKY MOUNT NC. TALKING WITH [XXX] IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT HE ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY AND 1 BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WILL BE A $1000.00 REPAIR. I WAS WONDERING IF THE RECALL LISTED IN THE NHTSA 17V224000 COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. THE TRUCK IS AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP NOW SO I HAVE NO RECORDS AT THIS TIME. MY 84 YR MOTHER WAS WITH ME AT THIS TIME AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT WE WERE NOT ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE OUTCOME OF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT MORE TRAGIC WITH MULTIPLE TRAFFIC FATALITIES OR INJURIES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2019
THREE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND DOWN HILL. I TOOK IT TO PRECISION TUNE FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD I NEED A PASSENGER REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 14, 2019, crash
I HAD A POWER TRAIN RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. TOOK TO A KIA REPAIR SHOP AND THEY DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST AND I'M VERY DISTRAUGHT ABOUT IT. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOESN'T HAVE ANY POWER TO ACCELERATE. THEY SAID IT WAS A REA SAFETY PROBLEM AND THE COMPUTER WILL NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. IM READY TO TAKE WHOM EVER TO COURT TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 29, 2019
VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. ONLY 52,000 MILES WHEN THE ABS LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL, AND DOWNHILL ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. WON'T GO OFF AS MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE ATTESTED TO IN FORUMS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. CAME ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN WENT OFF. CAME BACK ON THE NEXT DAY SEVERAL TIMES AND NOW IS STUCK ON.
Service brakes, Aug 23, 2019
DASH BOARD INDICATORS LIT UP FOR (ABS) (SLIP CONTROL) AND (DOWN HILL). CAUSE, REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR DEFECTIVE. REQUIRES COMPLETE REAR WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENT FOR BOTH REAR WHEELS.
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING THE RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUMPED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NAPLETON'S MID RIVERS KIA (4955 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY, ST PETERS, MO 63376, (636) 206-4284) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE AND THE BRAKE OVERHAUL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. *TT *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 13, 2019
LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDS TO BE FIXED. APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS HAVE SAME ISSUE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN NUMBER. ABS WARNING ON, DOWNHILL WARNING AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ON
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2019
ON MAY 28, 2019, I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY MECHANIC AS A RESULT OF MY ABS BRAKE LIGHT APPEARING ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2013 KIA SORRENTO WITH A LITTLE OVER 57,000 MILES. I WAS GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT DATE OF THURSDAY, MAY 30TH AND DID NOT UTILIZE THE VEHICLE EXCEPT TO DRIVE IT A SHORT DISTANCE TO THE MECHANIC'S LOCATION. AN HOUR OR SO AFTER DROPPING OFF THE CAR, MY MECHANIC CALLED TO INDICATE THAT DIAGMOSTIC TESTS HAD CONFIRMED WHAT HE HAD SUSPECTED, THAT MY RIGHT REAR ABS BRAKES(ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE REAR WHEEL SPIN/PART OF THE HUB BEARING) WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT $550.00. HE ALSO MENTIONED AT THIS TIME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL, AS A RESULT OF WATER GETTING INTO THE WHEEL BEARING CAUSING THIS PROBLEM TO OCCUR PRETTY CONSISTENTLY. I CALLED MY LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT 9009 W BROAD ST IN RICHMOND VA, AND SPOKE TO A SERVICE MANAGER. I EXPLAINED THAT I WAS AWARE THAT THERE HAD YET TO BE A RECALL ON ANY VEHICLES BUT THAT NUMEROUS BLOGS, AND FORUMS TOUTING THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN ADDITION TO THE SERVICE BULLETIN SEEMED TO INDICATE THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR VEHICLES.I WAS TOLD HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS AND THAT SERVICE BULLETINS WERE MERELY A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO ASSIST MECHANICS AND SINCE MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND DESPITE THE VERY LOW MILEAGE, THE MOST I COULD EXPECT WAS TO MAKE AN APPT WITH THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I POLITELY DECLINED. WHEN PICKING UP MY VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY, I QUESTIONED MY MECHANIC ABOUT THE TRUE NATURE OF SERVICE BULLETINS AND HE ADMITTED THAT YES, OSTENSIBLY, THEY WERE CIRCULATED TO ASSIST IN DIAGNOSING PARTICULAR ISSUES, BUT, THEY WERE ALSO FREQUENTLY INDICATIVE OF ONGOING PROBLEMS THAT OFTEN RESULTED IN FUTURE RECALLS. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT KIA BE PERSUADED TO LOOK INTO THIS ONE!
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, May 20, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN RT 121 AT ABOUT 45/50 MILES PER HOUR, ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE JUST DIED. I MANAGED TO COAST INTO A SAFE AREA. THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. ATTEMPTED TO GET A BATTERY BOOST AND THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS TURNING OVER DRY BUT WOULD NOT START. THEN THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC FALLS GARAGE.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2019
NO NOTIFICATION OF THE FOLLOWING RECALL: MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERSC124 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER15V626 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY KIA MOTORS AMERICA 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."
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 7, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE EXITING A HIGHWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS IT LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V240000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA STORE (5325 PRESTON HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40213, (866) 627-6887) TO HAVE THE GEAR SHIFTER REPLACED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V626000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2018
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE DAY AND A LARGE METAL PIECE HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR IN WHICH KNOCK THE PLASTIC SHELL COVERING THE FUEL LINE'S OFF I CALLED KIA THEY SAID SO TOLD KIA THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE KIA SAID SO WE HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT IT KIA WAS LIKE WHO CARES. ANOTHER THING IS THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH HAVE BEEN COMING ON EVEN AFTER FIXING THIS STILL COME ON AGAIN KIA WANTED TO CHARGE A HIGH PRICE TO FIX ONE PART THE UNDER PINNING SHOULD BE REPLACE WITH A PLATE NOT PLASTIC PART