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: structure
91 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Oct 7, 2022
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento, I am the only owner and purchased the vehicle new from the dealership. I Have kept this vehicle part and housed in a covered garage for the entire duration of owning the vehicle keeping it from being exposed to extreme elements any kind of horrible storms it's always been protected in the garage. Even though I've taken good care of the vehicle and housed it in a covered and closed garage for all the years I've owned it I still have the entire paint job starting to peel off in sheets of paint on the side front panels next to the windshield the roof and the hood in large sheet light pieces are coming straight off of my car it's as if it was never adhered to the metal of the vehicle very well or I guess detailing chops are calling it delamination but what it is is ridiculous that my car now looks like it's 10 years older than it is because the paint is peeling off like it's not been taking care of and that's a load of c***Even though I've taken good care of the vehicle and housed it in a covered and closed garage for all the years I've owned it I still have the entire paint job starting to peel off in sheets of paint on the side front panels next to the windshield the roof and the hood in large sheet light pieces are coming straight off of my car it's as if it was never adhered to the metal of the vehicle very well or I guess detailing chops are calling it delamination but what it is is ridiculous that my car now looks like it's 10 years older than it is because the paint is peeling off like it's not been taken care of when that is clearly not the case. I have seen so many other Kia Sorentos that are Pearl White like mine, same year, with the same issue. They are having sheets of paint peeling right off the vehicle so there's obviously an issue Kia's paint jobs on that year make and model because there is nothing more I could have done on my end to prevent this from happening, so KIA needs to recognize their faulty work and get it handled.
Structure, Sep 17, 2022
My 2013 pearl white Kia’s paint is chipping all over it started about two years ago with a little spot and now it’s all over. Seems like every time I drive move comes off.
Structure, Aug 31, 2022
Paint peeling off all over body of car
Structure, Aug 9, 2022
Paint is chipping off the hood and around the windshield in larger chunks.
Structure, Jul 23, 2022
My white snow Kia Sorento paint is peeling and has really bad Delamination. It’s been peeling little by little over the last 4 years. It is awful.
Structure, Jul 9, 2022
My car is white pearl and my paint is pilling really bad
Structure, Jul 7, 2022
My car is painted pearl white and has peeled and exposed the metal for a few years. We have patched it the best we can but it happens at another spot. I have included a picture. There has been a recall on Toyota and I believe 2014 Kia with the same issue regarding white paint problems.
Structure, Jul 5, 2022
SWP paint peeling on hood and roof
Structure, Jun 8, 2022
Paint peeling on roof and right front pillar.
Structure, Jun 8, 2022
I have a pearl white 2013 Kia Sorento and the paint keeps peeling off. I had the roof repaired and now it is on the top of the doors
Structure, Apr 8, 2022
Pearl white paint is peeling bad especially above windshield. Now it’s starting to rust. Several other spots on car body. Started out small now it has gotten worse
Structure, Feb 8, 2022
White pearl style paint is peeling off car. Peeling off roof and side door panel. Electrical does not work in steering wheel to control radio volume etc. electrical doesn’t work to control automatic seat adjustment option.
Structure, Feb 5, 2022
Paint has been peeling in multiple areas of exterior of car. I have seen other Kia Sorentos of my year and color (snow pearl white) that are peeling as well. Paint is defective, it’s a latent defect.
Structure, Feb 4, 2022
My 2013 Kia Sorento SX (Paint Color: Pearl White) began to to peel pain around August 2021 with around 90,000 miles on the car. I am the original owner and it has been kept in the garage most of the time. The paint peeling happened rapidly on the painted section between the Windshield and Sunroof. I Googled the issue and apparently it is widespread since 2011 on a lot of Kia and Hyundai models especially with Pear White paint. I took it to a Kia dealer who referred me to their paint contractor (Dent Magic) co-located with them. I spoke with the team and asked for an estimated. As soon as the estimator saw it he said "Oh yes the is paint delamination, it was pretty wide spread on the vehicles a few years back. I am surprised yours took so long to peel. It was likely because you have garage kept it and it looks like you keep it in great condition. There was a manufacturing defect when they painted these cars and essentially the factory forgot to prime certain panels of the vehicles so the paint is not sticking properly. Unfortunately, Kia has not recalled this most likely because it is not a safety issue and the government has not forced them. However, if you leave it and it rusts it could cause lots of issues down the road." The gentleman then provided me with an estimate of $725.63. I then got 2 other estimates that were both over $1000. I ended up going with the Kia recommendation of Dent Magic for $725. I am hoping none of the other panels start to peel, I feel it is inevitable.
Structure, Jan 2, 2022
I own a 2013 Kia Sorento with 39,000 miles on it. It has Pearl White paint that is rapidly peeling off. It started peeling around a year and half ago when mileage was around 34,000 miles. I have contacted KIA Consumer Assistance Center and they asked for 2 estimates to repair the paint problem. When received they the estimates they said it’s out of warranty and refused any responsibility for the defective paint. Kia has sent me extended warranties on the Engine, Air bags and other items. I assume the only reason for extra warranties is that the car was built with unreliable parts. The paint is a big item that Kia should stand behind with some type of warranty. It too is defective to where it just peels off. This makes the car worthless.
Structure, Dec 8, 2021
The paint on the hood, and top of the vehicle is chipping and peeling in 1-2" spots. No one was put at risk No one has inspected. No warnings or lights- first appeared 18 months ago.
Structure, Dec 7, 2021
The paint is peeling off of the roof as well as on the hood. Was told by a body shop that the primer used by Kia is incorrect and will cause the paint to not adhere properly.
Structure, Nov 19, 2021
Dear Kia, 1st of all I Love my Kia Sorrento. The only problem I have is that the original paint is peeling off the vehicle. Now my car is 8 yrs old and the original paint is starting to peel and the metal is showing, on the passenger side of the front windshield. Now to me it seems that the original paint that was used for my car must have a defect. When, have you heard of the original paint peeling from the vehicle to where the metal is showing, that does not happened unless the paint is faulty I have 2002 dodge caravan (White) and that has never happened, I also have a 2004 ford truck 150 (White) and that has never happened. As you can see how old these vehicles are and their original paint of the automobiles is still there. Now I know it’s the original paint, but if you need for me to take it to a Kia expert I will so they can analyze it. I have had a lot of great compliments on my Kia Sorrento the people think is a brand-new car because the color looks well treated. When I tell them that it’s a 2013 they complement me on how well the color is kept and what it is equipped with. Now what am I going to tell them when they that ask me about my Kia, that the car is great but the paint they use is not of good quality, that after a couple of years it starts to peel down to the metal. Now I could tell you my car’s paint is not warned out or faded it still looks new. I have attached photos of my cars so you can see what I am talking about.
Structure, Aug 26, 2021
Paint is Chipping off cat Rapidly and it’s getting worse.
Structure, Aug 18, 2021
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento SX Snow White Pearl. This vehicle has been garage kept its entire life. In spite of this, the paint has begun delaminating above the windshield (just yesterday 08/17/21). Many spots are down to the bare metal. I have never heard of paint doing this on a car....my 20-year-old truck paint is in great condition. I now must get this vehicle painted to avoid rust.
Structure, Aug 11, 2021
Pearl white paint chipping and delaminating on the roof of the cars body
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…
Structure, Jul 26, 2021
I own a 2013 Kia Sorento with Pearl White paint. It started peeling huge chunks of paint off of the top of my car. There is no reason the paint should just be peeling off, often in huge peeling strips. I am aware of other makes and models with this paint around my production year that have had recalls to fix this defective paint. I believe Kia should be included in this recall. I have included pictures, the last picture is of three average size paint chunks that are coming off daily.
Structure, Jul 23, 2021
Paint delimitation rapidly along top of windshield allowing rust. Safety concern with water damage. No reports to dealer.
Structure, Jul 14, 2021
The paint on my roof is chipping and peeling. I purchased the vehicle used with ±65K miles. After about a year, ±12K miles I noticed some small chipping just above the windshield. I assumed it was normal road debris causing it. Then the paint started to peel back. Just recently a patch about 8" x 6" peeled off. There are other concerned KIA owners suffering the same issues. Now small areas of where the paint chipped/peeled off is starting to rust. The color of the vehicle is Pearl White, which is the most common KIA paint to chip or peel. I purchased a 3 year extended warranty when I bought the car. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from was not a KIA dealer so may not have known about the peeling paint issue with the Sorento and Pearl White paint.