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: other or unspecified
89 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2022
Car shuts down in the middle of driving and cannot idle. Had transmission 1x lat year and battery replaced 2x. Even after repairs car randomly does this. I have taken it to shops several times but no one knows what the problem is.... When it randomly chooses to do it, I cannot accelerate, and the car power will go out in the middle of driving decreasing the speed dramatically. Right after it does it the car will stop and turn off like it has a dead battery, except it turns right back on. All of the check engine lights on the inside start to going on.... check engine, battery, oil, tire traction etc....
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2022
I typically work from home. Started driving on the highway more frequently and one night came out to complete sheets of paint completely delaminated from the roof of my car. It's very clear that there was a process mistake and the paint never bonded to the metal of my vehicle. I also am afraid to wash the roof of my car, in fear of more paint coming off. This spot will likely be an issue during winter as well. Car paint should never do this from the factory, it's setting the vehicle up to fail. This would be considered a latent defect and has affected many vehicles, specifically in the Pearl White paint color such as my own.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
throttle. I was pulling into a parking space my vehicle started to reved up and took off. I had to slam on the brakes to get stopped. I almost hit a building. this was very frightening for me. i had it towed to a dealership. they stated they could not find anything wrong with it. I am not happy with them not finding anything. I am afraid to drive it that i may happen again If i hit the building i would of been seriously injured or killed as well as the people in the building. thank God no one was walking in front of me. they would of been killed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2022
Paint is delaminating from the vehicle
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2022
Paint peeling. It began peeling 3 years ago and has continued to peel at an obnoxious rate. The roof, and hood of the vehicle is where most of the damage is, however you can see new peeling on the area to either side of the windshield.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2022
Transmission doesn’t shift like it should. I have replaced the drive belt, crank sensor, accelerator pedal sensor, tune up, valve cover gasket and still having problems with this car. An recall came up on the engine but Kia dealership only advised me that the issues I paid for above would solve the issue. I just got this vehicle in February and feel like I’m paying for a lemon. Seats no longer want to fold down.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2022
I have emailed Kia three times now with no response. My paint is chipping off my car, and would like it fixed, being that it was a paint recall!!!!
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2022
I have several areas around my windshield and hood that the paint is coming off.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2022
My pearl white paint is and has been delaminating for 3 years now especially on the passenger side pillar!!
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2021
My Kia Sorento white paint have been peeling and chipping started on the roof now its starting on left side of my car. Please see if this can be recalled.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2021
When driving at freeway speeds and accelerating the vehicle begins to do a sputtering motion and the looses all speed. Goes from 65mph down to 45mph. I then have no option but to put my hazard lights on and pull over. If you hit the gas it feels as though no fuel is being delivered to the car so there is no power. Once I pull over give the car a minute, turn it on, hit the gas for a bit while parked the car while drive okay until my next 40+ mile drive. No check engine lights have come on. This has occurred multiple times. It is very scary especially with my children in the car. Dealer can’t find problem because there is no check engine light, but this can’t be normal. Please help. Thank you
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and left running for a while there was an abnormal plastic burning odor coming from the vehicle. After researching online, the contact did not believe the issue was related to a fuse but instead believed that there was a heater circuit continuity issue. The contact was concerned that there was an electrical short in the seat heater. The contact stated that there were two warning lights related to the driver’s and passenger’s side front seats. The contact stated that whenever the seat heaters were performing as designed the three LED lights would remain lit however, whenever the failure was present one of the LED lights would flash. During the failure, the driver’s front seat would not seat up normally or would be lukewarm. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. the local dealer was contacted however, the contact was yet to receive a callback. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2021
on my 2013 Kia Sorento the driving shift is giving me problems. I have to move the gear stick around more then 3-5 times for the car to actually drive. I can reverse with no problems, but when I put the car on drive, it does not drive, until I move the gear stick around a couple of times, then the drive will work. I don't know if its called the drive gear or driving shift. Sorry that I don't know the correct name for this. Hope this gives a clear description on what is going on with my car.
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2021
It’s been losing power and suspension is horrible the steering was tight and now it’s so loose there is so much vibration in the floorboard too I know I’m going to lose control soon
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2021
My 2013 Ex Sorento when idling with the A/C on, “Pants” or “pulse” struggling to idle. BUT…. If I turn OFF the A/C the RPM “Smooths out” and is consistent in idling. This began about 2019 March. Current miles: 56,000 and current On maintenance, inspections and oil changes. (Two drivers only) Will there be a recall for this?
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2021
I continuously am having issues with several light bulbs going out in my vehicle. I have replaced them several times. The headlights, running lights, turning signal bulbs, brake lights, etc. Lights are obviously a very important part of driving, especially at night. I have read complaints from several other Kia owners having the same issue. I am unsure of when the issues started occurring as I purchased the vehicle from the first owner in march or april 2021 and I noticed the issues within a few day of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle does not have any other issues or warning lights. The light have yet to be inspected.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 KIA Sorento. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle started to lose power and the speed decelerated to 55 mph unintendedly. The contact took it to the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the spark plugs, drive belts, and several other unknown parts. The contact stated that approximately 5 months after the repairs the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,332.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2021
The Sorento truck start off by self went I drive more the hour went I brake the truck sout off .
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2021, crash
Abs break
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2021
PEELING PAINT, ENTIRELY DOWN TO BASE ON HOOD AND NEXT TO WINDSHIELD BOTH SIDES.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Dec 14, 2020
MY 2013 KIA SORENTO BACKUP CAMERA RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING, AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON ISSUE FOR A LOT OF KIA MODELS BECAUSE THE CAMERAS ARE NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND GET CORRODED INSIDE OF THEM. WHEN I SHIFT THE CAR TO REVERSE THE SCREEN IS BLACK, THE DISTANCE LINES SHOW UP BUT NO CAMERA VIDEO FEED OR SOMETIMES IT IS INTERMITTENT AFTER WAITING FOR 20+ SECONDS.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2020
SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN 2015 WITH AROUND 45,000 MILES, I NOTICED PAINT CHIPPING OFF THE ROOF WHERE IT MEETS WITH THE WINDSHIELD. NOW, I HAVE LARGE CHUNKS OF PAINT CHIPPING AWAY ON THE HOOD AND ON THE PANEL BETWEEN THE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD, EXPOSING METAL FRAME. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE, I NOTICED MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR KIA SORENTO; SAME YEAR AND SAME PEARL WHITE COLOR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A PAINT SHOP, AND THEY SAID IT'S A "DELAMINATION" PROBLEM, AND IT'S A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURER'S PAINT. IT WILL ONLY CONTINUE TO WORSEN. I TOOK IT TO KIA (AFTER HAVING MY ENGINE REPLACED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE AND SEIZING ON THE HIGHWAY), AND I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO COVER ALL EXPENSES TO FIX IT. NOT ONLY ARE LARGE CHUNKS OF PAINT CHIPPING OFF, BUT ALL THE AREAS ARE BECOMING SEVERELY RUSTED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN!! NOT ONLY IS IT A PAINT DEFECT THAT KIA SHOULD COVER, BUT IT CAN BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT BEGINS TO WEAKEN AROUND THE WINDSHIELD! I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REPLACED (WHICH I HAD TO FIGHT FOR AS WELL BEFORE ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY ONCE MY CAR SEIZED AT 70 MPH) AND MY PAINT IS COMING OFF IN LARGE QUANTITIES AND RUSTING, DEPRECIATING THE VALUE AND SAFETY OF MY CAR, AND IT'S NOT EVEN 10 YEARS OLD!!! I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I STARTED FINANCING MY CAR. KIA KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM, YET WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WANT SOMETHING DONE! A RECALL SHOULD BE SET IN PLACE, ESPECIALLY AFTER HUNDREDS OF CONSUMERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM!!
Electrical system, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2020
FIRST, THE BRAKE LIGHTS KEPT GOING OUT. FINALLY FOUND A LOOSE WIRE. THEN, THE ABS, DOWNHILL, SKID LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. FOUND ONE WHEEL WHERE IT IS NOT READING SPEED. NEXT, THE GAS COVER DOES NOT OPEN NOW. THERE HAS BEEN ONE ISSUE AFTER ANOTHER WITH THIS CAR. I GET IT SERVICED, MONTHLY. IT IS UP TO DATE ON OIL CHANGES, INSPECTIONS, FLUID AND I AM ABOUT TO REPLACE ALL BRAKES, PADS, ROTORS AND TIRES. I FEEL LIKE THIS CARE, WHICH I HAVE ONLY HAD FOR FOUR AND A HALF YEARS, IS DONE.