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
981 reports, newest first.
Structure, Jul 5, 2022
SWP paint peeling on hood and roof
Exterior lighting, Jun 28, 2022
Passenger Headlight connector has melted - dealership refuses to repair without replacing entire headlight fitting.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!
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.
Air bags, Feb 15, 2022
Passenger air bag warning light stay on . On the dash. Brought up to the attention of the dealership. Advised them that I felt it wasn't safe, I was advised that the recall had not been received. Still my bright red light stays on. Worried when I am driving with a loved one in the passenger seat.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 9, 2022
smoke coming from engine compartment
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.
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.
Power train, Feb 3, 2022
I purchased the 2013 Kia in February, 2019. In August, 2020 the "check engine" light came on and had it diagnosed as "Throttle body error"(not exact terms). I had the throttle body actuator and gasket replaced. When I questioned one of the service personnel about having to "re-learn" it, he stated "No". 1 year later (8/23/21), engine light again came on and the intake manifold was the issue. The intake manifold was replaced and I was under the belief that this would be the end of the issue. On 9/3/21 the same part (Throttle body) needed to be replaced a second time at Kia. When I questioned the service manager if the part had to be "re-learned", he said yes it does or it won't function properly and could affect the intake manifold. On 1/30/22, the check engine light again came on and this time the code was "Intake manifold Runner Performance (Bank1). This is a Motor Module-VCM which is associated with the Intake Manifold. After this was installed on 2/2/22, the car was driven home and the "check engine light" came on again(less than 15 minutes after it was taken out of the dealership. A scan check revealed that the part that controls the throttle body is now defective and needs to be replaced. This all has created unsafe road conditions due to the vehicle going into "Limp Mode", as is designed to do, however, this was experienced while driving on the Interstate. This seams to be a recurring issue with this car and I have only owned it for less than 3 years. All work was done by certified Kia technicians at the dealership.
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