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.
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.
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.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021, crash
My 2013 Kia sorento got recalled for an engine filling/Engine knocking. Back in 2019 so i toke it to the dealer and there's was not issues at the moment until 2021, i was driving on the highway and the car turned off. I lost power to the brakes and the steering was very hard to turn. The engine light started flashing so i pulled over and called the tow truck to take it to the kia dealership. Next day they called me and the engine was valid for the recall but they told me since it's a rebuilt car the car is not valid for a recall.
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.
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.
Engine, Nov 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was running rough. The contact thought she had bad fuel. The contact stated after restarting the vehicle, it seized. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not available. The dealer diagnosed there was a loss of compression in cylinders #1 and #2. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and determined that the failure was due to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Nov 21, 2021
The passenger airbag light remains turned on even when front passenger seat is occupied and seat belt is in use.
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
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.
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
Engine, Nov 9, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 74 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise began to emit from the engine as the check engine and ABS warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle suddenly lost power as the contact began to smell smoke in his cabin. The contact immediately pulled over and once the engine was turned off, the engine became engulfed in flames. The contact exited the vehicle and called the authorities to his location. The fire was extinguished by the fire department; a police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries as a result of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
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).
Engine, Oct 27, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contacts husband stated while driving approximately 45mph when smoke came from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing an engine replaced. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) however was refused recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Oct 25, 2021
While exiting the interstate highway the electrical system and engine stopped working as I approached the intersection. After getting the engine started again we learned that the piston rods were shot and the engine was no good. The vehicle had 120,000 miles.
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
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2021, fire
Vehicle caught on fire, beginning in the engine compartment. No warning indications showed on the instrument panel. Driver and two children were able to exit the vehicle and notify the fire department. The fire investigator believes the fire started in proximity of the alternator. The engine has been replaced under warranty by Kia twice.
Electrical system, Wheels, Sep 24, 2021
ABS Traction System and Wheel Speed Sensor - My Sorento has driven only around 37000 miles and has been maintained well on a regular basis. Recently, I noticed tpms sensor light on, and took it for oil change while also asked the service provider to check the tire pressure. The service center personnel identified two tires on the passenger side having lower tire pressure and refilled air, which addressed the tpms sensor light. However, the following day while I was getting ready to take my daughter for a doctor visit, I noticed the abs, traction light and slope align assist sensors being on. While running an OBD2 scanner test on it, it turned out to be an issue with left rear wheel speed sensor. Though my car has gone past the warranty, I have not driven much as can be seen by the miles. Moreover, I also know a close member in my network purchasing a very similar car around the same time, but has driven a lot more miles. However, that car still has not shown any issue with the sensors. While digging further, I noticed that many others have seen a similar issue with these sensors, even after two or three years since the release, that were shared in Kia based forums. Being a safety concern, I would appreciate your department to look into this matter to see whether there is a manufacturing issue with these sensors.
Engine, Aug 29, 2021
The vehicle was driving smoothly than all of a sudden the engine steamed and died on the side of the high way. It make a knocking sound before it died out. Brought it to a dealership and they told me the engine, started and spark plugs are toast. Being 2nd owner it no longer covered under powertrain warranty.