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, Oct 29, 2020
I HAVE A 2013 KIA SORENTO WITH PAINT ISSUES. THE PAINT STARTED CHIPPING AFTER A FEW YEARS, NOT FADING BUT CHIPPING OFF. THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE THE FRONT DOOR PANELS, HOOD AND ROOF. MY DAUGHTER HAS A NEWER KIA SORENTO AND THE PAINT ON HER VEHICLE IS CHIPPING IN THE SAME AREAS.
Engine, Oct 29, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A METAL NOISE OCCURRED COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AFTER DRIVING FOUR MILES, THE FELT AS IF IT WAS LOSING POWER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS LEAK OF OIL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND ALSO ANTIFREEZE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKE TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
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.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2020
MY KIA SORENTO 2013 HEADLIGHTS KEEP SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING OUT. I KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE BULBS AND THE PLASTIC IS ALWAYS MELTED. PER MY RESEARCH, THERE IS NO RECALL OR NO REAL WAY TO FIX IT. I WAS TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY, WHICH ISN'T THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS THE WIRING AND I'VE EVEN READ THAT PEOPLE KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY. I CANNOT AFFORD THAT AND I'M UNHAPPY ABOUT IT.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2020
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP WILL SUDDENLY STOP WORKING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB, OFTEN THE BULB IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND HAD SOCKETS REPLACED AND HAVE HAD THEM CHECK ALL OF THE WIRING AND GROUNDS. I JUST PAID TO HAVE THIS FIXED ON FRIDAY AND IT IS NOT WORKING AGAIN THREE DAYS LATER.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 19, 2020
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AFTER PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, TURNED VEHICLE OFF - KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION, RESTARTED CAR, BACKED UP, PULLED STRAIGHT FORWARD, MADE SURE WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT, PLACED IN PARK, TURNED OFF IGNITION, KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION. RESTARTED CAR, BACKED UP, PULLED FORWARD AGAIN AND PARKED, FINALLY ABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. THANKFULLY I WAS HOME AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY. THIS HAS HAPPED MANY TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE, SOME OF WHICH I HAVE REPORTED ALREADY.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Oct 15, 2020
MY 2013 KIA SORENTO IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND I ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR A YEAR MY ENGINE IS STARTING TO GO CAR SHAKING AND STALING N CUTTING OFF ON ME
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2020
ENGINE LIGHT, OVERHEATING, AND BATTERY ILLUMINATES ON THE ON IGNITION. AFTER TURNING ON THE ENGINE, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE OTHERS ARE NOT ILLUMINATING. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BUT TENDS TO SHUT DOWN ON THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY BUT I MANAGED TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP IT RUNNING BUT GIVES A LATE SHIFT. THEY ARE TIMES IT SHUT DOWN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT, OVERHEATING, AND BATTERY ILLUMINATES AGAIN. BRAND NEW BATTERY AND IT'S A WEEK OLD. I SAW SOME RECALLS ONLINE AND IT BEST DESCRIBES THE VEHICLE PROBLEM. CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE AREA AND SAID THEY ARE NO RECALL FOR VEHICLE VIN. PLEASE HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVE. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT ON 10/01/2020
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2020
I'VE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR SINCE A FEW MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT IN 2019. MY HEADLIGHTS WILL JUST STOP WORKING WHEN I'M DRIVING. EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME. THE CONNECTORS THAT GO TO THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP MELTING AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM NUMEROUS TIMES. SOMETIMES THE CONNECTORS WILL LAST A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AND SOMETIMES THEY WILL BE MELTED WITHIN DAYS. IF BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE WORKING SOMETIMES MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL GO OUT. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER AND BEEN GIVEN WARNINGS FOR BOTH, HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS BEING OUT. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT A LOT OF KIA OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES. NOW I'M HAVING AN ISSUE OF MY CAR RADIO, BACK UP CAMERA SCREEN AND LIGHTER PLUG AND USB PLUG NOT WORKING. THERE IS DEFINITELY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE GOING ON WITH THESE CARS AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE TRYING TO FIX THIS.
Engine, Oct 5, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I95 SOUTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA ALMOST TO THE GEORGIA BORDER DOING 70 MPH IN THE MIDDLE LANE WHEN MY ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT A WARNING WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT. I HAD NO WARNING FROM MY INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF LACK OF POWER ON ACCELERATING PRIOR TO THE ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN. I WAS BARELY WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL AND I HAD TOWED MY CAR TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED UP. THE ENGINE OIL WAS REPLACED THREE WEEKS AGO AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING GREAT WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL NOW.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 23, 2020
THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT AND VANITY LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. IT IS NOT A FUSE AND NOT A BULB. THE HEADLIGHTS ALSO TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS TOO MANY TIMES TO SPEAK OF.
Structure, Engine, Sep 20, 2020
MY ENGINE IS BURNING A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL. I TAKE IT IN TO DO REGULAR CHANGES. I HAVE A 2013 KIA SORENTO. IT HAS 136000 MILES JUST RECENTLY THE OIL LIGHT STARTED COMING ON, CHECKED THE DIP STICK AND IT REGISTERS NONE. ITS BEEN TAKEN FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGES BUT BURNS UP THE OIL BEFORE ITS TIME FOR A CHSNGE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND. ALSO IVE SEEN NUMEROUS WHITE SORENTOS ON THE ROAD AND MOST OF THEM HAVE THE SAME PAINT PROBLEM ON THE ROOF RIGHT ABOVE WINDSHIELD. ITS PEELING OFF AND GETTING WORSE. ALSO CRACKING AROUND KIA SYMBOL ON REAR HATCH. IT STARTED WITH RUST SPOTS THEN, CRACKING THEN PAINT PEELING. THE ENGINE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEMS WITH KIA OWNERS AND THE PAINT OBVIOUSLY IS A DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY. LOVE MY SORENTO BUT NEED THESE ISSUES FIXED.
Structure, Sep 18, 2020
THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF THE ROOF OF MY PEARL WHITE 2013 KIA SORENTO AND NOW IT IS DELAMINATING FROM THE PRIMER. THIS IS CAUSING RUST. WHEN I DRIVE THE PAINT IS COMING OFF.
Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2020
LEFT HEADLIGHT/TURN ASSEMBLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. SAME ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS. REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS HAVE NOT RESOLVED THE ISSUE, POINTING TO ISSUE WITH ENTIRE ASSEMBLY.
Engine, Sep 12, 2020
THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. THERE WASN'T AN OIL LAMP INDICATING LOW OIL.
Engine, Sep 12, 2020
THE CAR JUST DIED!!! EVERYTHING ELSE WAS FINE. ENGINE LOCKED UP. SITTING STILL AT A STOP SIGN.
Engine, Sep 4, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY 2013 KIA SORENTO SX, THE OIL SWITCH FAILED AND LEAKED OUT ALL THE OIL IN ONE DAY (LESS THAN 15 MILES) CAUSING ENGINE ISSUES. THE ISSUE HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AND THE OIL LIGHT FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Sep 2, 2020
B1764 OCS MAT DEFECT. IT'S BEEN REPORTED TO US BY CENTURY KIA (TAMPA, FL) THAT THEY CANNOT FIX MY AIR BAG SENSOR FORCING US TO PAY A TOTAL $2,400.00. WE DON'T FEEL WE SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR A PART THAT REQUIRES ZERO MAINTENANCE. I'D LIKE FOR KIA TO RESOLVE THIS OR FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2020
DOOR HANDLES FROM THE INSIDE STOPPED WORKING.
Engine, Aug 30, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING AND TWO MINUTES LATER MY ENGINE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY AROUND A BLIND TURN. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE AS I COULDN'T MOVE MY VEHICLE AND CARS TRUCKS WERE ZOOMING BY AT 80 MPH. I HAD TO GET MY CAR PUSHED OFF THE ROAD TO SAFETY, LATER TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP. WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY SHOT. THIS IS COMMON WITH KIA ENGINES AS MY RESEARCH HAS SHOWN. MY MAKE AND MODEL HAVE HAD RECALLS BUT NOT MY VIN#. SEEMS HOWEVER I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY WAS MY ENGINE NOT RECALLED? I'M LUCKY I WASN'T SERIOUSLY HARMED BUT NOW I'M LEFT WITHOUT A CAR AND FEAR LOOSING MY JOB BC I DON'T HAVE A WAY TO COMMUTE 35 MINUTES TO WORK NOW.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2020
2013 KIA SORENTO, 2.4L. I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR, AND THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM ARE THIS, AFTER DRIVING TO ACHIEVE FULL OPERATING TEMP, LET THE CAR IDLE FOR 15 MINUTES, PULL OUT AND GET ON HIGHWAY, SLOW ACCELERATION, AND AT 2000 RPMS, THE CAR VIOLENTLY JERKS ABOUT 3 TIMES, TACH GOES TO 1000 RPM, ACCELERATOR IS NON RESPONSIVE BUT ENGINE DOES NOT DIE, AFTER ABOUT 4-5 SECONDS, THE ENGINE BEGINS TO RESPOND NORMALLY, NO CODES ARE CAPTURED, NO INDICATION TO WHAT THE ISSUE IS. I DID BRING MY CAR IN NOT LONG AGO AND THEY RE-FLASHED THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION, AND THIS NEW SOFTWARE MAY BE AT FAULT. IT IS NON REPRODUCIBLE TO DEMO TO THE KIA MECHANIC. BUT CAN HAPPEN AS SAID ABOVE BUT NOT RELIABLY. I PLAN TO GET A FULL ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC OF THE MAIN COMPUTER, THE BODY CONTROLLER, AND TRANSMISSION CONTROLLERS TO SEE WHERE THE FAULT IS. I QUESTION THE HEALTH OF THE MAIN COMPUTER AS NO CODES ARE RECORDED.....SAMPLING RATE SEEMS TO BE IN QUESTION. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT 60 MPH OR 30 MPH, AT LOWER SPEEDS SEEMS LIKE THE ENGINE WILL TOTALLY QUITE ABOUT 30 PERCENT OF THE TIME, OTHER TIMES THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN BUT IN "LIMP MODE" AND NON RESPONSIVE. I SEE THIS AS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE, YOU NEVER KNOW IF IT WILL DIE. IT ALSO SEEMS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS COMMANDED TO A LOWER GEAR AT HIGH SPEED AND AFTER THE JERKS, THE ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN SO DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR TO TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE. IF ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT DOWN FULLY, IT SEEMS LIKE IT TAKES ABOUT 5 SECONDS FOR THE COMPUTER(S) TO RESET AND RESUME "NORMAL" OPERATIONS. ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, NEVER STATIONARY ON CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY AT 60 +MPH.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 28, 2020
THIS AS HAPPENED 3 TIMES..WHILE DRIVING CAR IT WILL MYSTERIOUSLY STAUL..LAST TIME ON INTERSTATE THEN AFTER HOURS OF SITTING IT WILL START WITH NO CODES AND BE FINE TIL NEXT TIME
Steering, Aug 26, 2020
PARKED VEHICLE IN GARAGE (FLAT SURFACE), PUT IN PARK, TURNED OFF VEHICLE; THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN BACK TO THE LOCK POSITION, TURNED BACK ON, STRAIGHTED STEERING WHEEL, TOOK OUT OF PARK, PUT BACK IN PARK, TURNED VEHICLE OFF, PULLED BACK ON STEERING WHEEL, PUSHED IN BRAKE AND KEY WOULDN'T COME OUT. ATTEMPTED THIS A 3RD TIME BUT BACKED UP & THEN FORWARD AND FINALLY ABLE TO REMOVE KEY. HAS HAPPENED MANY OTHER TIMES.
Engine, Aug 21, 2020
CONNECTING ROD SHOOT OUT THE ENGINE AND WENT THROUGHT THE 4TH CYLYNDER OPENING A BIG HOLE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 47000 MILES. THIS BREAK DOWN HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY.
Engine, Aug 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE DETECTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE BEARINGS FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALL STAR KIA OF SAN BERNARDINO (735 SHOW CASE DRIVE NORTH, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408, (888) 480-0418) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS LIKE THAT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.