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.
Engine, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was knocking before the engine seized. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle side-swiped a concrete mailbox. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine rod had fractured the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in June 2018, the engine was replaced; however, in April 2019 the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed of an unknown expired recall repair however, the VIN was not included. The contact was informed that the recall repair might have prevented the failure; however, the contact stated that the recall notification was not received. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Nov 2, 2024
Engine failed to start and made loud knocking noises. Knocking noises continued and vehicle towed to dealer. Oil level was full and all routine maintenance performed up to this point. Oil level full at time of failure. Dealer confirmed knocking, stated the knocking went away after running for a period of time. Dealer requested 3 hours of labor and we are currently determining our next step. The vehicle is available for inspection at Kings Kia in Northern Cincinnati. 137,000 miles. Also have video of engine knock. Recently had HECU recall and it potentially caused ABS light, independent repair shop recommended new HECU after recall performed due to low voltage from yellow wire, dealer claimed replacing wheel speed sensor, we still suspected other electrical issues may have been caused.
Engine, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine oil was abnormally low and added engine oil to the vehicle. The contact stated that a month later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 231,000.
Structure, Oct 23, 2024
The snow white pearl paint on my 2013 Kia Sorento is chipping and peeling off due to a latent effect .. starting at the front bumper .. grill assembly..a pillars .. hood ..roof and is now starting to chip on back latch.
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
When we bought this car several years ago after a test drive, we left the lot and about 5 or 6 miles down the road it completely shut down. The dealership ( Smail Auto) fixed the engine so we thought. We were told not to mention anything about the engine problem to anyone or we would lose the car. We get it back and again does the same thing. Ever since that day our car has been down more than driven. We attempted to contact the dealership and nobody would reach back out to us. All the lights on the bashboard check tire, engine, gas light, etc are all on everytime this happen. Even now we attempted to get ahold of the dealership or even Kia and nobody has called me or my wife. The break downs happen on different dates. But the latest on happen 5/30/24
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later flames and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The contact sustained a right-hand laceration while attempting to remove items from the vehicle. The injury did not require professional medical treatment. Police and fire report information was not available. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), and the recall had not been completed prior to the incident. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Engine, Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to have the A/C unit repaired. After the A/C repair was performed on the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds and while idling. The contact stated that prior to vehicle stalling, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Kia Voluntary Service Campaign: SC106 - 2011-2013, My Kia Sorento ECM Logic Upgrade, which the contact linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Wheels, Aug 28, 2024, crash
We were driving on highway at 120 kmh. The road was smooth and we had no error/service dash lights illuminated. Suddenly we heard a loud bang and we lost total control of the vehicle. We (hit) slid onlong the concrete highway which prevented the car from flipping and entering oncoming traffic. Our terrifying experience lasted about 8 seconds until we came to a stop. We were fortunate that we were not crashed into by nearby traffic. The original manufacturer alloy rear left wheel shattered. I have pictures of the wheel. The wheel totally separated from the hub. The tire was in good condition and we didn't hit any bumps or pothole. I notified KIA about this issue with reference # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2024
Paint on roof and hood is excessively peeling like thousands of other white KIA's...
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Jul 19, 2024
Kia sorento pearl white paint peeling off the car leading to rust and corrosion. Started around May of 2021 at about 120000 miles has continued to progress around the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2024
I have the snow white pearl color paint that is peeling rapidly off ( or what the body shops call Delamination ) . My paint began peeling in a tiny spot I thought was a chip from a rock but rapidly began peeling all over .
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the fuse box was burned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the box was replaced; however, the failure persisted, and the fuse box was burned again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Service brakes, Jun 24, 2024
After having the recent recall completed at the dealer, shortly thereafter I noticed that the ABS warning light, traction control warning light, and the downhill assist warning light all came on and stayed on while driving. The service department at the dealership says that these events are not related to the recent recall. I checked online and the problem seems to be a faulty speed sensor in the hub is to blame. There are NUMEROUS complaints from KIA and Hyundai owners that all point to this part having failed. The 2011 to 2015 KIA Sorento (like mine), seems to be especially problematic. I feel this is a safety related issue that should be remedied by the dealer and the expense for this often-failed part should not be borne by the owners. My car has less than 40K miles and is not cruddy or rusty underneath. If this is not addressed, several safety features will not function and the drivers of these cars, as well as others on the road will be in peril. MANY owners are just driving with the warning lights on due to the complexity and high cost of this repair. I feel KIA should address this so as to save lives and show their customers some respect. Thanks! PS: I had the vehicle plugged into a code reader at a local well-known auto parts store and they confirmed that it was a wheel speed sensor.
Air bags, Jun 24, 2024
I have been Trying to set up a appointment with Citrus Motors Kia, Ontario California.1350 S Woodruff Way Ontario California 91761. And they are giving me the rounds. Seen last week I have been texting them and calling. And no answer.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge became elevated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Seats, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after having routine maintenance on the vehicle, the contact entered the vehicle, and became aware that the driver’s side seat failed to move and had fractured. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact about re-adjusting the seat and the associated fees for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Electrical system, Engine, May 9, 2024
The engine has been stalling while driving. The rpm gauge isn't moving it is at 0. Plus the radio and plug ins randomly shut off and on all the time. They don't stay on.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, May 4, 2024
Upon accelerating from 35 to 55 the engine quit but I was able to pull off the highway onto the shoulder. Vehicle was towed to a local KIA dealer. I was notified today 5/4/24 that the engine had seized up, and they were contacting the manufacture in regards to complete engine replacement. Waiting on results. Vehicle has approximate 133,500 miles. Mileage was 130,265 when purchase from a dealer.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was making an abnormal sound. The contact stated that numerous warning lights had been illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact called a local mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the vehicle was experiencing engine failure. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,724.