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, Sep 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2015
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A PAVED ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN. UPON PULLING OVER AND INSPECTING THE CAR, WE FOUND THAT THE REAR SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND WAS IN TINY PIECES. THE COVER HAD BEEN PULLED SHUT SO ONLY A RELATIVELY SMALL AMOUNT OF GLASS FELL THROUGH INTO THE CAR, BUT HAD THE COVER BEEN OPEN THE GLASS PIECES WOULD HAVE FALLEN IN ON OUR TWO YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK SEAT. TO OUR KNOWLEDGE NOTHING FELL ON TOP OF THE CAR, AND WE DID NOT HIT A BUMP OR ANYTHING IN THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2015
MY 2013 KIA SORRENTO'S PARKING LIGHTS WERE ON THIS AFTERNOON ON SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30 PM EST. I WENT OUTSIDE TO PLACE SOMETHING IN MY VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED THE PARKING LIGHTS WERE ON. I HAD PARKED MY VEHICLE AT 1:00 AM WHEN I RETURNED FROM RUNNING AN ERRAND. I PARKED, MADE SURE ALL THE LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF, ARMED THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND WENT INSIDE. BEFORE MY WIFE AND I WENT TO BED I WENT OUT TO MAKE SURE THAT I TURNED ALL LIGHTS OFF WHICH THEY WERE. THIS WAS AT 2:00 AM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TOUCHED SINCE THAT TIME. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE HAD IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE ALREADY WHERE THEY CLAIM THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE OUR VEHICLE JUMPED AT LEAST 12 TIMES DUE TO A DEAD BATTERY CAUSED BY THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE FALLS WELL WITHIN IT'S WARRANTY SO IT WILL BE COVERED HOWEVER THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS ENOUGH THAT IT WARRANTS ATTENTION WHICH I BELIEVE WILL BE IGNORED IF NOT BROUGHT TO LIGHT AND MAY RESULT IN INJURIES OR COST TO OTHERS WHEN NO COST SHOULD BE INCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I FEEL THIS COULD LEAD TO PROBLEMS WITH STEERING, BRAKING SYSTEM, ENGINE MALFUNCTION AS WELL AS POSSIBLE RISKS OF FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seats, Aug 14, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, SHE BEGAN SMELLING TAR. THE VEHICLE WS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTICE. APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO BURN, JAMMING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Visibility, Aug 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POP FROM THE SUN ROOF EXPLODING. THE SUN ROOF HAD SHARDS OF GLASS PROTRUDING AND NEEDED TO BE SECURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TEMPORARILY REPAIRED WITH CARDBOARD BUT THE REPAIR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER FOR THE SAME TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,582.
Visibility, Aug 7, 2015
DRIVING ON ROUTE 55 S IN NEW JERSEY AROUND 3:00 PM , SUNNY DAY BETWEEN EXIT 53 A AND 53 B WINDOWS UP SUN ROOF CLOSED AND AIR CONDITIONING ON WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN OUR SUN ROOF IMPLODED ONTO MY WIFE AND I. WE WERE IN THE PASSING LANE AT THAT TIME AND HAD TO THINK QUICK AS TO WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND PROCEEDED TO REMOVE OURSELVES FROM THE HIGHWAY AND OFF TO THE SIDE . WE CALLED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO RECOMMEND ANY SO WE THEN CALLED 911 AND THE OPERATOR THERE CONTACTED SOMEONE FORM NJDOT WHO RESPONDED TO OUR NEEDS . MY WIFE AND I WERE COVERED IN GLASS WITH A FEW CUTS AND BRUISES BUT NOTHING TO SERIOUS COMPARED TO LOSING CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE AND CREATING A NIGHTMARE FOR POTENTIALLY MANY OTHERS AND OURSELVES . WE STARTED TO REMOVE THE GLASS AND WHEN HELP ARRIVED HE HAD SOME DUCT TAPE SO WE COULD TAPE THE SUN VISOR WHICH IS ONLY CLOTH CLOSED . WE JUST STARTED OUR VACATION AND WHAT A RIDE SO FAR ! AFTER THE NJDOT MAN HELPED TO GET US SECURED AS GOOD AS HE COULD WE TRAVELED TO OUR DESTINATION AND STOPPED BY A HOME DEPOT TO PURCHASE A MOVERS CARDBOARD BOX , HEAVY CONTRACTOR DEBRIS BAGS AND MORE DUCT TAPE TO BUTTON EVERYTHING UP . WE THEN CONTACTED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ADVISE OF THE OCCURRENCE. UPDATED 09/17/15*LJ...UPDATED 10/27/15 *BF *CN
Engine, Jul 29, 2015
ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 2.5 YEARS THE ENGINE HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE NARROWED DOWN HOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM: 1) SET CRUISE CONTROL 2) SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL 3) TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL QUICKLY AFTER SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL THE PROBLEM DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT WHEN IT DOES: 1) THE ENGINE STOPS IMMEDIATELY 2) A BUNCH OF DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON: CHECK ENGINE, OIL PRESSURE AND OTHERS I CAN'T REMEMBER 3) THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING (PROBABLY BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS OFF) THIS IS VERY ALARMING! I GENERALLY WORK AROUND THE PROBLEM, BUT ON 7/26 WHILE TRAVELING IN WYOMING (80 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON I-25), THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE I WAS GOING 80 MPH! LUCKILY THE BRAKES STILL WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR THE SIDE AND RESTART. I COULD HAVE EASILY WRECKED. TO RESTART THE ENGINE, I: 1) SHIFT INTO PARK 2) TURN OFF IGNITION 3) TURN ON IGNITION I MAILED KIA THE ABOVE INFORMATION TWO DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN.... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF
Air bags, Engine, Jul 28, 2015
AT 60,800 MILE MY KIA SORENTOS ENGINE BLEW. I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BELIEVING IT WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY ONLY TO FIND OUT THEY VOIDED MY WARRANTY STATING I HAD EXCESSIVE SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. FOR MORE THAN A MONTH PRIOR TO THAT INCIDENT WE ALSO HAD A AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. AT THE TIME OF ENGINE FAILURE WE THOUGHT THAT WE COULD FIX THAT ISSUE AS WELL ONLY TO FIND THAT MY ELECTRICAL WARRANTY WENT OUT AT 60,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THESE ITEMS ONLINE ONLY TO FIND THAT THERE IS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF BOTH ENGINE FAILURE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING WHICH IS SAID TO BE A CONTROL MODULE. WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE WHY IS THERE NO RECALL.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 1, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL, AND FLIPPED OVER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS AND CONTUSIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 21, 2015
THE DASHBOARD REFLECTS ONTO THE WINDSHIELD REDUCING VISIBILTY AS THE REFLECTIONS CAUSE DISTORTED VISION THRU THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS ON SUNNY DAYS AS THE REFLECTIONS INCREASE DEPENDING ON THE ANGLE OF THE SUN REFLECTING OFF THE SHINY DASHBOARD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. MAYBE THE DASHBOARD SHOULD NOT BE COATED WITH SUCH A REFLECTIVE AND SHINY MATERIAL TO AVOID THIS ISSUE. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED PANEL HAS DETAILED METALLIC PAINT AROUND THE SPEEDOMETER AND PANEL INFO WHICH REFLECTS BEAMS OF BLINDING LIGHT FROM THE SUN AND BRIGHT LIGHTS INTO THE DRIVERS FACE WHILE DRIVING. AGAIN, MAYBE THE METALLIC PAINT AND SHINY REFLECTIVE DESIGN SHOULD BE CHANGED TO NON-REFLECTIVE OPTIONS TO AVOID BLINDING THE DRIVER. ANNOYING FEATURES WHICH CAUSE THE DRIVER TO ADJUST POSITION WHILE DRIVING OR TRY TO BLOCK THE BLINDING LIGHTS AND VISUAL DISTRACTIONS WHILE IN MOTION ARE DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS. KIA PLEASE CONSIDER REDESIGNING THESE DANGEROUS DESIGN DETAILS AND INCREASE THE SAFETY FOR EVERYONE. IF CHANGES ARE NOT MADE ON NEWER MODELS, I WILL NEVER AGAIN PURCHASE ANY KIA PRODUCTS AND WILL WARN OTHERS OF THESE DANGERS ON THIS VEHICLE BRAND. SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN DESIGN SO PLEASE REMOVE THE METALLIC PAINT FROM THE SPEEDOMETER PANEL AND FIND A NON-REFLECTIVE MATERIAL TO COVER THE DASHBOARD. THANK YOU.
Air bags, May 21, 2015, crash
DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY RIGHT SOME THING TORE THRU RIGHT SIDE CAUSING 2ED BURNS ON RIGHT REST AND CUT ON RIGHT FOREARM
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 10, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A METAL POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CRACKED STERNUM, NECK AND BACK PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT FOUR ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ MA 09/03/15 UPDATED 12/7/2015 *JS
Tires, Wheels, Feb 11, 2015
ALL 4 TIRES (KUMHO SOLUS KL21 P235/65R17 103T M+S) ON MY 2103 KIA SORENTO ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TREAD DEPTH ON THE TIRES IS STILL GOOD. THE CRACKING IS VERY CONCERNING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Visibility, Dec 31, 2014
SUN ROOF IS ACTUALLY BUCKLING. WITH THE INFORMATION LISTED ABOUT THE SUNROOF RECALL WE ARE NERVOUS THIS MIGHT IMPACT THIS. I AM 7 MONTHS PREGNANT AND AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 27, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY WIFE WITH 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN CAR HAD ALL THE DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND THE CAR BECAME SLUGGISH AND WAS HARD TO DRIVE. I ADVISED HE VIA MOBILE PHONE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I TOLD HE TO WAIT A MINUTE AND TRY TO RESTART IT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. ALL DASH LIGHTS LIT UP AGAIN AND THE CAR MADE A CLICK, CLICK, CLICK SOUND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. SHE TRIED THIS 5 TIMES AND SHE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR FOR $946.14 ON 12/23/2014 AT DULLES KIA IN LEESBURG, VA. *TR
Engine, Dec 24, 2014
PURCHASED 2013 KIA SORENTO BRAND NEW ON 6/11/12, CAR WAS SHAKY AND IDLED ROUGHLY ON & OFF DURING THE FIRST YEAR, SEEMS TO HAVE RESOLVED ITSELF. ON 12/22/14 WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON SECONDARY ROAD ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND. PARKED VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY ON 12/23/14 TO KIA DEALERSHIP, THEY CALLED ME THAT AFTERNOON AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE OIL CONTROL VALVE AND IT WAS ORDERED AND REQUESTED FOR OVERNIGHT AND CAR WOULD BE DONE ON 12/24/14. I CALLED DEALER ON 12/24/14 @ 11:03AM AND PART WASN'T IN YET WAS TOLD THAT I'D BE CALLED WHEN PART ARRIVED. RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALER AT 2PM THAT PART HAD ARRIVED AND BEEN INSTALLED BY TECH BUT THAT ENGINE WAS STILL MAKING TICKING NOISE, SO NOT FIXED. WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO START OVER AGAIN ON FRIDAY 12/26/14 WITH REQUEST TO KIA WARRANTY SERVICE FOR APPROVAL FOR "ENGINE TEAR DOWN", WHICH I WILL ALSO HAVE TO AUTHORIZED AND AGREE TO PAY $400.00 FOR (WAIVED IF ALL REPAIRS ARE COVERED BY WARRANTY). THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 53000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 30 MONTHS, ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES FOLLOWED AND THERE SHOULD NO WAY BE AN INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM ON A PROPERLY BUILT ENGINE. KIA HAS SOME SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE IN THIS CAR AND SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE ENTIRE LINE OF 2013 SORENTO'S AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER THAT " WE MAY BE LOOKING AT A NEW ENGINE". I HOPE NOT, EVEN THOUGH I COULD HAVE A ALMOST 3 YEAR OLD CAR WITH NO MILEAGE I DON'T WANT ONE, IF THE FIRST ENGINE HAS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WHAT WOULD THE SECOND ENGINE HAVE. I AM GOING TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO HOLD KIA RESPONSIBLE AND MAKE THEM COVER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Dec 9, 2014
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW 2.5 YEARS AGO AND FOR ABOUT A YEAR OR MORE NOW I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 50 INCIDENCES OF MY CAR STALLING MOSTLY WHEN AT A STOP (EITHER STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN) BUT NOW IT'S EVEN STALLING WHEN I DECELERATE TO MAKE TURNS. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND I'M LUCKY I HAVEN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT YET BECAUSE OF THE CAR STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR FLIPS INTO "LIMP MODE" AND I'M UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. I'VE HAD MY CAR CHECKED OUT AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP/SERVICE CENTER MANY, MANY TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY DID SOME TYPE OF SYSTEMS LOGIC UPDATE AND THE CAR SHOULD BE OK, BUT SOMETIMES THE DAY OF OR DAY AFTER GETTING THE UPDATE, MY CAR WILL STALL AGAIN. THE SERVICE GUYS ALSO SAY THEY DON'T SEE ANY MESSAGE ON MY CAR COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT ANY STALLING HAS OCCURRED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON. *TR
Power train, Nov 17, 2014
WHEN LEAVING A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WENT TO IDLE AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO GAS PEDDLE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF AND RESTARTING ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND CAR DROVE OK. TOOK CAR FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE AND CLEANED MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE THROTTLE. (THIS IS A "FLY BY WIRE" SYSTEM.) *TR
Electrical system, Nov 3, 2014
THIS "GLITCH" HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE WEEK. FIRST, DRIVING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT AT ABOUT 15-20 MPH THE CAR SEEMED TO BRAKE ITSELF FOR ABOUT A SECOND, LUNGED ME FORWARD AND 30 SECONDS LATER DIED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. CAR RESTARTED FINE AFTER 3RD TRY. THEN AGAIN I HAD LET GO OF THE ACCELERATOR AND WAS CRUISING BEFORE BRAKING AT A LIGHT, THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH BUT HARDER AND A LOUD CLUNK CAME FROM IT. EVEN THE TIRES SCREECHED WHEN IT "BRAKED" ITSELF FOR A SECOND. THIS SECOND TIME THE CAR DIED 2 SECONDS LATER WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER, THE CAR DIED AGAIN IN FRONT OF THEM WHEN THEY SWITCHED ON THE A/C TO CHECK IF IT WAS WORKING (COULD BE COINCIDENCE SINCE I WASN'T FOOLING AROUND WITH THE A/C THE FIRST TWO TIMES). THEY CALLED ME BACK ON SECOND DAY AND ASKED ME TO TAKE MY CAR BACK SINCE THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE COMPUTER HADN'T REGISTERED IT. I'VE USED IT EXCLUSIVELY ON HIGHWAYS FOR 2 DAYS NOW AND NO PROBLEM. I'VE DONE LESS THAN 10 MILES OF CITY DRIVING SINCE I GOT MY CAR BACK. I'VE HEARD OF OTHER PEOPLE GETTING AN UPGRADE FOR THE ECU AND SOLVING THE ISSUE, BUT THAT UPGRADE WAS ALREADY APPLIED OVER A YEAR AGO TO MINE AND ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THERE IS NO NEWER VERSION. *TR
Visibility, Oct 30, 2014
I WAS TRAVELING ON I-20 AT ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN I HEARD AN EXPLOSION (FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD) AND GLASS STARTED FLYING OF THE ROOF OF MY SORENTO. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY NAVIGATE TO THE RIGHT LANE AND THEN TO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE AND REALIZED THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE INNER PANEL WAS CLOSED AND ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF GLASS CAME THROUGH. UNTIL THEN (AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS), I HAD NEVER HEARD OF A SUNROOF SHATTERING UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS IN SOME KIND OF ACCIDENT. *TR
Visibility, Oct 29, 2014
2013 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUNROOF SHATTERED INTO A MILLION LITTLE PIECES. *SMD
Power train, Oct 19, 2014
THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ABOUT TEN TIMES AND SEEMS TO BE A VERY SERIOUS FLAW IN THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR POWERTRAIN. I'LL BE IN PARK AND SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE AND WHEN I LET UP ON THE BRAKE TO IDLE AND PROCEED SLOWLY THERE IS A LOUD BANG/CLUNK (ALMOST AS IF SOMETHING INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL IS SLAMMING THE CAR WITH A RAMMING ROD) AND THE CAR LURCHES UNTIL I BRAKE. THIS IS VERY WORRISOME AS I FEEL THAT IT CAN INJURY PEDESTRIANS NEARBY OR EVEN THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE IF THE CAR LOSES CONTROL. ALSO, I DON'T THINK THIS CAN BE GOOD FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OR POWERTRAIN. SINCE THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY, THE DEALERS SAY THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE IT AND DENY A PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT RECOURSE I MIGHT HAVE. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 17, 2014
ENGINE SIMPLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING AND STEERING CONTROL. ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. COASTED TO A STOP, PUT TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR TO KIA DEALER WHO SAID IT NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE WHICH WAS PERFORMED. THE SAME PROBLEM OF THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF HAPPENED THE VERY NEXT DAY. TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TODAY. *TR