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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part 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. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2024
My vehicle Recall Having issues No remedy available as of today 4-30-24 I need my specific vehicle recall ready and available for fixing at the local Dealership Recall alert not fixed Recall needs remedy to fix or replace Due to fire safety concerns
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2024
UNKNOWN. Vehicle at fire risk when parked. THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, it rolled away while she was removing groceries from the passenger side of the vehicle. As a result, the contact ran to the driver's side and jump into the vehicle to stop it. While driving at unknown speeds with the windows up and the air conditioner in the on position, smoke was entering through the vents. The engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over. An independent mechanic informed the contact that there was an electrical failure. The contact and child occupant had white residue in their noses, and medical attention was provided. There was no reported fire, air bag deployment, or police report. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 90.000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2024
The manufacturer has not produced a remedy and has no time frame in the near future for this recall
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2024
Some Unknown The vechicle wire and cable has shortage/ electrical problems, no accident occur.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 18, 2024
Good Morning...... I'm the owner of a 2013 Kia Sorrento that is subject to the above safety recall. This has become known as the 'PARK OUTSIDE RECALL' because of the supposed fire danger. I was first notified about this issue my mail on [XXX]. To date, NO remedy has been provided. My local Kia dealer here in Syracuse says they have no information, while Kia USA in California says "we're working on it." If we can collect rocks from an asteroid and return them to earth, it seems like the development of a corrective part could be accomplished in something less than 7 or 8 months (or longer if you use the Sept 25 date in the original recall). Is there a way to get this issue addressed? Thanks in advance for your help. Have a great day…… INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
I got a recall on my Kia in November about it potentially catching fire. My engine light came on and there is no remedy for the recall and it’s been 5 months. This is unacceptable because I don’t want to drive my car around while it could potentially catch fire. I need this to be remedied asap.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 12, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Apr 10, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 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 contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rubber-burning odor detected. The traction control warning lights were illuminated. 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 contacted. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 3, 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 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 contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 27, 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 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.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The oil pressure switch fails, dumping large amounts of oil out while driving and after parked which could cause engine failure. The 2014 models are covered under a recall for this exact problem but there are 2013s with same issue. I contacted kia customer service and they will not help. My oil pressure switch failed on 2/19/2019 at 69,000 miles, on 6/21/2023 with 99,000 miles and again on 3/25/2024 with 110,000 miles. I included repair statements of the first 2 incidents.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
According to my mechanic I needed to contact KIA directly because there was something wrong with my engine. It is engine failure and my mechanic has seen several KIA's with the same thing happen and said there is a recall on them. However, when I am trying to file the claim on the KIA website, it is not allowing me to do so with the VIN and states there is a deadline of April. It states that there is no recall on a 2013 KIA Sorento with VIN [XXX] . However, again, my mechanic is stating that this is the exact same issue with the engine that he has seen with the other KIA's covered under a recall or law suit. Can you please assist? I am a single mother with four children and this is our family vehicle and I still owe $6,000 on it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2024
The white paint has recently started peeling off in large sections in one area. Another area has a smaller section now missing. This has not been looked at by the dealer but online research shows that this has been a problem with KIA vehicles with white paint. This could be a safety risk if these pieces come off when driving, which has fortunately not happened yet.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 11, 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 8, 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.