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 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it remained awaiting diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2022
Driving on the highway, the engine began “knocking” then the engine seized up without a check engine light or any other warnings. Steering and brakes did not work. We were lucky to get off the highway without an accident. Regarding the recall, it was over a month’s wait at three different dealerships at three Ohio locations. The first available appointment was October 7th. The engine failure was September 17 before the recall repair appointment. Per a local mechanic, the engine threw a rod and the engine was not repairable. Kia charged $6500 for a replacement engine because they would not honor the engine recall replacement. The engine they sent to the local mechanic was the incorrect engine. Further investigation revealed the correct engine was discontinued. Kia failed to remedy the recall because of their scheduling problems, put our lives in danger by losing steering and brakes at a high rate of speed when the engine unexpectedly seized up. The Kia Sorento is still sitting at the mechanic with no working engine while we are paying car and engine loans.
Engine, Oct 28, 2022
I was driving along the Baltimore beltway when the Engine died and I coasted to an exit towards an apartment parking. I restarted the SUV to go to a nearby auto repair shop then it died again along the way then wouldn't start. A resident of the area helped me diagnose the problem and we found out that it was out of oil. There had been no indication of a leak and just had an oil change a few months earlier. Also, the low oil indicator did not lit up anytime before and during the time the engine died. The resident then provided oil and we filled up the oil tank. The car wouldn't start and so he hooked up his SUV's battery to mine to see if it would start and it wouldn't. I had the SUV towed to Pep Boys Auto repair and was told after the diagnostics the engine needs replaced as it was damaged due to the empty oil chamber.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2022
Car shuts down in the middle of driving and cannot idle. Had transmission 1x lat year and battery replaced 2x. Even after repairs car randomly does this. I have taken it to shops several times but no one knows what the problem is.... When it randomly chooses to do it, I cannot accelerate, and the car power will go out in the middle of driving decreasing the speed dramatically. Right after it does it the car will stop and turn off like it has a dead battery, except it turns right back on. All of the check engine lights on the inside start to going on.... check engine, battery, oil, tire traction etc....
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2022
I typically work from home. Started driving on the highway more frequently and one night came out to complete sheets of paint completely delaminated from the roof of my car. It's very clear that there was a process mistake and the paint never bonded to the metal of my vehicle. I also am afraid to wash the roof of my car, in fear of more paint coming off. This spot will likely be an issue during winter as well. Car paint should never do this from the factory, it's setting the vehicle up to fail. This would be considered a latent defect and has affected many vehicles, specifically in the Pearl White paint color such as my own.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was stalled. The contact stated he waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Oct 7, 2022
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento, I am the only owner and purchased the vehicle new from the dealership. I Have kept this vehicle part and housed in a covered garage for the entire duration of owning the vehicle keeping it from being exposed to extreme elements any kind of horrible storms it's always been protected in the garage. Even though I've taken good care of the vehicle and housed it in a covered and closed garage for all the years I've owned it I still have the entire paint job starting to peel off in sheets of paint on the side front panels next to the windshield the roof and the hood in large sheet light pieces are coming straight off of my car it's as if it was never adhered to the metal of the vehicle very well or I guess detailing chops are calling it delamination but what it is is ridiculous that my car now looks like it's 10 years older than it is because the paint is peeling off like it's not been taking care of and that's a load of c***Even though I've taken good care of the vehicle and housed it in a covered and closed garage for all the years I've owned it I still have the entire paint job starting to peel off in sheets of paint on the side front panels next to the windshield the roof and the hood in large sheet light pieces are coming straight off of my car it's as if it was never adhered to the metal of the vehicle very well or I guess detailing chops are calling it delamination but what it is is ridiculous that my car now looks like it's 10 years older than it is because the paint is peeling off like it's not been taken care of when that is clearly not the case. I have seen so many other Kia Sorentos that are Pearl White like mine, same year, with the same issue. They are having sheets of paint peeling right off the vehicle so there's obviously an issue Kia's paint jobs on that year make and model because there is nothing more I could have done on my end to prevent this from happening, so KIA needs to recognize their faulty work and get it handled.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2022
Drove approximately 6 miles from home to grocery store, parked car, did shopping and on way home 3 lights lite up on dash, ABS - ESC-TPMS. Just had serviced on 8/1/2022 with 111279 miles, currently has 111,378 miles on it. Vehicle is garage kept and I'm retired. I have had the car serviced at the dealership where vehicle was purchased.
Structure, Sep 17, 2022
My 2013 pearl white Kia’s paint is chipping all over it started about two years ago with a little spot and now it’s all over. Seems like every time I drive move comes off.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2022
Having to replace the headlight bulbs weekly. They go out without any warning until I cannot see while driving. Taillights need replacement about 30-60 days. Again without any warnings. Safety issue in my opinion. Definitely a defect from Kia. Unsafe and replacing bulbs weekly is not practical. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Aug 31, 2022
Paint peeling off all over body of car
Engine, Firerelated, Aug 30, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact noticed there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact inspected underneath the hood and saw there were flames coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the contact had not yet received notification. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
throttle. I was pulling into a parking space my vehicle started to reved up and took off. I had to slam on the brakes to get stopped. I almost hit a building. this was very frightening for me. i had it towed to a dealership. they stated they could not find anything wrong with it. I am not happy with them not finding anything. I am afraid to drive it that i may happen again If i hit the building i would of been seriously injured or killed as well as the people in the building. thank God no one was walking in front of me. they would of been killed.
Engine, Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and made an abnormally loud noise. The vehicle then lost motive power with several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2022
Paint is delaminating from the vehicle
Structure, Aug 9, 2022
Paint is chipping off the hood and around the windshield in larger chunks.
Engine, Jul 31, 2022
A week ago my fiancée and I were driving down the highway when I noticed the vehicle overheating…the thermostat was at H and fluctuating. We pulled over let the engine cool and read that if you turn the heat on this will pull heat away from the engine to allow you to get somewhere safe. No warning lights were illuminated and no reason to know that my engine had overheated…I only noticed by happenstance when I was checking my speed. As we were headed to the nearest exit driving approximately 60-65 mph the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. All warning lights were on and a ticking/knocking noise could be heard. I lost my brake and power steering and rapidly began to decelerate. We were lucky I was able to cost to the nearest exit and pull into a gas station. The car stopped on its own barely hitting a fence. I check underneath the car and it was pissing fluid of some sort. I checked the oil and it was completely bone dry. It should be noted I still had 2000 miles before my next oil change. I never received any indication I was low on oil or that anything else was wrong. This is a 2013 with 100,000 miles on it. If my understanding is correct the engine is seized and will need to be towed to a dealership to have it looked at. I am baffled that I had no indication something was wrong. No engine light illuminated to notify me of an issue.
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
The car engine locked down and i need assistance with Change /repair
Engine, Jul 26, 2022
I was never notified about the theta II recall and I always service my car when it needs to be done. I had my routine oil change done before I left for vacation. I came home and when I was driving my vehicle on the highway the engine just stopped. Now the engine will not start. Brought it to the mechanic and was told the engine seized. How can this happen the vehicle is only 9 years old. Shouldn't this have been replaced from the theta II recall? I Shouldn't have to pay for this repair. I feel like this should be covered under that recall. Please help me with a response ASAP.
Structure, Jul 23, 2022
My white snow Kia Sorento paint is peeling and has really bad Delamination. It’s been peeling little by little over the last 4 years. It is awful.
Engine, Jul 17, 2022
I was driving 75MPH on I85 in charlotte, NC, middle lane and my car went dead, all warning lights came on but I lost all function of vehicle, no ability to accelerate power steering went. I was rapidly decelerating and boxed in my semi trucks. I eventually get off the road but almost hit back end of trucker to be able to get between vehicles and to the side. I turned off the car. Then turned car back on. I was a 2 miles from my destination and my exit was in sight. I decided to continue to destination to get off dangerous road. I made it to destination , then went to an autozone (after finding the mechanic was closed) to check battery/alternator. The battery was dead and so I replaced it. I got back on the road. Drove 5 miles and started to hear a flapping type noise (like a playing card in a bike spoke) I thought maybe something wasn't tightened after battery change or something fell into engine area. I pulled off at next exit to a gas station. I was apparently in a really bad part of town so 2 men in utility work trucks stopped to help me. Nothing was loose or in visually in the engine, the visible belts seemed fine, oil level good, but the engine was shaking pretty good and when I reeved the engine there was a bad rattling sound. But it was not a safe location for me to stay so they suggested I go up a couple exits. I did get back on the highway went about 40MPH and the noises continued and increased in intensity , it sounded like something was coming loose and about to fall off and then a noise that sounds like metal scraping started. I was about to pull off to side of road but before I could the same thing happened from before. Vehicle stopped running, all indicator lights turned on but everything else turned off, no power to vehicle little control. I pulled off and car would not restart this time. Mechanic diagnosed next morning and said complete engine failure and metal shavings in the oil. I had an oil change 5 days prior synthetic high mileag. (123,000m)
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2022
Paint peeling. It began peeling 3 years ago and has continued to peel at an obnoxious rate. The roof, and hood of the vehicle is where most of the damage is, however you can see new peeling on the area to either side of the windshield.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2022
Breaks Squeak a lot when braking on a stop sign and fills like it has air in the system
Structure, Jul 9, 2022
My car is white pearl and my paint is pilling really bad
Structure, Jul 7, 2022
My car is painted pearl white and has peeled and exposed the metal for a few years. We have patched it the best we can but it happens at another spot. I have included a picture. There has been a recall on Toyota and I believe 2014 Kia with the same issue regarding white paint problems.