2013 Kia Sorento
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 981
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 10
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 981 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
51% · 496 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Car caught fire in the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-10
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine suddenly malfunctioned and the vehicle stalled. After stopping and checking under the hood, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-18
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the engine warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30
Electrical system
12% · 116 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and starter assembly.
Structure
9% · 92 reportsMost commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the driver's door would strike him in the forehead whenever entering the vehicle .the contact also stated that the edges around the door were sharp.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-05
The paint is peeling really bad .It's been peeling and rusting horribly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-01
Service brakes
9% · 89 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was backing out of my driveway and turning slightly to the left, I attempted to stop my 2013 Kia Sorento by pressing the brakes but it would not stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-17
Exterior lighting
7% · 70 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 10 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013Complaint volume 981 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2013-10-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-05-21 Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
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2014-05-12Engineering analysisClosed 2021-01-15 Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
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R
2015-11-09Power train15V626000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013.
Remedy: 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.
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I
2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
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2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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)...
Remedy: 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.
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2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2020-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-01-25 Headlight Failure
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2021-01-25Engine20V750000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 496 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 116 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 92 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V626000 · Power train
- Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V750000 · Engine
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia Sorento is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Sorento have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.