2013 Kia Sorento

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2013 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2013: 980 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	305
2004	220
2005	307
2006	242
2007	154
2008	217
2009	55
2010	3
2011	1517
2012	876
2013	980
2014	983
2015	747
2016	1245
2017	799
2018	251
2019	421
2020	132
2021	241
2022	185
2023	117
2024	37
2025	72
2026	4

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 51%

51% of complaints: engine — 496 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Car caught fire in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230910

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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, 20180518

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, 20260730

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 116 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and starter assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

STRUCTURE 9%

9% of complaints: structure — 91 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20130705

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 89 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20130217

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7%

7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 980

I 20131021 — PE (closed 20140521)

Panoramic Sunroof Breakage

I 20140512 — EA (closed 20210115)

Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage

R 20151109 — power train

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.

Campaign 15V626000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20170518 — RQ (closed 20211222)

Scope and Timeliness

R 20170620 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 17V224000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20200601 — PE (closed 20220125)

Headlight Failure

R 20210125 — engine

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.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed