2013 Kia Sorento

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-10-10

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

Campaigns on file for 2013

Investigations
10

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

51% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 305 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2005: 307 complaints 2006: 242 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 217 complaints 2009: 55 complaints 2009 2010: 3 complaints 2011: 1,518 complaints 2012: 878 complaints 2013: 981 complaints 2013 981 2014: 986 complaints 2015: 750 complaints 2016: 1,254 complaints 2017: 802 complaints 2018: 254 complaints 2018 2019: 426 complaints 2020: 134 complaints 2021: 251 complaints 2021 2022: 186 complaints 2023: 122 complaints 2024: 41 complaints 2024 2025: 75 complaints 2026: 7 complaints
2003: 305 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2005: 307 complaints 2005 2006: 242 complaints 2007: 154 complaints 2007 2008: 217 complaints 2009: 55 complaints 2009 2010: 3 complaints 2011: 1,518 complaints 2011 2012: 878 complaints 2013: 981 complaints 2013 981 2014: 986 complaints 2015: 750 complaints 2015 2016: 1,254 complaints 2017: 802 complaints 2017 2018: 254 complaints 2019: 426 complaints 2019 2020: 134 complaints 2021: 251 complaints 2021 2022: 186 complaints 2023: 122 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 75 complaints 2025 2026: 7 complaints
2003: 305 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2004 2005: 307 complaints 2005 2006: 242 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2007 2008: 217 complaints 2008 2009: 55 complaints 2009 2010: 3 complaints 2010 2011: 1,518 complaints 2011 2012: 878 complaints 2012 2013: 981 complaints 2013 981 2014: 986 complaints 2014 2015: 750 complaints 2015 2016: 1,254 complaints 2016 2017: 802 complaints 2017 2018: 254 complaints 2018 2019: 426 complaints 2019 2020: 134 complaints 2020 2021: 251 complaints 2021 2022: 186 complaints 2022 2023: 122 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2024 2025: 75 complaints 2025 2026: 7 complaints 2026

2013: 981 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2003305
2004220
2005307
2006242
2007154
2008217
200955
20103
20111,518
2012878
2013981
2014986
2015750
20161,254
2017802
2018254
2019426
2020134
2021251
2022186
2023122
202441
202575
20267

Known problem areas

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

Engine

51% · 496 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and starter assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Structure

9% · 92 reports

Most commonly citing body and door.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 10 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2013Complaint volume 981 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2013-10-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-05-21 Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
  3. I
    2014-05-12Engineering analysisClosed 2021-01-15 Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
  4. 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.

  5. I
    2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
  6. R
    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.

  7. I
    2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  8. R
    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.

  9. I
    2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
  10. I
    2020-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-01-25 Headlight Failure
  11. R
    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.

  12. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  13. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  14. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  15. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  16. R
    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 →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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.