Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Kia Sorento submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 38 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 38, in the owner's own words
AC stopped, engine began to struggle, engine light came on and engine over heated. Pulled off highway to be towed. Dealer found metal in oil and suggested possible manufacturer defect issue.
I am submitting a formal written complaint to supplement my existing NHTSA Safety Report ID 11702339 regarding a serious fuel system defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento. My car began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling at stop signs and traffic lights, and a strong fuel odor. A check engine light subsequently illuminated, and due to safety concerns, the vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed and documented fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator and fuel contamination in the engine oil. This defect presents a serious safety risks: increased risk of engine fire due to fuel leakage, unexpected loss of power while stopped or in traffic, and increased likelihood of a collision due to engine stalling. This vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, making this failure particularly concerning. Fuel system failures and post-recall engine-related defects have been the subject of multiple Kia recalls, service campaigns, and NHTSA investigations involving engine fires and fuel leaks. Despite the dealership's documented diagnosis and clear safety implications, Kia Consumer Affairs denied recall coverage and refused to assist with repair costs, stating this is not a recall-related issue. The estimated repair cost exceeds $1,700, and the vehicle remains unsafe and undrivable. Given the confirmed fuel leakage, fuel contamination of engine oil, prior recall engine replacement, repeated stalling events, and Kia's refusal to acknowledge responsibility, I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case as part of a potential defect trend, particularly involving high-pressure fuel system components on Kia Sorento vehicles with prior recall engine replacements. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this safety issue is formally documented, investigated, and considered for further action to protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter
I am reporting a safety defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, a noticeable fuel odor, and eventually a check engine light. These symptoms increased over several days, and once the check engine light illuminated, we had the vehicle towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. At the dealership, the problem was confirmed and reproduced by their technicians. They diagnosed: •Fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator •Fuel contamination in the engine oil These components and diagnostic findings are available for inspection upon request. This issue poses a significant safety risk. Fuel leakage and fuel-in-oil contamination increase the potential for an engine fire, and the hesitation, sputtering, and stalling at intersections present a risk of unexpected loss of power in traffic, which could result in a collision. The vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, and the current symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine and fuel system defects addressed in past recalls and technical service bulletins. The vehicle has been inspected only by the dealership so far; it has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Kia Consumer Affairs has been contacted and is reviewing the case. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue as a potential defect trend involving the high-pressure fuel system on this model, especially in vehicles with prior recall-related engine replacements. Documentation from the dealership, including the diagnostic report and repair estimate, is available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This vehicle has a oil consumption problem that causes engine damage and Kia will not take responsibility for especially after the car being maintained. On top of it even with substantial evidence that this was a manufacturing defect that Kia is refusing to take accountability for and completely dismisses any claims or complaints and not even bothered to speak with you unless the car has warranty which is absurd because this was a again a manufacturing defect of the vehicle not from not sustaining the vehicle from the driver that owns it. It also did not give off any warning signs or any indication that there was a problem until the problem completely left me without a car. Without a warning or indication this was a hazard and luckily I did not have my children in the car when the oil brought broke and pierced an immense hole causing my engine damage. Kia sorentos are known for this defect it has had a lawsuit for this with other Kia sorento's they need to put this model also as I dug deeper I am not the only one that has this problem I'm currently trying to pursue a lawsuit with Kia corporation for this however as you know this is not an easy process This was definitely a safety issue that could have became extremely severe and risked my life and my children
my vehicle falls under the 2013 Kia Sorrento engine replacement and fuel pump. Recall these have not been done to my vehicle. I even double checked with the previous owner and Kia did not service the engine or replace it although it has a recall under mine, and all the symptoms stated in the recall with the engine and fuel pump are happening with my vehicle now how do I get this service covered under the recall also a very strong fuel odor
Kia failed to take accountability for rods related to oil pan and engine damage defect on this vehicle. Did not offer other safety options and did not give any warning signs. I have ALL my receipts and maintenance on vehicle that I DID Maintain my vehicle responsible and this was a Kia vehicle safety issue on manufacturing. I did not receive any warning or lights on my dashboard and I have all my oil change receipts. Please see all attached documents for my complaint. All Kia customer service was concerned with was warranty when this is a manufacturing product defect of this car not being put together properly and my vehicle has been serviced over years at a Kia dealership and no one has ever told me my vehicle was not maintained. Kia corporation won't even investigate or even move forward in any direction even with all my receipts reports and evidence to submit my claims are true.
Since I purchased my 2013 KIA SORENTO I have had at least 3 recalls. My vehicle AIR BAG LIGHT is still ON. I have been waiting since last year (2023)to get this recall item repaired and the local dealership has informed me that the part is on ORDER but never received( I have the work order from dealership stating that).. My Anti- thief system won't allow my vehicle to start upon demand I have to wait and turn the key over and let panel lights come on before it starts I have to do this 3x always. I've tried different approach's to rectify this issue, still dealing with it today( March 1, 2024). My speed control sensors had too be replaced. ABS lights would come on and stay illuminated. A lot is going on with my KIA SORENTO. I really enjoy my vehicle until all these recalls started. Now, I'm afraid to drive it as much, due too this FIRE RECALL!!!!!! I have documentation of these recalls.
I drove with my family south bound on i95 and between exit 6-5 the engine light came on out of no where and the gas peddle and brake stopped working. My luck was that I was on the right lane and I pulled over to shoulder of the highway till the car stopped. after 5-10 min I turned the car on and I was able to crawl to exit 5 ramp driving barely 10-15mph. The engine was making knocking sounds and then it just died in the middle of the exit, where I had to push the car in neutral through the ez-pass booth. We waited for an hour and got a tow truck to tow us to the nearest shop, where the mechanic told me that the engine is done and I need a new engine. I told him when it comes to engine, only an authorized kia dealer repair shop would be able to do the job.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and incline warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 155,00. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I have experienced multiple electrical failures, engine stalling & fuel pump issues. One after another. I had the fuel pump sensor replaced ($900 just for one part) a few months ago. I have wires randomly corroding - headlight connector. As of 2 days ago my ignition switch and starter solenoid intermittenly fails to send voltage to the starter. Won’t know if the starter motor will need replaced until it’s tested and proven it wasn’t the culprit for the failure of the other two. I have replaced 2 spark plugs. They have still been read to misfire. Random electrical things stopped working like my heated seats and a few steering wheel buttons. (I’d like to note the battery was just replaced last month) All of these problems seem to be linked with several recalls. All problems have all occurred over the last 6 months. There is an abundance of evidence pointing to faulty wiring and electrical issues. This recent HECU recall is basically saying our cars could spontaneously combust while not in use due to an electrical short circuit. Barely outlining the dangers it could cause while actually in use. A simple google will tell you if this system fails so could your ABS. Even with the ABS engine light warning how do we know it could warn us far enough in advance to pull over to safety? Imagine that while even going the speed limit in a school zone let alone the interstate. I have kids. This is terrifying. I can’t afford to just replace my vehicle. I have proof of a very well maintained lifetime of repair and maintenance on this vehicle. I had no knowledge of any prior recall issues until I spent hours researching. You buy a car and assume that if it has been well maintained it’s safe. My mistake. I would have absolutely declined had I known I’m strapping my babies in a double death trap every day over a failed circuit. Can we just accept the fact that this is certainly due to the engine replacements? Perhaps some were installed more carefully and correctly than others?
Almost got into crash on highway with a truck going on right lane as Kia did not pick up speed while going on speeding lane and lanes getting merged due to construction. Having trouble changing the gears - Engine keep creating lot of noise even during the 1st gear. Can feel jerks while gears being changed and sometimes feel burning smell. 2 Recalls were done in 2021 on this vehicle related to Engine and transmission. Kia dealer at Abilene (325-267-7409 - James) not willing to check anything at all - also not going to fix the latest recall. Saying it might take couple of months to fix. Afraid of even driving this Kia Sorento due to fire risk and kept car outside in the frontyard. Spent thousands on rental cars and Uber as it is primary and only car for our whole family.
Car caught fire in the engine compartment.
Upon searching for recalls it seems as though I’m experiencing a significant issue with the fuel/propulsion system. Engine sputters frequently and has turned off while driving multiple times at different speeds (including most recently at a stoplight) , and will not turn on after driving on several occasions. Vehicle will only start again when put in neutral after a couple attempts, followed by the check engine light illuminating and the RPM gauge not functioning until the next time it is turned off and restarted. The vehicle shows no signs of the issue until out of nowhere it turns off or will not restart after being driven. The vehicle is not driven more than 20 miles at a time, and is currently not taken on highways due to fear of the engine going out while driving. 60 mph is the most this vehicle has hit in the past 6 months because of this ongoing issue. Vehicle has been taken to an independent service center for this issue and the mechanics were unable to find an issue as the problem was not occurring while in their shop.
Vehicle caught on fire, beginning in the engine compartment. No warning indications showed on the instrument panel. Driver and two children were able to exit the vehicle and notify the fire department. The fire investigator believes the fire started in proximity of the alternator. The engine has been replaced under warranty by Kia twice.
DRIVING IT TURN OFF. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY HAD TO PULL OVER
ENGINE LIGHT, OVERHEATING, AND BATTERY ILLUMINATES ON THE ON IGNITION. AFTER TURNING ON THE ENGINE, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE OTHERS ARE NOT ILLUMINATING. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BUT TENDS TO SHUT DOWN ON THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY BUT I MANAGED TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP IT RUNNING BUT GIVES A LATE SHIFT. THEY ARE TIMES IT SHUT DOWN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT, OVERHEATING, AND BATTERY ILLUMINATES AGAIN. BRAND NEW BATTERY AND IT'S A WEEK OLD. I SAW SOME RECALLS ONLINE AND IT BEST DESCRIBES THE VEHICLE PROBLEM. CALLED THE DEALER SERVICE AREA AND SAID THEY ARE NO RECALL FOR VEHICLE VIN. PLEASE HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVE. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT ON 10/01/2020
JULY 3, 2020 CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. ENGINE REPLACE 2017. LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON NEW MOTOR. 2019 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP RECALLED. IT WAS INSPECTED AND REPLACED.
I PURCHASED MY 2013 KIA SORENTO IN MARCH 2013...I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP MAINTENANCE. I STARTED HAVING ISSUES ( EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS/TAILLIGHTS GOING OUT CONSTANTLY AND HAVING TO REPLACE, CAR STALLING/STOPPING IN TRAFFIC, ABS//TRACTION CONTROL & DOWNHILL ASSIT LIGHTS COMING ON, AIR CONDITIONER, FUEL SYSTEM). I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE UNDER NHTSA, AND IT APPEARS THAT I AM HAVING MANY OF THE SAME ISSUES AS OTHERS. MY VEHICLE IS NEARING 100,000 MILES (98,800), AND I HOPE THAT ALL THESE ISSUES I AND OTHERS HAVE HAD CAN BE RESOLVED BY KIA. I HAVE ONLY RECEIVED TWO RECALLS ON MY VIN #- ONE BEING THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS DATED 4-22-2019. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS?? THE OTHER ONE WAS DATED AUGUST 14, 2019 REGARDING AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY EXTENDING WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE. THANKS FOR CHECKING INTO MY PROBLEMS.
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, EXITED THE HIGHWAY, WENT INTO A PARKING LOT AND THEN TURNED CAR OFF. STARTED CAR AGAIN AND DROVE SEVERAL BLOCKS AND CAR STARTING KNOCKING AND THEN SHUT OFF. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN.
WHEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN-TOWN, THE VEHICLE LUNGES BACK AND DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN INTO SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WARNING. THEN AT A LIGHT, THIS VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND DIES AT THE INTERSECTION. THE CAR ALSO KNOCKS VERY LOUD AT FIRST STARTUP. I SEE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE REPORTING THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT SEEM TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE TO HAVE. MY DISABLED DAUGHTER RIDES IN THE CAR WITH ME AND WE COULD HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW AND THE LATEST WAS TODAY.
VEHICLE STOPS / CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS. HAVE NEARLY BEEN RAN OVER BY OTHER VEHICLES ON HIGHWAY. ALSO SOMETIMES WHILE AT A RED LIGHT OR IDLING WHILE IN PARK THE CAR WHILE JUST CUT OFF.
THIS CAR HAS AT LEAST 8 RECALLS ON IT NOW, NOT INCLUDING PAST RECALLS. THIS VEHICLE HAS STOPPED ON ME WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WHILE TRAVELING WITH MY FAMILY. THE REASON OT STOPPED WAS DUE TO A MALFUCTIONED ENGINE THAT WAS ON RECALL. MY TURNING SIGNALS LIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING , THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS ALSO DUE TO LIGHT WIRING THATS ON RECALL. KIA HAD ME TAKE MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO GET THE MALFUNCTIONING ENGINE FIXED. THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING AND HAS LIST IT SPEED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I FEEL LIKE IT WILL CUT OFF ON ME AT ANY GIVING TIME. I JUST GOT ANOTHER RECALL LETER THAT STATES THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE REPLACEMENT PART THEY PUT ON MY ENGINE. I AM A WORKING MOM WITH KIDS AND DEPEND ONMY TRANSPORTATION TO LIVE. I AM SCARED THATTBIS VEHICLE WILL STOP ON ME AND MY KIDS ON THE HIGHWAY OR STREET.
MY 2013 KIA SORENTO HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY DECREASING POWER WHILE DRIVING. RPMS WOULD DROP TO 0. IN SOME CASES THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO REMAIN AT THE CURRENT SPEED, BUT WITH THE RPM AT 0. IN OTHER CASES, THE VEHICLE WOULD RAPIDLY DECELERATE AND STALL OUT FORCING ME TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 20-30 TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND HAS OCCURRED WHILE IN TRAFFIC, PUTTING MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER AT GREAT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT. THERE WERE 2 TIMES IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IN SOME OF THESE CASES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS TURNED ON BUT NOT IN ALL INSTANCES. IT IS BEGINNING TO BECOME A MORE FREQUENT OCCURRENCE AND I AM AFRAID IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT A TIME THERE IS A VEHICLE TOO CLOSE TO ME OR I AM NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. WHEN I HAD A MECHANIC RUN THE ENGINE CODE HE SAID IT CAME UP A CRANK SENSOR ISSUE. HE INFORMED ME MY MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS DECREASE IN SPEED ISSUE AND THAT IT COULD ALSO LEAD TO THE VEHICLES CATCHING FIRE. THIS IS A GREAT CONCERN FOR ME AS I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD CHILD, AM AN EMT AND ALSO A CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN. WHEN I CONTACTED A LOCAL KIA DEALER, THEY PRETTY MUCH STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THERE IS NOT A RECALL AT THIS TIME. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS KIAS ARE TYPICALLY FAMILY VEHICLES AND COUNTLESS LIVES OF CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS ARE BEING PUT AT RISK. HOPEFULLY FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED AND APPROPRIATE RECALLS ISSUED SO THAT THERE DOES NOT NEED TO BE ANY FURTHER DEATHS OR INJURIES. PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED AS TO THE OUTCOME OF THIS AND OTHER RELATED COMPLAINTS.
DATE OF INCIDENT 1/31/2019. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE AREA. DRIVING DOWN RURAL 2-LANE ROAD, NO TRAFFIC, DRY CONDITIONS, CLOUDY; HEARD 'POP', SMOKE AND FLAMES CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD, COULD NOT ACCELERATE. CAR FULLY ENGULFED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. SAME DAY, JUST 50 MILES AWAY, ANOTHER KIA SORENTO, SAME EXPERIENCE. WITNESSES STATE THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL STORIES REGARDING KIA ENGINE FIRES 'ALL OVER THE NEWS' WITHIN JUST THE PAST 2 WEEKS! THAT VERY SAME NIGHT OF MY FIRE, WESH 2 LOCAL NEWS RAN A STORY AND IS INVESTIGATING. ALSO, IN TOWN JUST HALF HOUR AWAY - HOUSE IGNITED FROM CAR FIRE. LASTLY, DAUGHTER KNOWS SOMEONE ACROSS COUNTRY IN OREGON WHO PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY AND ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. ALL KIA'S!!! RECENT ARTICLE IN USA TODAY (JAN 16) SAFETY GROUP FIGHTING TO HAVE 3 MILLION KIAS RECALLED. I FILED A CLAIM W KIA, CASE #13032230. I PLUGGED IN MY VIN AND IT DOES NOT SHOW ANY ACTIVE RECALLS BUT THIS IS CLEARLY IDENTICAL TO WHAT COUNTLESS OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING. I'M SO AFRAID THEY WILL DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO GET OUT OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED!!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED! I HAVE UNBELIEVABLE PHOTOS THAT SHOW PROGRESSION OF FIRE - FROM THE VERY INITIAL START TO WHAT IS LEFT OF VEHICLE. UNABLE TO LOAD; SAYS FILE IS TOO BIG. ONE YA
ENGINE WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL IN OCT 2017. EVER SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD MY ENGINE LIGHT COME ON FOR EVAP LEAKS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY EITHER SAY THEY FOUND A LEAK AND FIXED IT OR TELL ME THEY CAN'T FIND A LEAK. LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON WITHIN A FEW DAYS TO A FEW WEEKS. NEW ENGINE ONLY HAD 12MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY ON IT EVEN THOUGH I AM STILL UNDER MILEAGE FOR INITIAL WARRANTY (AT 80,000 NOW) THEY CLAIM MY CAR IS NOT UNDER THE NEW RECALL AND IS NOT A FIRE RISK. HAVE SMELLED FUEL ONCE. LIGHT IS CURRENTLY ON, DEALER AND KIA HAVE BEEN NO HELP AND SINCE NEW WARRANTY IS UP THEY HAVE STARTED WANTING ME TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIRS.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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