2013 Kia Sorento Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Sorento, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine51242.7%
- Electrical1169.7%
- Body & structure897.4%
- Brakes887.3%
- Exterior lighting705.8%
- Powertrain (other)695.8%
- Airbags605.0%
- Fuel system383.2%
- Driver assistance363.0%
- Interior & seats342.8%
- Visibility312.6%
- Steering221.8%
- Suspension110.9%
- Other / unspecified90.8%
- Seat belts80.7%
- Tires & wheels70.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The contact used a diagnostic machine to retrieve DTC: P0136, P0172 system, to the rich bank, and P1326 control module which indicated that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the oil change records were needed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was too much fuel, and that the knock sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 312,320.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
Back up camera on Kia Sorento screens go black out of nowhere. After research online I have seen that this is a very common problem with Kia vehicles, and they haven't issued a recall on them. It isn't safe to be operating without one of the vehicles safety features because the vehicle owner doesn't want to pay to repair something they didn't damage.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car paint is peeling very bad the color is snow white pear the hole car
Purchased the car in 2020 paint above windshield was beginning to peel, within months the a-pillars were peeling off, the hood is peeling off and now the section above the windshield is beginning to rust due to the peeling. Additional Cases Snow White Pearl paint! Complaint #11700960, 11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
Car stalled several times including as I was turning through an intersection. I took my car to KIA Ganley if Boardman 7870 Market Street Bdmn Two, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. I met w/Gerry who I explained the concerns with car stalling reminding him it had been almost 2 years since the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Some Unknown The vechicle wire and cable has shortage/ electrical problems, no accident occur.
We were told by our auto mechanic that this vehicle needed a new electrical control module. The part has been on back-order with the local KIA dealership for a couple of months. My daughter was driving the car recently when all of the lights went out, and the car would only drive forward approximately 5 miles per hour. The car began to shudder and I had my daughter pull into the nearest parking lot and park the car. The engine shut off as she entered the parking lot, the car could not be placed in any other gear except neutral, and there was a burning smell. We pushed the car into a parking spot and removed the key from the ignition. We had to put the emergency brake on to keep the car from rolling. There is a safety recall related to this specific problem, but KIA states it does not have a remedy for the problem yet. What are we supposed to do?
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
As per a consumer affairs article, hub assembly and wheel speed sensors should be covered by power train and/or relevant warranty that comes with Kia. In 2021, after an oil change, certain sensors on the dashboard started showing up, and the dealership informed me that the wheel speed sensor and hub assembly needs to be changed. Though the warranty should have automatically covered it, I had to repeatedly communicate with the Kia customer service center before it was authorized. Though this part is supposed to last for 80000-100000 miles, something similar happened after an oil change, and the diagnosis from local car service center again pointed to the same hub assembly for the same wheel. I ended up redoing this service. Should this be covered considering that it came with a certain lifetime warranty and was a replacement by the OEM? Is there a concern about quality as it happened twice well before the normal time frame, and should I be reimbursed and compensated for the inconvenience caused. Please clarify. Dates: 9/27/21(Confirmed); 10/04/21 (Supposedly Installed); 08/08/25 (Reinstalled)
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH and towing a trailer, he heard a loud abnormal sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle. After which, the instrument panel behaved erratically, then the vehicle lost all motive power, and the contact observed smoke entering the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to shift into park. After some time, the contact observed the vehicle engulfed in flames originating from an unknown location. Local emergency services were called and were able to extinguish the flames. A fire and police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
I have been Trying to set up a appointment with Citrus Motors Kia, Ontario California.1350 S Woodruff Way Ontario California 91761. And they are giving me the rounds. Seen last week I have been texting them and calling. And no answer.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
About 4 years ago the rear view warning started to get foggy/blurred so it was hard to see what was towards the rear when backing. Contacted dealer about this and of course it was no longer in warranty and I would have to pay a high price to have this replaced. After the view became blank, all your saw were the lines that would show how close you were to another car while backing up I once again ask my dealer about it, if they were having trouble like this on other Kia cars and he would not tell me, just told me the price of replacment. So I started to wonder if this problem showed up on other Kia's
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My driver seat welds broke and is currently held to the base by zipties
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The paint all over the car had begun to delaminate and its only a 2013. The entire front of the hood, the side bar of the windshield on both the passenger and driver sides, and the roof along the windshield are flaking off manufacturers paint in large sheets. The back side has begun to develop small chips that will eventually match the front. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the loss of the protective paint on my car can and has been leading to rust issues on the metal underneath the paint. This is known to weaken the vehicle's body structure. This is especially problematic in potential areas of the car that are prone to collision, thereby compromising the vehicles safety over time, if allowed to continue to delaminate. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? All across the internet people are posting their pictures of their white Kia Sorento having the exact issue mine has. Also in the small town I live in there are at least 10 people who drive a white Kia Sorento like mine and each one is losing their paint to peeling and delamination. Just driving across California you can see that this is a manufacturing issue that has effected most all their customers who bought a white Kia from 2013 - 2018. After reading this question I am making an appointment to go into an Official Kia dealership to address this issue and get their feedback and hopefully a resolution on their end. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have not had anyone inspect it to date, but intend on getting an appointment with Kia at their next available opening. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no precursors. Car was perfect when I purchased.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, a sound of an explosion was heard and the sunroof shattered, the slider of the sunroof was closed so the glass did not enter the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS NOT IMPACTED BY A FOREIGN OBJECT OR DEBRIS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAFELITE AUTO GLASS WHERE THE FRACTURED SUN ROOF WAS REMOVED AND PLASTIC WAS TAPED TO THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. SANDS KIA (13474 N AUTOSHOW AVE, SURPRISE, AZ 85388, (623) 474-3344) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Steering jerks to left at highway speeds. Feels like motor driven power steering is causing this and leads to over Correctional at highway speeds. Also rear end noise when turning at slow speeds.
Engine keeps shutting off at 50 miles per hr no warning lights or engine codes, this keeps happening every two or 6 days. Mechanic replicated the issue but no engine codes were presented, so no solution. This vehicle is no save to drive. When vehicles shuts off you lose control of the steering wheel. And you can’t start the vehicle back up until you get to a full stop.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear Subframe rust, sudden excessive suspension instability and excessive vibration while driving. A “recall” issue in UK but not the US ??
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
As per a consumer affairs article, hub assembly and wheel speed sensors should be covered by power train and/or relevant warranty that comes with Kia. In 2021, after an oil change, certain sensors on the dashboard started showing up, and the dealership informed me that the wheel speed sensor and hub assembly needs to be changed. Though the warranty should have automatically covered it, I had to repeatedly communicate with the Kia customer service center before it was authorized. Though this part is supposed to last for 80000-100000 miles, something similar happened after an oil change, and the diagnosis from local car service center again pointed to the same hub assembly for the same wheel. I ended up redoing this service. Should this be covered considering that it came with a certain lifetime warranty and was a replacement by the OEM? Is there a concern about quality as it happened twice well before the normal time frame, and should I be reimbursed and compensated for the inconvenience caused. Please clarify. Dates: 9/27/21(Confirmed); 10/04/21 (Supposedly Installed); 08/08/25 (Reinstalled)
We were driving on highway at 120 kmh. The road was smooth and we had no error/service dash lights illuminated. Suddenly we heard a loud bang and we lost total control of the vehicle. We (hit) slid onlong the concrete highway which prevented the car from flipping and entering oncoming traffic. Our terrifying experience lasted about 8 seconds until we came to a stop. We were fortunate that we were not crashed into by nearby traffic. The original manufacturer alloy rear left wheel shattered. I have pictures of the wheel. The wheel totally separated from the hub. The tire was in good condition and we didn't hit any bumps or pothole. I notified KIA about this issue with reference # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear passenger seat belt exploded
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH. IT DID THIS ONCE BEFORE LAST WEEK AND IT FINALLY LATCHED. LAST NIGHT I COULD.NOT GET THE RED BOTTOM TO COME BACK UP SO THAT IT WOULD LATCH. WE WHERE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT IN SITTING STILL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK NOTH TIMES.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tires are Douglas Touring, and Sceptor. Those options were not available. I bought a set of tires that belongs to two different brands. Three from Douglas/Goodyear tires and one is Sceptor all from Walmart. They are supposed to have 50000 miles and 45000 miles respectively. When I took for car service, two different service mechanics mentioned that two of the tires have already reached 2/32. Originally, two tires were bought in June 2023, third tire is July 2024, and fourth tire in Jan 2025. There was already an issue with a tire that led to replacement earlier this year. I even filed a set of NHTSA reports in this regard earlier this year in February 2025. Now, two tires have gone down to less than 7/32, and as stated above has reached 2/32. I even shared a picture of peeling tread that I noticed at the time of purchase. This repeating issue suggests high likelihood with quality concern with these tires. For that matter, suddenly, I was asked to change brake rotor and pads, while previous inspections did not suggest any such change. As you might know, poor tires can also impact the brake rotor and pads. Your support to address this issue quickly would be greatly appreciated.
I had contacted earlier with regard to getting clarity on the tread wear rate, and whether a faster tread wear would make the tire defective. As a replacement to that tire which got replaced, I purchased a totally new tire on Sunday, and today, this is how it looked. Is this normal?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .