2013 Kia Sorento Problems

979 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict AVOID 24/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Engine496
Electrical System116
Structure89
Unknown Or Other89
Service Brakes89
Exterior Lighting70

In the owners’ words

“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 ”NHTSA complaint, 2013 Kia Sorento owner
“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.”NHTSA complaint, 2013 Kia Sorento owner
“The head gasket blew. This car has been meticulously maintained. All maintenance records with kia dealer. I hear there is secondary engine problems related to the 2013 kia sorento. I have all maintenance records as well as the dealer.”NHTSA complaint, 2013 Kia Sorento owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
19/12/2018Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings SAFETYKia 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
02/12/2020EngineKia 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.
31/03/2017Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineKia 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 engi
06/10/2015Power Train:Automatic TransmissionKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever
25/09/2023Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module SAFETYKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento,

Questions owners ask

Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?

On the federal record it scores 24/100: 979 owner complaints (75.31 per year on the road) and 5 recall campaigns, 2 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Kia Sorento?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 496 of 949 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2013 Kia Sorento scored 24/100 on the federal record.

Full 2013 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Sorento yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking