CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Kia Sorento has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 983 complaints with NHTSA, including 23 crashes, 44 fires, 33 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (498 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2013 Kia Sorento recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk
Machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause the engine's bearings to wear out prematurely.
Vehicle Can Shift Out of Park Without Brake Pressed
On certain 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles built between October 2009 and January 2013, the brake-shift interlock mechanism can chip or crack if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever.
Most common 2013 Kia Sorento problems
Problem areas named in the 983 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 498 |
| Electrical System | 116 |
| Structure | 92 |
| Unknown Or Other | 89 |
| Exterior Lighting | 70 |
| Power Train | 69 |
| Air Bags | 60 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 54 |
| Service Brakes | 35 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 34 |
What owners report
The engine failed due to a manufacturing defect that is well known in the company but they aren't calling it a recall, they are calling it an improvement and therefore my car isn't qualifying and isn't being repaired
The car is running rough, losing power and knocking. Unable to drive it safely. The more you accelerate the less power it has. It has been sitting ever since the incident.
The paint is peeling really bad .It's been peeling and rusting horribly.
The paint on the car is peeling off down to the metal of the car.
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,
2013 Kia Sorento safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (16.8% rollover risk) |
| 2013 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (17.8% rollover risk) |
2013 Kia Sorento questions
Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Sorento: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire; Engine May Seize From Premature Bearing Wear, Raising Crash Risk; Vehicle Can Shift Out of Park Without Brake Pressed. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sorento?
Based on 983 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (498), Electrical System (116), Structure (92).
How safe is the 2013 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2013 Kia Sorento up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Kia Sorento has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.