2013 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 Sorento years
The 2013 Kia Sorento ranks 4th worst of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 80 and 981 NHTSA complaints. Engine problems dominate at 53% of complaints, with 5 recalls covering brakes, engine, and transmission, making this year an Avoid relative to other Sorento years.
- Complaints
- 981
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 23 / 44
- Injuries / deaths
- 33 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 20 city / 26 hwy
Top 2013 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine521 (53%)
- Electrical System158 (16%)
- Structure & Body123 (13%)
- Brakes94 (10%)
- Other90 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain69 (7%)
- Airbags60 (6%)
- Fuel System38 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers31 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires23 (2%)
What owners report
- Engines stall or shut off suddenly while driving at highway speeds, sometimes requiring repeated dealer visits.
- Vehicles have come to a complete stop unexpectedly during full-speed driving with the engine still running at high idle.
- Brake pedals reportedly fail to fully depress or stop the vehicle, even when pressed multiple times.
- Airbags failed to deploy in crashes, and seat belts reportedly failed to retract properly during impacts.
- Owners report a tar-like smell followed by headlight failures, later traced to a wiring or headlamp assembly issue.
- Wiring assemblies have reportedly overheated or begun melting near the headlamp area, raising fire concerns.
2013 Kia Sorento recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia 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, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
2013 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Compared with other Sorento model years, the 2013 ranks 4th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 80 and 981 NHTSA complaints, making it an Avoid year relative to the rest of the lineup.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Kia Sorento?
- Engine problems make up 53% of complaints (521 of 981), with a median failure mileage of 89,220 miles, making the engine the top problem area for this model year.
- Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls for the 2013 Sorento, covering engine compartment fires, bearing wear from machining errors, and fuel pipe inspection after prior engine replacement.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2013 Kia Sorento, covering brakes, engine, and transmission-related issues, with none classified as do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Kia Sorento?
- The 2013 Sorento is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.