YearToAvoid

2013 Kia Sorento Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 94 brake complaints for the 2013 Kia Sorento, 10% of all complaints for that year, with 5 crashes and 6 injuries. Median mileage at failure is 78,513 miles. A related recall (23V652000) covers a fire risk requiring owners to park outside.

Brakes complaints
94
10% of 981
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
78,513 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the brake pedal failing to stop the vehicle, sinking with continued pressing without slowing the car.
  • Some describe the ABS engaging with jerking or thumping while braking hard, followed by unexpected acceleration and a collision.
  • Several report the engine dying or losing power while driving, which owners say also caused a loss of braking and steering control.
  • One owner describes an explosive sound coming from the brakes, followed by a rotor and brake replacement that failed again within four months.
  • A fire was reported starting in the engine compartment shortly after parking and shutting off the vehicle.

When 2013 Kia Sorento brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 17, 2013, latest Jan 16, 2026.

2013 Kia Sorento brakes complaints: complaints filed per month10Feb 2013Nov 2015Oct 2017Jun 2019May 2020Sep 2022Mar 2024Mar 2025
94 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2013 to Jan 2026; peak Mar 2024 (10).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Kia Sorento

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20100 (0%)
  2. 2011152 (10%)
  3. 2012113 (13%)
  4. 201394 (10%)
  5. 201495 (10%)
  6. 201543 (6%)
  7. 201633 (3%)
  8. 201727 (3%)
  9. 20188 (3%)
  10. 201914 (3%)
  11. 20205 (4%)
  12. 20212 (1%)
  13. 202218 (10%)
  14. 202313 (11%)
  15. 20246 (15%)
  16. 20255 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA lists 94 brake complaints for the 2013 Sorento, which is 10% of all 981 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake-related recall for the 2013 Kia Sorento?
Yes. Recall 23V652000, reported September 25, 2023, covers a fire risk and tells owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Sorento?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 78,513 miles.
Have brake issues on the 2013 Sorento led to crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this issue shows 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries among the reported complaints.
How does the 2013 Sorento compare to other years for brake complaints?
The 2013 model's 94 brake complaints and 10% share are similar to 2011 (152 complaints, 10%) and 2014 (95 complaints, 10%), and higher than most years from 2015 onward.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.