How common are engine problems in the 2013 Kia Sorento?

Engine issues make up 521 of the 981 total complaints filed for the 2013 Sorento, or 53% of all complaints for that year.

Is there a recall for engine fires on the 2013 Kia Sorento?

Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires on 2012-2013 Sorento models, with dealers inspecting for fuel and oil leaks and performing repairs.

At what mileage do engine problems tend to occur on the 2013 Sorento?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 89,220 miles at the time of the reported engine failure.

Are there other engine-related recalls besides the fire recall?

Yes. Recall 18V907000 addresses a fuel pipe issue tied to prior engine replacements, and recall 17V224000 covers premature bearing wear from engine machining errors.

Did the engine problems cause any injuries or crashes?

NHTSA lists 9 crashes, 33 fires, and 7 injuries associated with engine complaints on the 2013 Sorento.

2013 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 521 of 981 complaints (53%) filed on the 2013 Kia Sorento, with a median failure mileage of 89,220 miles. Three related recalls cover engine fires, fuel pipe issues, and bearing wear from manufacturing defects.

Engine complaints: 521; 53% of 981
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 33
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 89,220 mi
Related recalls: 3

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden engine stalling at highway speeds, sometimes with the instrument panel lighting up first and no warning before the vehicle loses power.
Several complaints describe visible smoke or fire coming from under the hood, sometimes accompanied by a loud metallic noise beforehand.
Multiple owners report engine fires linked to oil leaking onto hot engine components, in some cases leading to total loss of the vehicle.
Some owners had the engine diagnosed as failed or blown by a dealer and required a full engine replacement.
A few complaints link the stalling or power loss to a crash, including cases where the vehicle would not respond normally while braking during the incident.

When 2013 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 24, 2012, latest Jul 30, 2026.

521 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q2 (26).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Kia Sorento

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.
NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Kia 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 engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Engine complaints by Sorento model year

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

20101 (33%)
2011359 (24%)
2012490 (56%)
2013521 (53%)
2014422 (43%)
2015377 (50%)
2016748 (60%)
2017414 (51%)
2018115 (45%)
2019176 (41%)
202069 (51%)
202174 (30%)
202263 (33%)
202341 (34%)
20246 (15%)
202524 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 Kia Sorento?: Engine issues make up 521 of the 981 total complaints filed for the 2013 Sorento, or 53% of all complaints for that year.
Is there a recall for engine fires on the 2013 Kia Sorento?: Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires on 2012-2013 Sorento models, with dealers inspecting for fuel and oil leaks and performing repairs.
At what mileage do engine problems tend to occur on the 2013 Sorento?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 89,220 miles at the time of the reported engine failure.
Are there other engine-related recalls besides the fire recall?: Yes. Recall 18V907000 addresses a fuel pipe issue tied to prior engine replacements, and recall 17V224000 covers premature bearing wear from engine machining errors.
Did the engine problems cause any injuries or crashes?: NHTSA lists 9 crashes, 33 fires, and 7 injuries associated with engine complaints on the 2013 Sorento.