2013 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 972 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2013 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2013 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Kia Sorento SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Kia Sorento has 972 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 972
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Kia Sorento?
The 2013 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and brake systems.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and brake systems.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 972 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Kia Sorento, issues are heavily concentrated in the engine, with over half of all reports. Electrical faults, structural problems, and brake system issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine Problems account for the majority of complaints at 510 reports.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported component with 116 complaints.
- There are 5 recalls associated with this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Structural Problems
All 2013 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 510 | 7 | 34 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 116 | 3 | 9 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 89 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 89 | 3 | 6 | — | |
| Brake System | 89 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 70 | — | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 69 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 60 | 6 | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 54 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 33 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 33 | — | 6 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 25 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 22 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact then stated that soon after the recall was serviced, the vehicle would hesitate to start after multiple attem…
On December 21, 2025, my vehicle experienced abnormal knocking/ticking sounds coming from the engine while driving on the interstate (60 mph), and it was difficult going up hills. The check engine light was intermittingly blinking, and there was a strong burning smell. The vehi…
My driver seat welds broke and is currently held to the base by zipties
My car paint is peeling very bad the color is snow white pear the hole car
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an indepen…
Car stalled several times including as I was turning through an intersection. I took my car to KIA Ganley if Boardman 7870 Market Street Bdmn Two, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. I met w/Gerry who I explained the concerns with car stalling reminding him it had been almost 2 years since t…
As per a consumer affairs article, hub assembly and wheel speed sensors should be covered by power train and/or relevant warranty that comes with Kia. In 2021, after an oil change, certain sensors on the dashboard started showing up, and the dealership informed me that the wheel …
Tires are Douglas Touring, and Sceptor. Those options were not available. I bought a set of tires that belongs to two different brands. Three from Douglas/Goodyear tires and one is Sceptor all from Walmart. They are supposed to have 50000 miles and 45000 miles respectively. When …
I am seeing an axle shaft issue for this vehicle and noticed that several vehicles for similar timeline had a safety recall. However, mine is not showing up. Could you look into it and let me know whether my vehicle should also be part of this recall?
Purchased the car in 2020 paint above windshield was beginning to peel, within months the a-pillars were peeling off, the hood is peeling off and now the section above the windshield is beginning to rust due to the peeling. Additional Cases Snow White Pearl paint! Complaint …
I am submitting a formal written complaint to supplement my existing NHTSA Safety Report ID 11702339 regarding a serious fuel system defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento. My car began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling at stop signs and traffic ligh…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound …
While driving, my vehicle developed engine knocking, lost power, overheated, and produced smoke from the engine compartment. Shortly after, the engine seized and the vehicle will not start. An authorized dealership diagnosed the failure and recommended a complete engine (long-bl…
I am reporting a safety defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, a noticeable fuel odor, and eventually a check engine…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the ABS had failed, and the brakes needed to be repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Ser…
I was on my way back from California to Mississippi when motor derated and started knocking in Williams , Az. My Kia only has 137,000 miles and Kia denying my claim for the extended warranty claim. I change my oil myself and keep my vehicle in great shape. To deny claim they also…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power in the intersection. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed by…
My motor is knocking and losing compression
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento. The color is Pearl White and the paint is peeling off in several areas of the vehicle. The paint started peeling about 4 or 5 yrs ago and is getting worse. I have contacted Kia dealership and they claim there is nothing they can do. From every thing I h…
In 2017, our 2013 Kia Sorento was brought in for recall work associated with SC147. The work was completed, and the Kia service department stated that even though we have a branded/salvage title, we would receive the extended warranty associated with SC147. Recently, while drivi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Kia Sorento.
2013 Kia Sorento Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Sorento. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 972 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Engine Problems (510 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (116 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (89 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 44 fire reports out of 972 total complaints. 33 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2013 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.