2013 KIA SORENTO Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Sorento. This model year has 972 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2013 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Considering a 2013 Kia Sorento?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Kia Sorento. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 972 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
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.
Recalls for 2013 Kia Sorento
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2013 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2013 Kia Sorento has 972 NHTSA owner complaints, 23 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (510 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2013 Kia Sorento has 23 crash-related complaints and 44 fire reports out of 972 total NHTSA complaints. 33 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Kia Sorento. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2013 Kia Sorento has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2013 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.