2013 KIA SORENTO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
1,283
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
76
Service Bulletins
3
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 KIA SORENTO
The 2013 KIA SORENTO has received a total of 1,283 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, ENGINE. 76 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (489 complaints), Electrical System (112 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (88 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 KIA SORENTO
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2013 KIA SORENTO, potentially affecting up to 4,893,668 vehicles.
Recall 23V652000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 1,730,192 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 23V652000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 1,730,192 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 20V750000 — ENGINE
| 294,756 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 18V907000 — ENGINE
| 71,653 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 18V907000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 71,653 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 17V224000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 618,160 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V626000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 377,062 vehicles affected
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As...
Consequence: Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 KIA SORENTO
1,283 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 KIA SORENTO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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 independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
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 independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
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 the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.
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 the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.
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 the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.
Safety Rating for the 2013 KIA SORENTO
The 2013 KIA SORENTO received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 KIA SORENTO
Kia America, Inc. has issued 76 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 KIA SORENTO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
CS2304_TSB_R4 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the...
WTY016_DPSM — SEATS
WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to dealer parts and service managers, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.
WTY016_DPSM — EQUIPMENT
WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to dealer parts and service managers, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.
PI1803YZ_TSB_R3 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z_Rev3) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1803, Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement".
PI1803WX_TSB_R5 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803W/X_R5: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in November 2018 (PI1803, Rev 1, 01/02/2018) titled "ÂÂKnock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"ÂÂ....
PI1803_TSB_R3 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803). This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine...
WTY003_OWNER — EQUIPMENT
WTY003_OWNER: This document is the owner notification letter advising the owners of the warranty extension on the 2011-2015 My Sorento Airbag Clock Spring Assembly.
WTY003_REIMB — EQUIPMENT
This document is a Request for Reimbursement Form sent to the owners along with the notification letter to be used if the customer has paid for repairs to the airbag clock spring assembly.
WTY003_REIMB — AIR BAGS
This document is a Request for Reimbursement Form sent to the owners along with the notification letter to be used if the customer has paid for repairs to the airbag clock spring assembly.
TSB_PI1803_R2 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
Showing 10 of 76 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 KIA SORENTO
NHTSA has opened 3 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2013 KIA SORENTO.
Investigation EA14002 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Closed
Opened:
Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
Other Model Years of the KIA SORENTO
- 2008 KIA SORENTO — 317 complaints
- 2009 KIA SORENTO — 79 complaints
- 2010 KIA SORENTO — 3 complaints
- 2011 KIA SORENTO — 2,068 complaints
- 2012 KIA SORENTO — 1,194 complaints
- 2013 KIA SORENTO (current)
- 2014 KIA SORENTO — 1,345 complaints
- 2015 KIA SORENTO — 935 complaints
- 2016 KIA SORENTO — 1,569 complaints
- 2017 KIA SORENTO — 979 complaints
- 2018 KIA SORENTO — 305 complaints
Other KIA Models
- KIA OPTIMA — 10,045 total complaints
- KIA SOUL — 7,147 total complaints
- KIA SPORTAGE — 6,540 total complaints
- KIA FORTE — 3,450 total complaints
- KIA SEDONA — 3,334 total complaints
- KIA SEPHIA — 3,080 total complaints
- KIA TELLURIDE — 2,109 total complaints
- KIA RIO — 1,784 total complaints