Worst 2013 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Body Structure
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Kia Sorento.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 490 | 6 | 32 | 88,711 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 112 | 3 | 9 | 71,264 mi | |
| Body Structure | 83 | 1 | 1 | 100,321 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 69 | 2 | 3 | 58,519 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 65 | — | 2 | 94,341 mi | |
| Airbags | 60 | 6 | 2 | 84,180 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 53 | — | 1 | 75,810 mi | |
| Brakes | 35 | 5 | — | 57,682 mi | |
| Fuel System | 33 | — | 6 | 78,360 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 33 | — | 1 | 69,133 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 25 | 3 | — | 36,073 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 22 | 3 | 1 | 61,541 mi | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 19 | — | — | 31,010 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 17 | 1 | 1 | 78,249 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | 1 | — | 43,238 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 9 | — | 1 | 39,405 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 8 | — | 1 | 85,082 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 2 | — | 88,143 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | 1 | — | 68,784 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 6 | — | — | 22,127 mi | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 5 | — | 1 | 103,333 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 1 | — | — | — |
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.
Recalls for 2013 Kia Sorento
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,091,823 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Other Kia Sorento Years
2013 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are common problems with the 2013 Kia Sorento?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Kia Sorento?
How safe is the 2013 Kia Sorento?
Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2013 Kia Sorento?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2013 Kia Sorento
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