Kia · Sorento · 2013
2013 Kia Sorento
5
Recalls
972
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2013 Kia Sorento has 5 recalls and 972 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (357 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2013 Kia Sorento page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 357 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2013 Kia Sorento reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Compare the recall list with the complaint mix to see whether the most reported issues overlap with formal NHTSA safety campaigns.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2013 Kia Sorento currently shows 5 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 972 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (357), structure (69), unknown or other (47).
- Vehicle
- 2013 Kia Sorento
- Recalls
- 5
- Complaints
- 972
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V652000September 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Remedy Status
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 notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
NHTSA ID: 20V750000December 02, 2020
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 18V907000December 19, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 17V224000March 31, 2017
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 15V626000October 06, 2015
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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."
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
972 totalENGINE
FIREApr 20, 2026
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...
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 12, 2026
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...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Jan 3, 2026
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...
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TIRES
Dec 21, 2025
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 ...
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ENGINE
Dec 21, 2025
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...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 19, 2025
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?
ENGINE
Nov 30, 2025
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...
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ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 24, 2025
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...
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FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 24, 2025
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...
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nov 14, 2025
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...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 972 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2013 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Sorento Years
2014 Kia SorentoCompare this year against 2013 for complaint and recall shifts.6r964c2012 Kia SorentoCompare this year against 2013 for complaint and recall shifts.5r871c2015 Kia SorentoCompare this year against 2013 for complaint and recall shifts.3r737c2011 Kia SorentoCompare this year against 2013 for complaint and recall shifts.8r1,515c2016 Kia SorentoCompare this year against 2013 for complaint and recall shifts.8r1,215c2010 Kia SorentoCompare this year against 2013 for complaint and recall shifts.2r3c
More 2013 Kia Models
2013 Kia OptimaAnother 2013 Kia option for same-year comparison.9r1,360c2013 Kia SoulAnother 2013 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r653c2013 Kia SportageAnother 2013 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r380c2013 Kia ForteAnother 2013 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r195c2013 Kia RioAnother 2013 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r153c2013 Kia BorregoAnother 2013 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r0c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Sorento have?
The 2013 Kia Sorento has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2013 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has received 972 owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Kia Sorento.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2013 Kia Sorento?
The 2013 Kia Sorento received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sorento?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2013 Kia Sorento are engine (357 reports), structure (69 reports), unknown or other (47 reports).
Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.