NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
On 11/20/2023 I was entering the freeway when the engine on my Kia completely quit. No lights, no sputtering, no indication at all of an issue. Obviously I lost power steering. I was able to get to the side of the road and try to restart the engine. Would not restart. I had the car towed to my mechanic and called Kia customer service later. I was advised to have it towed to a Kia dealership (fee would be reimbursed), get it diagnosed (fee would be reimbursed), and that the engine would be replaced. The diagnosis was no compression in cylinder 4 and that this is not covered under warranty. I was offered an engine for $6000. Called customer service back and was told they would research the case. Two months later I am told they will not be replacing the engine. I am out a tow fee, diagnostic fee, and have a lawn ornament that I owe $4000 on. This is absolutely a safety issue and Kia needs to be held accountable. To go immediately from power steering to none, engine turning to stalled is not safe! I feel lucky as I was not traveling fast, not trying to merge or pass. I am disgusted that this is not a safety concern and that Kia continues to deny any fault.
Kia Sorrento 2013 white paint peeling off all over my car. At first I thought it was my fault, but I take great care of my car and this has never happened before. Large sections of the paint are peeling off on the drivers side door as of most recent (11/23) and the top began peeling off around (10/21)and only solution is to strip and repaint the entire car which is extremely costly. According to my research many Kia owners with this paint have the same issue and it should not be ignored.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
On November 15, I was driving my vehicle in traffic. As I approached an intersection, I looked in my rear-view mirror and noticed smoke trailing behind the vehicle. I attempted to brake, but there was no braking action. The vehicle rolled to a stop. Immediately, smoke and flames poured from the front end of the vehicle, under the hood. My passenger and I were able to exit the vehicle as the flames grew in size and engulfed the engine compartment of the vehicle. Video shot by a bystander showed flames under the vehicle as well, just prior to getting it stopped. Shortly after the incident, I was told that there were recalls on some Kia Sorentas, so I checked the NHTSA website and the VIN showed it was included in Kia's latest recall. I had not received anything from Kia prior to the fire. However, I did receive an interim recall notice on November 24.
Received the recall notice from Kia back in November 2023 and have contacted them several times about fixing the problem. On February 8, 2024 took the car in to our local Kia dealer, Overturf, and had a recall inspection performed due to a burnt rubber/plastic smell when driving the car. The recall part said that the car caught on fire and we were concerned that this was the reason for the smell. The service department said they were unable to duplicate the smell, but that our car was one of the ones impacted by the recall. Said no fix for the problem yet so to park the car. This is our main means of transportation. They offered no rental or a loaner car.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the RPM’s revved up however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH and towing a trailer, he heard a loud abnormal sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle. After which, the instrument panel behaved erratically, then the vehicle lost all motive power, and the contact observed smoke entering the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to shift into park. After some time, the contact observed the vehicle engulfed in flames originating from an unknown location. Local emergency services were called and were able to extinguish the flames. A fire and police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Steering jerks to left at highway speeds. Feels like motor driven power steering is causing this and leads to over Correctional at highway speeds. Also rear end noise when turning at slow speeds.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The paint has peeled and I see every white 2013 Kia sorrento with the same problem. The paint is defective and should be compensated for it. There are many blogs with people having the same issue.
2022-09-22 I took my 2013 Kia Sorento for both low beam lights out to Ed Voyles Kia Service - 2145 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. Initially, the Service shop only replaced the bulbs and wanted to send me on my way. I explained that I already replaced both bulbs 2 times and the low beams keep going out and changing the bulbs is not going to solve the problem. I demoed how pushing on the hood alone makes the lights flicker. Then, the Service shop replaced the passenger low beam connector per Kia warranty extension. They did not replace the driver low beam connector. 2023-10-20 I took my 2013 Kia Sorento for driver low beam light out and airbag light on to Ed Voyles Kia Service - 2145 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. They fixed the airbag clock assembly per Kia warranty extension but although they admitted that the fix to the driver low beam connector should had been done a year prior, now the warranty expired, and they did not honor it.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. However, the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact investigated the failure and related the failure to a Manufacturer’s Security software update that the vehicle had received prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 70,000.
White paint is peeling off on hood and roof.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and incline warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 155,00. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine cooling system failure on my second engine after it being replaced ounce already still the same thing overheating millions of recalls on 2013 kia serento with cooling system failures why am I have to buy another engine with 2 years of replacing my original with the same problem my vehicle vin need to be added with the rest of the same year make an model
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor outside of the vehicle from underneath the hood. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started decelerating. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while, the vehicle was restarted and began functioning properly. The contact stated that a certified mechanic confirmed there was a leaking gasket. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Good Morning...... I'm the owner of a 2013 Kia Sorrento that is subject to the above safety recall. This has become known as the 'PARK OUTSIDE RECALL' because of the supposed fire danger. I was first notified about this issue my mail on [XXX]. To date, NO remedy has been provided. My local Kia dealer here in Syracuse says they have no information, while Kia USA in California says "we're working on it." If we can collect rocks from an asteroid and return them to earth, it seems like the development of a corrective part could be accomplished in something less than 7 or 8 months (or longer if you use the Sept 25 date in the original recall). Is there a way to get this issue addressed? Thanks in advance for your help. Have a great day…… INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN. Vehicle at fire risk when parked. THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
In the past two weeks the Warning lamp for front passenger seat remains lit up indicating airbag problem in that area second row seats clip areas to lift seats and allow entry to third row were very hard to operate and now malfunctioned and don't work at all to lift seats. This has been checked out by Kia dealer last year to no resolve(they were able to lift seats up with great effort), but I am not able to get the seats lifted rendering access to 3rd row impossible for use.
1) Engine suddenly stopped; seized; couldn't control steering wheel was very hard to steer off road; 2)safety of passengers and children in school zone; 3) safety 3 passengers ages 67, 93, 13 because of sudden stop; reduced speed at its own pace and vehicles behind, traffic; steering was difficult because of locked engine; 4) had to push off busy street, got towed next day; 5) no warning prior to failure on 9/6/2023 at 1130am CDT.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rubber-burning odor detected. The traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
P1326 came on while traveling at highway speed 70mph, the vehicle jerked and turned of while traveling. Managed to pull over at weight station to get towing service. The vehicle just started knocking and on safe mode at 2000rpm. Can't drive it.
Burning oil rapidly at approximately 100,000 miles. Engine started to make a clicking noise when going uphill with poor acceleration. Engine seized while driving, but was able to pull over to safe area thankfully. Learned of engine recall and is now being replaced by dealership at 118,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle consumed one quart of oil for every 700 miles driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
KIA vehicles have an oil comsumption problem. I discovered recently that my engine was empty of oil. Two weeks later I check the oil level and was 2 quarts below full capacity. I went to an online forum of KIA owners and discovered the seriousness of the problem. The main problem are engines seizing-up while highway driving. I can attest to the seriousness of this problem when approximately 1 year ago my daughter's 2012 KIA Optima engine seized while driving and fortunately her husband was with her and helped her steer the vehicle to a safe place along the highway. KIA has known of this problem for many years and has yet to con-front the issue.
When driving to work the engine made a noise then quit running. It will not turn over.
Car caught fire in the engine compartment.
This truck has had one owner (though 3 on paper - myself and my ex husband, then transferred solely to me, then transferred to my current partner a few months ago). It has been pristinely maintained and has 110,000 miles on it. Despite absolutely perfect maintenance, and even taking it to the dealer in March and asking them to look for problems, and none being found, the engine blew on the highway yesterday. It started to get sluggish, then slowed significantly, the check engine light came on, and then we coasted off the ramp, having to push the truck the rest of the way to safety. Local shops are quoting $10,000 to rebuild or $12,000 for a new engine.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced due to a hole in the radiator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
High oil consumption for several months. Using 3-5 qts of oil every other week. Oil is burnt and black. Engine noise. Engine failed while driving.
Paint on roof and hood is excessively peeling like thousands of other white KIA's...
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the warranty requirements. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
The inside paneling on the driver side rear door is detaching from the frame and catching on the rubber seal. It is causing the door to be inoperable and unable to open from the inside causing a safety concern in the event of an immediate need to evacuate.
Driving car, was getting off an exit and the engine completely seized up, no power, no lights, no steering. Had it towed. Found out the engine seized with no apparent reason and the motor needs to be replaced.
Around June 11, 2023, I took my car to the dealership for a recall item. They washed the car and a large section of the paint came off around the windshield. The Kia dealership said that Kia Corporate is aware of the problem but is not paying to have it fixed. I had to pay the dealership to have it repainted. I now see other small areas on the hood that are starting to chip as well.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact’s stepdaughter owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the driver was driving 10 MPH, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact was unsure if a warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) since an unknown recall for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update on the vehicle was not performed. However, the contact stated that he had scheduled an appointment with the dealer for Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An unknown repair was performed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An unknown repair was performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026