Car Yearsto Avoid

2013 Kia Sorento Problems

What owners have reported about the 2013 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2013 Kia Sorento a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 981 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and body and structure.

981 complaints 5 recalls, 3 fire risk 4th worst of 17 Sorento years

Top 2013 Kia Sorento problems

1

Engine problems

512 complaints (52%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and radiator assembly.

Complaints 512 · Usually at 50,000–120,000 miles · Recall 20V750000, 18V907000, 17V224000

2

Electrical problems

116 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and starter assembly.

Complaints 116 · Usually at 39,000–118,000 miles

3

Body problems

91 complaints (9%) name the body and structure, most often the body and door.

Complaints 91 · Usually at 35,000–98,000 miles

4

Brake problems

88 complaints (9%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light.

Complaints 88 · Usually at 44,000–105,000 miles · Recall 23V652000

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 52%
Electrical 12%
Body 9%
Unknown or Other 9%
Brakes 9%
Lights 7%
Transmission 7%
Airbags 6%
Fuel System 4%
Seats 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (639 of 981). The amber line is the middle value, about 84,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2013 Kia Sorento recalls

Electrical short can start engine fire

Fire risk

An electrical short in the brake system's control unit (HECU) can cause a fire in the engine compartment, either while the car is parked or while driving. Such a fire can lead to injury.

Fix: Until the repair is done, park outside and away from buildings, and the dealer will replace the HECU fuse free of charge.

Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023

Engine

Fire risk

An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V750000 · Dec 2020

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018

Engine

Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge.

Recall 17V224000 · Mar 2017

Gear shifter can leave Park without brake

Crash risk

Hard force on the gear shift lever can chip or crack the part that requires the brake pedal to be pressed before leaving Park. The car can then shift out of Park without the brake applied, so it may roll and crash.

Fix: Your dealer will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism free of charge.

Recall 15V626000 · Oct 2015
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2013 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Sorento years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2011 Sorento 1,519
2016 Sorento 1,254
2014 Sorento 988
2013 Sorento 981
2012 Sorento 880
2017 Sorento 806
2015 Sorento 753
2019 Sorento 431
2018 Sorento 255
2021 Sorento 253
2008 Sorento 217
2022 Sorento 193
2020 Sorento 137
2023 Sorento 123
2025 Sorento 76
2009 Sorento 55
2024 Sorento 42

2013 Kia Sorento problems by system

Engine (512)Electrical (116)

Common questions

Is the 2013 Kia Sorento a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 981 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and body and structure.

What are the most common 2013 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, body and structure and brakes. 512 complaints (52%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and radiator assembly.

At what mileage do 2013 Kia Sorento engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 50,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 90,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Sorento have?

5. Electrical short can start engine fire (23V652000); Engine (20V750000); Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk (18V907000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2013 Kia Sorento?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.