The 2013 Kia Sorento is plagued with powertrain problems that increase the risk of a fire and can lead to stalls. Despite the Korean automaker issuing recalls for these matters, some owners still had to spend over $5,000 on repairs.
Key Points
- The 2013 Kia Sorento has four recalls, eight investigations, and over 740 owner complaints registered with the NHTSA.
- Recalls concern the SUV rolling away while in park, metal debris being left in the motor during production, and two over potential fires.
- Of the eight investigations for 2013 Sorento, most have ended with a recall being issued.
- More than half of the SUVs registered complaints pertain to engine stalling problems.
- Faulty passenger airbags, sunroofs shattering, and poor paint jobs are some other commonly cited Sorento problems.
2013 Kia Sorento Was Recalled Four Times, Two Specifically for Models With the 2.4L Engine
With a sturdy interior and many options, the 2013 Kia Sorento checks quite a few boxes for shoppers looking for a solid midsize SUV under $20,000. However, numerous shortcomings damage the Korean SUV’s reliability.
The 2013 Sorento has been recalled four times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with many stemming from one of the model’s eight investigations.
The first recall was issued over a brake mechanism that can crack, leading to the transmission shifting out of “Park” and allowing the vehicle to roll away.
Another recall concerns metal debris that may have been left in the crankshaft’s oil passages during production of models with the 2.4L GDI engine. If ignored, this debris can cause internal damage to the motor, reducing longevity.
Following an earlier NHTSA investigation, Kia also issued a recall specifically for Sorentos that previously received an engine replacement. These new motors may have a damaged or improperly torqued high-pressure fuel pipe that leaks fuel, potentially creating a fire hazard.
The most recent recall issued for the 2013 Sorento also involves the 2.4L engine. In this, a production defect can lead to the motor catching fire while running.
Most 2013 Sorento Complaints Pertain to Engine Stalls, an Issue Not Covered by Kia
Despite recalls covering some engine problems, others remain unresolved. Many owners have complained about dealing with stalls—and even complete engine failure—and having to pay the repair bills out of their own pockets.
More than half of the 2013 Kia Sorento’s 745 owner complaints on NHTSA pertain to the engine. Owners have mentioned hearing a loud ticking noise from under the hood followed by a loss of power while the vehicle was in motion.
Reports posted on Car Complaints echo these same problems. One owner, after noticing a significant reduction in engine power and contacting Kia for a recall, shares “They mention this engine is not under recall… [the problem] eventually turned out to be a $6,300.00 estimated engine replacement.”
One owner even mentioned that “the brand-new engine that took five months to arrive had the same issues as my engine that is being replaced.”
Remaining 2013 Sorento Complaints Mention Malfunctioning Airbag Sensors, Flawed Sunroofs, and Peeling Paint
Of the remaining NHTSA complaints, over 50 pertain to airbag problems. According to reports, the airbag warning light comes on, indicating the passenger airbag is defective and would not deploy in case of a crash. A faulty airbag sensor looks to be the culprit. According to a few complaints, replacing the sensor stands at a steep $2,000 or so.
Various 2013 Kia Sorento owners have also had their sunroofs shatter out of the blue. On a forum page on Kia Owners Club, owners have mentioned that the automaker refuses to cover the repair cost under warranty.
Last but not least, many owners say the pearl white color on their 2013 Sorento peels off, even after a short time on the road. The problem stems from the manufacturer forgetting to prime specific panels during production.
Kia hasn’t recalled the SUV to provide a remedy, leaving owners to spend $700 to $1,000 to fix the problem.
Photos: Kia
