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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-KIA-SORENTO NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2013 · Kia

Kia Sorento problems

975 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 1 active recall campaign on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Sorento?
Avoid — the engine

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
382 reports · fails ~92,963 mi · avg $3,100
severe
electrical
101 reports · fails ~75,770 mi · avg $850
severe
body
79 reports · fails ~76,734 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
brakes
66 reports · fails ~96,930 mi · avg $450
severe
powertrain
61 reports · fails ~71,678 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
55 reports · fails ~85,118 mi · avg $1,100
severe
lighting
42 reports · fails ~96,162 mi · avg $250
moderate
visibility
29 reports · fails ~33,534 mi · avg $350
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2013 Sorento's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 Sorento?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Sorento · electrical
Three warning lights came on simultaneously while I was driving down the highway at 65 MPH. The warning lights were the ABS, traction control, and down hill. I took it to precision tune for a diagnosis and was told I need a passenger rear wheel speed sensor.
12/31/2019 · at 105,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292259.0 · see electrical pattern →
2013 Sorento · engine
The engine seized while I was driving on the interstate. The engine did have a minor oil leak since the time of purchase from the dealership, it was monitored and replinished reqularly and had been done the same day the engine seized.
12/31/2019 · at 109,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292308.0 · see engine pattern →
2013 Sorento · engine
My vehicle has gone into "limp" mode twice on the interstate and twice in local traffic without warning. The last time was yesterday, december 30, 2018. That means that I lose all power to accelerate beyond a low limit. If I pull over and restart the motor, it runs normally for…
12/31/2018 · at 22,457 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164204.0 · see engine pattern →
2013 Sorento · visibility
Sun roof is actually buckling. With the information listed about the sunroof recall we are nervous this might impact this. I am 7 months pregnant and afraid to drive my car. *js
12/31/2014 · at 18,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669382.0 · see visibility pattern →
View all 975 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2013 Kia Sorento? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 15V626000 October 6, 2015

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013

Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

AQ Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 975 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Kia Sorento has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2013 Kia Sorento?

On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Kia Sorento is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 22 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the engine; Electrical system: 101 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 40,000–117,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Kia Sorento?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 382 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 92,963 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 92,963 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Sorento has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Kia Sorento?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 975 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Kia/Sorento. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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