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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-KIA-SORENTONHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Kia
2013 Kia Sorento problems
The 2013 Kia Sorento has 978 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 1 active recall campaign.
The 2013 Kia Sorento has 978 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 385 complaints, typically surfacing around 92,963 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
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.
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
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Kia Sorento? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 385 owner reports
· tends to show around 92,963 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 101 owner reports
· tends to show around 75,770 mi · ~$850 to fix
body — 79 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,734 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
brakes — 66 owner reports
· tends to show around 96,930 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 92,963 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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.
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.
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…
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
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.
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
AQService 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 →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 978 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 should I check before buying a used 2013 Kia Sorento?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 385 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 92,963 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Kia Sorento a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 978 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 92,963 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Kia Sorento?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 385 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 978 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days 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.
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