TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Kia Sorento powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Kia Sorento have filed 61 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Sorento | 9 |
| 2011 Sorento | 245 |
| 2012 Sorento | 49 |
| 2013 Sorento (this page) | 61 |
| 2014 Sorento | 63 |
| 2015 Sorento | 34 |
| 2016 Sorento | 122 |
| 2017 Sorento | 35 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 61 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 61 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Sorento powertrain exhibits a wide spectrum of failures, many occurring early in ownership or at unexpectedly low mileage. Transmission problems dominate: some transmissions fail or lose function within weeks of purchase (480 miles, 11.5K miles) and require replacement; in several cases dealers installed remanufactured units instead of new parts. Engine stalling without warning is prevalent across dozens of complaints—the vehicle quits at traffic lights, on highways, during turns, with no warning lights or stored diagnostic codes. After restart, it typically runs normally, but the unpredictability creates serious safety hazards. Throttle body and intake manifold issues recur despite repeated replacements and dealership software updates. Violent jerking at specific RPM ranges, loss of motive power, idle vibration, alternator failures, and engine bearing seizures at 72–79K miles round out the pattern. One vehicle caught fire on rural roads; another at highway speed with no prior warning. Braking, electrical systems, and shift mechanisms fail in isolation or together. Owners frequently report dealers cannot reproduce issues or find diagnostic codes, yet the complaints cluster densely enough to suggest systemic design or calibration problems. Multiple NHTSA campaigns (SC106, 15V626000, 17V240000, 20V750000) exist but don't cover all VINs, leaving many owners without remedy.
Same Kia Sorento powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure/loss of function
Transmission slipped, lost function, or failed entirely, sometimes at very low mileage and within months of purchase. Owners report loss of power, inability to accelerate, transmission fluid leakage, and in early cases required complete transmission replacement.
When: As early as 2 months post-purchase; at 11.5K miles, 480 miles, and within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of most transmission function; Transmission slip; Inability to accelerate; Transmission fluid leakage; Vehicle limps home with check engine light; Loud noise from transmission area
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: New or remanufactured transmission replacement. Dealer sometimes replaced transfer case as well.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission ordered and replaced under warranty in early cases; remanufactured parts used instead of new OEM parts in some instances
Engine stalling without warning
Vehicle stalls suddenly during driving or at stops with no warning lights or codes, sometimes repeatedly. Owners report needing to restart the engine multiple times. Stalling occurs at various speeds and conditions with no reproducible pattern, creating serious safety hazards in traffic.
When: At various mileages from 35K to 112K miles; some cases occurring within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling while driving at highway speeds; Stalling at stop lights or stop signs; Stalling during deceleration; Engine quits without warning; Multiple restart attempts required; Vehicle enters limp mode after stalling; Loss of power steering and braking when stalled
Codes mentioned: No codes captured, Check engine light intermittently illuminates but often no stored codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or reproduce issue; some attempts at PCM updates and throttle body cleaning with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign SC106 (PCM software update) released but many VINs not included; recall parts delayed or unavailable
Throttle body and intake manifold issues
Throttle body actuator, throttle body motor, and intake manifold runners fail repeatedly, sometimes requiring multiple replacements within months. Issues persist even after replacement and throttle relearning.
When: Between 8 months and 3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Vehicle goes into limp mode; Slow or no acceleration response; Engine jerks violently; Intake manifold runner performance codes; Throttle body error
Codes mentioned: Throttle body error, P2110, P2106, P0638 (Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance), Intake Manifold Runner Performance (Bank 1)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body actuator and gasket replacement; intake manifold replacement; Motor Module-VCM replacement. Parts replaced multiple times without permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service performed; relearning procedure required but sometimes not executed properly
Violent jerking and loss of power during acceleration
Vehicle jerks violently at specific RPM ranges (around 2000 RPM) or speeds (20-35 MPH) with sudden power loss and unresponsive accelerator. Tachometer drops and engine briefly unresponsive before resuming normal operation.
When: Variable; some cases after PCM reflash; occurs at 60+ MPH and lower speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking (3-5 jerks); Tachometer drops suddenly; Accelerator becomes non-responsive; Engine continues running but in limp mode; Engine may stall completely; Issue non-reproducible to technician; Occurs during highway and city driving
Codes mentioned: No codes captured, No fault indicators recorded
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator, accelerator position sensor, and crankshaft position sensor replaced by owner; PCM reflash performed by dealer; full electrical diagnostics recommended but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission control module reflashed; possible software issue suspected but not confirmed
Loud thumping noise from front/powertrain
Loud thumping or banging noise emanates from front end or powertrain during acceleration at low speeds. Noise recurs after repair, suggesting underlying component failure.
When: 2 months after purchase; recurrence 6-7 months after transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thumping noise at low speeds during acceleration; Noise most noticeable during acceleration; Noise from front end
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission installed; transfer case ordered and installed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission and transfer case replaced under warranty
Harsh bang/clunk when shifting from park
Vehicle produces loud bang or clunk noise when shifting from park to reverse or drive, with vehicle lurching forward. Issue occurs sporadically, making it non-reproducible at dealer.
When: Unknown specific timing; occurs repeatedly over time
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang/clunk when shifting from park; Vehicle lurches forward; Sporadic occurrence; Safety concern for nearby pedestrians
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealers unable to reproduce
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny problem exists due to inability to reproduce
Brake shift interlock failure
Brake shift interlock mechanism becomes fractured or defective, causing gear shifter to stiffen and vehicle to continue rolling forward when placed in park without warning.
When: At 138K miles (one case); varies in other cases
Symptoms owners cite: Stiffened gear shifter; Vehicle continues to roll forward in park; Brake shift interlock fractured
Repairs/costs cited: Brake shift interlock mechanism replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V626000 (Powertrain) repair previously performed; second repair required out-of-pocket; manufacturer claimed vehicle out of warranty and third-party repairs voided assistance
Wheel speed sensor and hub assembly failure
Wheel speed sensor and hub assembly fail prematurely, sometimes twice within the warranty period or shortly after. Failures occur well before the stated 80K-100K mile service life.
When: At approximately 62K miles first failure, then again at higher mileage after oil change service
Symptoms owners cite: Sensor warning lights on dashboard; Premature hub assembly wear
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel speed sensor and hub assembly replacement required twice
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain/relevant warranty should cover; owner had to repeatedly contact Kia customer service to obtain authorization
Excessive engine oil consumption
Engine consumes excessive amounts of oil, requiring investigation and diagnostics that reveal transmission and catalytic converter issues requiring replacement, but problem persists. Later determined engine replacement needed.
When: At approximately 99.5K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive engine oil consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and catalytic converter replaced; later diagnosed as needing engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V750000 (Engine) related but VIN not included in recall; engine replacement not covered by warranty
Idle vibration and shaking
Vehicle vibrates and shakes excessively at idle speed, whether in gear or in park. Issue present from day one with new vehicle and persists despite dealer service attempts.
When: From day one of ownership; continues after 1,500+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at idle speed; Shaking in drive and park; Feels like vehicle will stall; Vibration disappears only in neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Tensioner and alternator pulley replacement; software upgrade attempted (if applicable to VIN). Vibration reduced but not eliminated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Possible software upgrade available for certain manufacture dates; dealers installed new tensioner and alternator pulley
Alternator failure
Alternator fails, causing battery charging issues and loss of electrical power during driving. Multiple instances of alternator replacement at high cost.
When: Various mileages; one case at approximately 79K miles (coinciding with engine seizure)
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate; Interior lights illuminate; Vehicle becomes sluggish; Engine produces clicking sounds; Multiple restart attempts required; Loss of electrical power
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; cost $946.14 in one case. Engine replacement also required in one case coinciding with alternator failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator replaced at dealer; no recall for this issue
Engine seizure and bearing failure
Engine bearing fails, causing rod bearing to blow out and make hole in engine, resulting in engine seizure. Occurs at very low mileage (72K-79K miles). Parts backordered for months.
When: At 72K-79K miles; one case at 79K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound from engine; Engine seizure; Engine will not restart; Loss of electrical power coinciding with engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rod bearing blowout; complete engine replacement required. Parts backordered from November through March.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V240000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued for some Sorentos but notification not received in at least one case; warranty did not cover bearing failure in some cases
Loss of motive power while driving
Vehicle suddenly loses all motive power while in motion at various speeds. Engine may restart and run normally, or require multiple restart attempts. No warning lights or diagnostic codes present.
When: At various mileages from 35K to 133K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power; Vehicle coasts to shoulder; Engine stalls; No warning lights illuminated; No diagnostic codes recorded; Engine restarts and runs normally after power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics unable to determine cause; dealers unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; case numbers opened but no recalls issued; some owners suspect software update was cause
Engine fire
Vehicle catches fire while driving, with flames originating from unknown location. Smoke enters interior. In some cases, entire engine was replaced free after fire incident.
When: At 133K miles (one case); at highway speed in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal sound from rear; Instrument panel behaves erratically; Loss of all motive power; Smoke entering interior; Vehicle unable to shift into park; Vehicle engulfed in flames
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss in one case; entire engine replaced free of cost in another case after fire on rural roads
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle towed to Kia dealership; engine replaced free of cost in one case; vehicle total loss in another case
Complete electrical failure
Multiple electrical system failures occur, including key fob malfunction, horn going off uncontrollably, radio failure, all dashboard lights illuminating, loss of power windows, inability to accelerate, and inability to shift out of neutral.
When: Sudden onset after normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob not working; Horn going off uncontrollably; Vehicle will not start; Radio not working; All dashboard lights turn on; Vehicle loses power while driving; Power windows barely work; Unable to accelerate; Gear shift stuck in neutral; Unable to shift to park
Repairs/costs cited: Battery checked and found fully charged; battery cables cleaned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Grinding or bearing noise in transmission
Transmission produces grinding or bearing noise when in reverse and when accelerating from stops. Noise temperature-dependent and occurs both on streets and highways. Vehicle sometimes will not lock fully in park gear.
When: Timing unknown; present before recall notification
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding/bearing noise in reverse; Grinding noise when accelerating from stop; Noise varies with temperature (louder when hot, intermittent when cold); Noise continues while driving in reverse; Noise when pressing gas at traffic light; Vehicle sometimes won't lock in park gear
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in applicable recall despite matching symptoms
Brake pedal failure
Brake pedal travels to floorboard and becomes stuck when depressed while exiting highway. Vehicle loses electrical power and is unable to restart.
When: At 79K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floorboard; Brake pedal becomes stuck; Loss of electrical power; Vehicle unable to restart; Engine seizure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine seizure diagnosis; new engine required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V240000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) applicable but notification not received; Gear shifter replaced per Campaign 15V626000 (Powertrain)
Slow acceleration and inability to exceed speed
Vehicle experiences slow acceleration and inability to exceed certain speeds (60 MPH) during operation. Issues persist even after multiple diagnoses and repairs.
When: At 72 MPH initially, then ongoing inability to exceed 60 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Slow acceleration response; Vehicle stalls; Unable to accelerate over 60 MPH; Thumping noise; No check engine light
Codes mentioned: No codes found
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid in transmission suspected; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosis inconclusive; vehicle tested multiple times with behavior mimicked during testing
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Front wheel, 4 cylinder engine grossly under powered. Making a left or right turn from stop, the engine hesitated almost to the point of stalling. This is a potential head-on collision even on a moderately busy road. Kia dealer claims no defect in vehicle. *js
Around 4:30am (still dark outside) I was on my way to work, my engine was making knocking sounds and I started to get off on an exit, all of the sudden it seemed as if every light on the dashboard came on, the oil change light and some signs I've never seen before lighted up, the car went dead and came back on instantly, the steering wheel locked and I could no longer accelerate almost causing a…
While driving at highway speed my wife with 7 year old daughter in car had all the dash lights and interior lights illuminate and the car became sluggish and was hard to drive. I advised he via mobile phone to immediately pull over and turn the car off. I told he to wait a minute and try to restart it and see what happens. All dash lights lit up again and the car made a click, click, click…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 61 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 28,606 and 114,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,606; a quarter make it past 114,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.