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 ↗2013 Kia Sorento suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Kia Sorento have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Sorento | 47 |
| 2012 Sorento | 20 |
| 2013 Sorento (this page) | 7 |
| 2014 Sorento | 10 |
| 2016 Sorento | 10 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
TSB-CHA042 IS CLOSED AS OF 1/12/2015. REFER TO CHA051.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: COMBINED TSB / SERVICE ACTION: FRONT STRUT BEARING REPLACEMENT (SA178) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE FRONT STRUT BEARINGS ON SOME 2011- 2013MY SORENTO (XMA) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM OCTOBER 26, 2009 THROUGH JANUARY 21, 2013, WHICH MAY EXHIBIT A CREAKING NOISE EMANATING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL QUICKLY, AT SLOW SPEEDS. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPLACE THE FRONT STRUT BEARING BY FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: FRONT STRUT AND DUST COVER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure for replacing the front struts and dust covers on some 2011-2013MY Sorento (XM) vehicles, produced from October 26, 2009 through January 21, 2013, which may exhibit a condition related to oil leakage and/or noise emanating from the front struts.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2013 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 30,770 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.