CarComplaints.com Notes: There are just too many engine stalls or shuts down while driving reports to feel good about the Sorento. Especially when those things happen, on average, at just over 32,000 miles. Hopefully things will change.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 31
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,737 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 18 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #127

Oct 282017

Sorento

  • 53,812 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle experienced mechanical engine failure and immediate reduction in power while driving around 30 mph up hill. Failure at a higher speed of travel, could have resulted in significant danger to occupants. This vehicle was equipped with the 2.4L mpi engine, which failed in a way consistent with the recalled failure of the 2.4L gdi version. Believe Kia is under-representing the scope of engine problems in the current recall campaign. The engines are failing in the region of connection rod bearings and lower block, while the main difference between the mpi and gdi versions of the engine are in the upper portion of the engine involving fuel injection. Believe the mpi version should be investigated for containing identical or very similar failure modes and manufacturing defects, as they are indeed the same engine family with many shared components.

- Claremont, CA, USA

problem #126

Sep 292017

Sorento

  • 103,000 miles
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento with 103000 miles and I'm the 2nd owner, I think, and have had it for 7 months. Changed the oil regularly and no engine or warning lights were on. I was driving on the highway at 75 mph and the engine stalled. I was able to pull over safely. Started the Sorento again and the engine was making a loud noise. Had to have it towed 40 miles to mechanic who said the rod bearing was the blame and the debris from that caused extensive damage to the vehicle. Contacted Kia 3 times and spoke to supervisors, but they said my engine / VIN # was not covered under the recall and that it was up to me to get fixed. $7000 !!

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #125

Oct 032017

Sorento

  • miles
My car is using oil took it to Kia dealer and they said it had 5 recalls on it after they had the said to drive it for 500 miles if it still uses oil call them back I did and they said their was nothing they could do for me I even bought extra imani tan even insurance that they say will not cover the motor they want me pay 1000 dollars for them to tear it down to see if it is my fault or their and up back together with the same use parts I did not get any notices for any of they recalls they fixed

- East Liverpool, OH, USA

problem #124

Jan 012017

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2013 Kia Sorento. Consumer writes in regards to engine safety recall issued. The consumer stated knocking noise could be heard from the engine. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The consumer stated the dealer refused to repair the engine under the recall. Updated 11/07/2017

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #123

Oct 062017

Sorento

  • 110,000 miles
On October 6th, I was commuting home from work and my vehicle started making noise upon acceleration that sounded like something was loose. Once I arrived at my house, I noticed a knocking sound as I put my vehicle in park. Out nearest Kia service department is not open on saturdays so I took it to a nearby mechanic. They determined there was a bearing issue and I would have to replace the engine. They had a difficult time giving me a complete estimate because they had trouble finding all parts needed. I contacted Kia on Monday and asked if they could help me as I was just a bit over the 100,000 warranty. They suggested I call Kia and speak to a customer service rep and open a case with them. I opened a case and they suggested I bring my car into Kia for a diagnostic. I brought it in on Tuesday and they confirmed there was a bearing issue and the engine would need to be replaced. I was quoted $7,700 before tax for a re-manufactured engine and over $12,000 for a fully assembled engine. My request for Kia to assist me with this repair was put in, I forwarded my maintenance records to the dealership and they sent that along with some photos the district parts and service manager requested of my engine. I did not hear back from Kia even after attempting to follow up daily until October 25 after I requested my case be escalated. I inquired with my case manager, customer service reps, and the service manager at the dealership about what actually went wrong with my engine and how this situation is unlike the most recent recall on my same year make and model engines-only those were gdi. I confirmed that it was a rod bearing that caused metal shavings to be fond in my engine. Based on my research of the recent recall, this is exactly what the issue was. I'm not sire why with so many similar complaints, other engines were not considered in the recall.

- Livermore, CA, USA

problem #122

Oct 132017

Sorento

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a rattling noise under the hood. The noise became extremely loud when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact noticed the rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be taken apart. Additionally, the contact stated that the mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 12519740, but did not offer any further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

- Kingsland, GA, USA

problem #121

Sep 222017

Sorento

  • 62,344 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Kia replaced my engine twice, due to oil consumption. A month after the first engine replacement, I had the same problems.. smoke coming out of exhaust, loss of power, stalling and oil consumption. I was in and out of Kia's service department. They told me nothing was wrong! I moved from co to ne, my husband and I had to add oil every 100 miles, with smoke coming out of exhaust and stalling. Lincoln ne Kia found an oil leak at the exhaust manifold right away! Kia instructs then to replace my engine again! once they replaced engine, they still saw the leak at the exhaust manifold with resulted in more guessing and parts. The day after I picked it up, my husband and I went out to dinner and my Sorento died in the middle of the road. Right away called and got it back in. At first they could not duplicate, however after taking it 50 miles, it died 3 times. They still can't find anything, but feel it may be the throttle body. They put a used one on and have me drive it a few weeks, it didn't die during that time, so they ordered a new one and installed. A month later I drive to co, I break down, it's towed back and Kia can't find anything. I drive it and it dies 1/2 dozen more times, each time I take it right in, but the code has cleared and they can't find anything! finally, it does and the light stays on, it shows it's the map sensor. Kia has a specialist come out to install that and inspect my car. They say it's fixed and safe. I drive to co on 9/22/17, 2 months later and my engine catches on fire. I loss my brakes, can't put it in park and emergency brake won't work. Flames are everywhere, smoke filling my car. I jump out of my burning, moving car and seconds later the whole thing engulfs in flames! most horrific, awful thing ever! I was lucky enough to have minor injuries. My mental and emotional state are a mess! Kia won't do anything!

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #120

Aug 012017

Sorento 4-cyl

  • miles
2013 Kia Sorento. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure while driving. The consumer stated the manufacturer should be responsible for having the engine replaced. The engine in the vehicle was no longer in production. Updated 10/02/2017

- Randall, IA, USA

problem #119

Sep 082017

Sorento

  • 118,000 miles
I experience a loud knocking in my engine, upon bringing to the dealership for further inspection, the engine is believed that the rod bearings failed and the engine has metal debri insode of engine. Causing the engine to be completely unusable and possibly other engine damage because of this. Not to mention the sensors on the car never came on to warn me of any possible problems that might be happening. The car is still being owed on and in undrivable condition. It has been since parked, except when towed ( full bed tow) to the dealership for inspection and than towed back to my residence. The estimated cost Kia offered was over $9,000 for parts and labor with only a 12,000 mile/ 1 year warranty when the original engine warranty is 100.000 mi warranty. The maintence has been kept up on during the life of the vwhicle and no known negligence was done to cause this problem. The problem was identified when my husband was driving and the car stalled out 3 times while picking up our kids from school. When he arrived home it had lound knocking noises coming from engine, so we arranged for the dealer to inspect the issue. They informed me it was over their warranty because of the mileage and wouldnt cover the damage. I have since found out other owners with similar problems as my Kia happening to them as well as the lawsuit that Kia /Hyundai paid out for repairs in the case greg wallis vs. Kia motors case #8:16-cv-01033 (us district court for the central district of California. With them agreeing to pay all repairs.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

problem #118

Sep 082017

Sorento

  • 118,000 miles
My engine has no leaks of oil yet ran out of all but 1 qt, and caused my to get spun bearings, and now engine is ruined. This is less than a 4 year old car and no indicator lights ever came on saying I was low on anything. Also just had major fluids all changed in car less than 6 months ago. It is over the 100,000 warranty so now I have to get a new engine. Looking to see if this is an issue with any other owners. The engine is the V6 engine, the smaller engine was recalled for similar issues, yet mine wasnt in the recall.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

problem #117

Sep 152017

Sorento

  • 104,175 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My engine seized while driving down the interstate @ 77 mph. Kia consumer tells me my engine isn't the engine on the recall list. The gdi engine is and mine is 2.4 L4 DOHC. How come Kia has a recall on 2013 Kia Sorento but discriminates engines. One of the scariest situations I have ever been in! and now Kia says too bad!!! now I am without transportation and relying on friends for rides until Kia consumer can get answers. No loaner from my local dealership or rental. And may I add this happened 691.5 miles from home.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #116

Sep 142017

Sorento

  • 132,000 miles
Engine: Kia made a recalls of 2013 Sorento engines but my engine was not included, the problem is that the metal inside my engine broke and shattered all over the place; when I took it to Kia, I was told that I need a new engine due to it has the same problem as the ones that were recalled but my engine was not included in that recalled. I have write to Kia motors usa, to my dealer city Kia of orlando and I have been completely ignored.

- St Cloud, FL, USA

problem #115

Jun 262017

Sorento

  • 56,000 miles
Military stationed overseas with an upcoming move to the usa (moved August 2017).engine light illuminated on June 25 2017. Engine knock started on June 26. Towed to dealership in england on July 11. Car was ruled inoperable with engine failure on July 12. We were forced to leave our car in england due to parts availability and lack of assistance from Kia. We still have not heard about parts availability nor are we in possession of our car. Nearing 3 months without our vehicle has put us in financial distress.

- Alabaster, AL, USA

problem #114

Sep 082017

Sorento

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 65 mph, a ticking noise emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle started to lose power, the noise grew louder, the vehicle stalled, and the oil warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (saint cloud Kia in waite park, Minnesota). The vehicle was still at the dealer awaiting diagnostic testing. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken for a recall evaluation on 08/31/17 to lupinte Kia in brooklyn park, Minnesota and stated that the vehicle was ok to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

- Coon Rapids, MN, USA

problem #113

Dec 092016

Sorento

  • 700,000 miles
The engine seized and is not working. My car was smoking black and white every time we turn on the car. Kia in salem Oregon revised the car and said that "everything was fine" "runs perfect". the car continued to smoke and smelled bad. They said that is my fault for not making oil changes on time. I did some, missed one or two. Kia refuse to repair my car. Kia does not answer my phone call. My car has been in my garage for 6 moth.

- Albany, OR, USA

problem #112

Jul 262017

Sorento 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's spouse was driving 7 mph, the engine inadvertently revved. The brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a parked vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact's spouse sustained bruising to her chest, which required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. Updated 10/12/17 updated 10/12/2017

- Rocky Mount, NC, USA

problem #111

Jun 062017

Sorento

  • miles
I received notice of NHTSA recall 17V-224, Kia engine safety recall campaign SC147 in the end of May 2017. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing the recall work on approximately June 10, 2017. It is now August 11, 2017 and the recall has not been completed and the vehicle has sat as undriveable for 2 months. This is an unacceptable amount of time to complete the safety recall.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #110

Jan 102017

Sorento

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. When the vehicle was started, black smoke appeared under the hood and the muffler that emitted through the vents inside the vehicle. The contact turned the engine off and called an unknown local Kia dealer located in salem, or where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she did not change the oil when needed; therefore, they would not make any repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.

- Albany, OR, USA

problem #109

Jul 222017

Sorento

  • 90,000 miles
We were driving our 2013 Kia Sorento on the turner turnpike in Oklahoma going straight at approximately 75mph on July 22, 2017 and the car engine went out. We had it towed to Kia and they said the long block went out and the engine seized up and we need to replace with a new engine. The car has approximately 90K miles on it.

- Sapulpa, OK, USA

problem #108

Jul 162017

Sorento

  • miles
Car has 45K miles. Total loss due to engine fire. Oil pan failure. Cause and origin report pending

- South San Francisco, CA, USA

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