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:
71,630 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

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Kia Sorento:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 2 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #452

Dec 022023

Sorento

  • miles

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

We were told by our auto mechanic that this vehicle needed a new electrical control module. The part has been on back-order with the local KIA dealership for a couple of months. My daughter was driving the car recently when all of the lights went out, and the car would only drive forward approximately 5 miles per hour. The car began to shudder and I had my daughter pull into the nearest parking lot and park the car. The engine shut off as she entered the parking lot, the car could not be placed in any other gear except neutral, and there was a burning smell. We pushed the car into a parking spot and removed the key from the ignition. We had to put the emergency brake on to keep the car from rolling. There is a safety recall related to this specific problem, but KIA states it does not have a remedy for the problem yet. What are we supposed to do?

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #451

Oct 012023

Sorento

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and incline warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 155,00. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Salem, OH, USA

problem #450

Dec 012023

Sorento

  • miles
I have experienced multiple electrical failures, engine stalling & fuel pump issues. One after another. I had the fuel pump sensor replaced ($900 just for one part) a few months ago. I have wires randomly corroding - headlight connector. As of 2 days ago my ignition switch and starter solenoid intermittenly fails to send voltage to the starter. Won-??t know if the starter motor will need replaced until it-??s tested and proven it wasn-??t the culprit for the failure of the other two. I have replaced 2 spark plugs. They have still been read to misfire. Random electrical things stopped working like my heated seats and a few steering wheel buttons. (I-??d like to note the battery was just replaced last month) All of these problems seem to be linked with several recalls. All problems have all occurred over the last 6 months. There is an abundance of evidence pointing to faulty wiring and electrical issues. This recent HECU recall is basically saying our cars could spontaneously combust while not in use due to an electrical short circuit. Barely outlining the dangers it could cause while actually in use. A simple google will tell you if this system fails so could your ABS. Even with the ABS engine light warning how do we know it could warn us far enough in advance to pull over to safety" Imagine that while even going the speed limit in a school zone let alone the interstate. I have kids. This is terrifying. I can-??t afford to just replace my vehicle. I have proof of a very well maintained lifetime of repair and maintenance on this vehicle. I had no knowledge of any prior recall issues until I spent hours researching. You buy a car and assume that if it has been well maintained it-??s safe. My mistake. I would have absolutely declined had I known I-??m strapping my babies in a double death trap every day over a failed circuit. Can we just accept the fact that this is certainly due to the engine replacements? Perhaps some were installed more carefully and correctly than others"

- Prairie Grove, AR, USA

problem #449

Nov 272023

Sorento

  • miles

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

Almost got into crash on highway with a truck going on right lane as Kia did not pick up speed while going on speeding lane and lanes getting merged due to construction. Having trouble changing the gears - Engine keep creating lot of noise even during the 1st gear. Can feel jerks while gears being changed and sometimes feel burning smell. 2 Recalls were done in 2021 on this vehicle related to Engine and transmission. Kia dealer at Abilene (325-267-7409 - James) not willing to check anything at all - also not going to fix the latest recall. Saying it might take couple of months to fix. Afraid of even driving this Kia Sorento due to fire risk and kept car outside in the frontyard. Spent thousands on rental cars and Uber as it is primary and only car for our whole family.

- Abilene, TX, USA

problem #448

Nov 072023

Sorento

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the RPM-??s revved up however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #447

Sep 282023

Sorento

  • miles
Engine cooling system failure on my second engine after it being replaced ounce already still the same thing overheating millions of recalls on 2013 kia serento with cooling system failures why am I have to buy another engine with 2 years of replacing my original with the same problem my vehicle vin need to be added with the rest of the same year make an model

- Carrollton , GA, USA

problem #446

Sep 062023

Sorento

  • miles

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

1) Engine suddenly stopped; seized; couldn't control steering wheel was very hard to steer off road; 2)safety of passengers and children in school zone; 3) safety 3 passengers ages 67, 93, 13 because of sudden stop; reduced speed at its own pace and vehicles behind, traffic; steering was difficult because of locked engine; 4) had to push off busy street, got towed next day; 5) no warning prior to failure on 9/6/2023 at 1130am CDT.

- Pearland , TX, USA

problem #445

Aug 032023

Sorento

  • miles
Car caught fire in the engine compartment.

- Van Alstyne, TX, USA

problem #444

Aug 182023

Sorento

  • miles
Burning oil rapidly at approximately 100,000 miles. Engine started to make a clicking noise when going uphill with poor acceleration. Engine seized while driving, but was able to pull over to safe area thankfully. Learned of engine recall and is now being replaced by dealership at 118,000 miles.

- Rincon, PR, USA

problem #443

Aug 152023

Sorento

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle consumed one quart of oil for every 700 miles driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #442

Aug 212023

Sorento

  • miles

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

P1326 came on while traveling at highway speed 70mph, the vehicle jerked and turned of while traveling. Managed to pull over at weight station to get towing service. The vehicle just started knocking and on safe mode at 2000rpm. Can't drive it.

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

problem #441

Aug 082023

Sorento

  • miles
When driving to work the engine made a noise then quit running. It will not turn over.

- Trenton, FL, USA

problem #440

Aug 102023

Sorento

  • miles
KIA vehicles have an oil comsumption problem. I discovered recently that my engine was empty of oil. Two weeks later I check the oil level and was 2 quarts below full capacity. I went to an online forum of KIA owners and discovered the seriousness of the problem. The main problem are engines seizing-up while highway driving. I can attest to the seriousness of this problem when approximately 1 year ago my daughter's 2012 KIA Optima engine seized while driving and fortunately her husband was with her and helped her steer the vehicle to a safe place along the highway. KIA has known of this problem for many years and has yet to con-front the issue.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #439

Jul 212023

Sorento

  • miles
High oil consumption for several months. Using 3-5 qts of oil every other week. Oil is burnt and black. Engine noise. Engine failed while driving.

- Vale, NC, USA

problem #438

Jul 312023

Sorento

  • miles
This truck has had one owner (though 3 on paper - myself and my ex husband, then transferred solely to me, then transferred to my current partner a few months ago). It has been pristinely maintained and has 110,000 miles on it. Despite absolutely perfect maintenance, and even taking it to the dealer in March and asking them to look for problems, and none being found, the engine blew on the highway yesterday. It started to get sluggish, then slowed significantly, the check engine light came on, and then we coasted off the ramp, having to push the truck the rest of the way to safety. Local shops are quoting $10,000 to rebuild or $12,000 for a new engine.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #437

Nov 172021

Sorento

  • miles
The engine started knocking, experienced loss of power, and oil leaks around the engine head. Kia of Savannah refused to retrieve the vehicle, and I could not afford to tow it to them. Then, they could not get me an appointment for months. Now they are refusing to conduct repairs because the -??knock sensor upgrade-?? was never performed.

- Statesboro, GA, USA

problem #436

Jun 262023

Sorento

  • 178,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the warranty requirements. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

- Middlebury, VT, USA

problem #435

May 292023

Sorento

  • 94,000 miles
The contact-??s stepdaughter owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the driver was driving 10 MPH, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact was unsure if a warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) since an unknown recall for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update on the vehicle was not performed. However, the contact stated that he had scheduled an appointment with the dealer for Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

- Kittanning, PA, USA

problem #434

May 012023

Sorento

  • miles
engine stopped. will not turn over. checked oil control valve and full of metal shavings. oil pan full of metal shavings. call kia. not on list. repair yourself. they are not reparing any cars. said they were but denying everyone. check the records. all talk and no action. pleasing the judge with their layer statements. what can i do. i have no help. no kia, no court, no gov. never again will i and my court be debutted.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #433

Jun 172023

Sorento

  • miles
Driving car, was getting off an exit and the engine completely seized up, no power, no lights, no steering. Had it towed. Found out the engine seized with no apparent reason and the motor needs to be replaced.

- Rainier, WA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?