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

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2013 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 22 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #52

Jun 202014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 13,500 miles

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

We bought the vehicle new from Kia dealer with 8000 mile in March 2013 and we did all the maintenance as prescribed. V6 3.6L 4X4 after 14 months while driving approximately at 20 - 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly would not accelerate. After turning the vehicle off and restarting the engine the vehicle operated as normal. This happened 2 times in 4 days in same circumstances. The mil came on Friday 20 June and stay on until Saturday 21 June. It happened again on Sunday 22 June at almost the same speed. We take it at one close shop and they read the codes P2110; P2106; P0638 which are power train related and throttle actuator control range /performance. They didnt erase the codes. I dont know the reason but on Monday 23 June the mil went off again. The car is functioning normal now but I dont know what to do I wonder if the codes are stored in the ECM. This seem to be verry dangerous it can happen anywhere and anytime and I wonder why Kia didn't make a recall cause I see a lot a complaints as mine. I will take it to the dealer and keep you informed, I hope they will fix it under waranty. Anyway this will be my last Kia!!!

- Downers Grove, IL, USA

problem #51

Oct 012013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 19,000 miles
We have owned our Kia for 9 months, it has been in the shop at least 4 times and now its in the shop again. The vehicle will come to a complete stop when going full speed, we were going 45mph for the last incident and the Kia came to a complete stop out of no where and the engine shut was still on but idle high and would not go anywhere until you turned the Kia off, waited for 15-20mins for it to "reprogram" and then it had enough power to move slowly out of the road. After getting it home my husband called the dealership the first time and they had no idea what was wrong so they sent us to another dealership who said they couldn't find anything wrong at the time but if it happens again to bring it back, well 9 months later we are still having issues and are not able to drive it without fear that it will just randomly shut down in the roadway. The one time it did it we were on the interstate, as a parent my kids can not ride in a vehicle that keeps doing this and Kia will not fix the issue.

- Strasburg, VA, USA

problem #50

May 292014

Sorento

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle became resistant to acceleration. The contact indicated that after turning the vehicle off and restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The failure was recurring and on one occasion, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

- Finleyville, PA, USA

problem #49

Apr 012013

Sorento

  • 5,094 miles

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

I have a 2013 Kia Sorento V-6. approx. 6 mths into owning the vehicle, while accelerating to turn right after stopping at a stop sign, the engine died and car lost all power. The car was stuck at a 45 degree angle 1/2 way into the lane of traffic. I was lucky that no-one was coming or I would have been T-boned. The car dash was completely dark with no lights whatsoever, no brakes and no steering (since both are power). I had no idea what happened and had a lot of trouble getting the car into neutral to attempt re-start. After several attempts, it finally did re-start. Took it to Kia who was unable to duplicate the problem. Second time (11 mths), I was accelerating from stopping at a stop light - engine died and car lost all power, no steering or brakes - no dash lights. Cars had to go around me and I was praying I didn't get rear-ended. Again, car started after several attempts. Third time (12 mths), was at the bottom of a freeway off-ramp. Attempted to go after light turned green and engine died - again lost all power - no dash lights, steering or brakes - cars had to go around me. Fourth time (17 mths) stalled in parking lot when I stopped at intersection to turn left - same symptoms. This car is dangerous! Kia needs to recall and correct this problem before a serious accident occurs and someone dies. I'm afraid every time I drive it. Huge safety issue! NHTSA, please do something.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #48

Sep 092012

Sorento

  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when at a stop sign, the vehicle would stall without warning. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a technician was unable to replicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000 and the current mileage was 21,000. The VIN was not available.

- Stoneham, MA, USA

problem #47

Oct 182013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 9,780 miles
Vehicle shut down while in motion or making a left turn or a right turn at 25-35 mph... it is unsafe to drive.. I have taken the car to the dealer numerous of time and they still haven't fixed the problem and my wife and kids are the one that are always in there..

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #46

May 062014

Sorento

  • 41,100 miles

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

As I was driving at about 15-20mph the car shut off completely as I was making a left hand turn without warning. This is the third time at different speeds since we purchased the vehicle in January 2014. We have taken it to Kia dealership for repair, regular oil changes and maintenance. They were unable to find anything wrong, read any codes with computer or duplicate the problem. I am very concerned as this is our family car and it is a driving hazard not knowing when it will shut off with no warning, next time it could be in the middle of the intersection or freeway! we plan on taking back today to dealership.

- Albuquerque , NM, USA

problem #45

Apr 282014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 13,250 miles
I was driving in traffic and all of a sudden, the car dies. The lights on the dashboard illuminate. I had to put the car in park, then tried starting the car again. After 2 times, the car turned back on fine. I brought the car to the dealer and there couldn't replicate the problem and didn't find any computer codes stored. This is quite a safety hazard and now I don't feel safe driving the car, especially with my kids in the car.

- Daly City, CA, USA

problem #44

Aug 062012

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a technician was unable to locate a failure. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000 and the current mileage was 16,000. Updated 7/25/14

- Peabody, MA, USA

problem #43

Feb 102014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 9,000 miles
First incident : after a full stop at red light, as car took off, engine stalled out. Had to try several times to restart engine. After restarted, the car drove fine. Second incident : after slowing down the car to about 3mph and reaccelerating, engine stalled out. After a few tries to restart the engine, it restarted and drove fine.

- Edison, NJ, USA

problem #42

Apr 012014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 16,000 miles

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

I have a 2013 Kia Sorento that has lost power numerous (10-15) times. It has occurred in multiple settings, at lights, driving down the street, but mostly while driving down a very busy interstate at 65-70 miles an hour. This car is going to get me, one of my grandbabies or someone else killed! once I turn on my hazzards and get the car over to the side of the road/median, turn it off and back on it starts and continues on down the road with the engine light on. The first time I took it in they told me the seal on the gas tank was bad and they replaced it. The second time I took it in they told me the computer couldn't find anything wrong. I'm taking it in first thing tomorrow morning as it happened on the interstate again this morning, wonder what they'll tell me this time?! I should have stuck with my 9 year old Chevrolet, never had a single problem. Please, please investigate this problem and force and find a fix" before" people are killed!

- Buford, GA, USA

problem #41

Jul 052013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 800 miles
Engine stalled a total of 8 times while in motion since 6/13/12, the date of purchase of this new car. This car had been taken into the dealer multiple times. Kia has said it cannot diagnose the problem.

- Doweny, CA, USA

problem #40

Mar 222014

Sorento

  • 29,000 miles
I have owned this car for 1 week and while driving in the middle of traffic at about 35 mph it completely shut off! I almost caused a major accident!

- Jackson, MO, USA

problem #39

Mar 172014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
We have 2013 Kia Sorento, it is been few months we have this problem of shutting engine down when driving in slow speed around 35 to 40 miles sometime less and sometime stopping at traffic light or stop sign, also we noticed if we go over the street bumps or down hill like entering underground parking. Been in dealer too many times, been contact by corporate office; every time we took the car to the dealer their answer was, we drove we could not find any problem and we have to take the car back, because they are driving in hwy with 70 or higher speed. Few months back dealer called and informed us we have recall by Kia and it is related to your problem, they flush the software and load new. Car was running fine until few days ago shuts down two times in three days in malls public parking place and once at stop sign and both times cause problem for other cars. We took the car back to Kia dealer and they called us back again with no result. I left the car at dealer and not going to get it back until they resolve this issue or give us our down payment back. This is not safe for my self and my family and other drivers and their family but I guess Kia Corp doesn't care and just wants to make money.

- Gledale, CA, USA

problem #38

Mar 112014

Sorento

  • 19,000 miles
Engine dies out unexpectedly. Driving at low speeds the car will shut off. This has happened at least 3 times. Once was in a parking lot. I was driving slowly and allowing pedestrians to cross in front of me. As I stopped for a person the engine completely shut off. I had to put it into neutral and restart in order to move. Seemed fine after that. Second time was in stop and go traffic. Crawling along and stopping. As I slowly moved forward car died. Again had to throw it into neutral and restart it. Third time was stopped at a stop sign. Started to turn right from stop sign and car died. Again had to restart. This is a dangerous problem. If I was stopped then pulled into fast oncoming traffic and it died I could be hit. The dealership cannot duplicate the problem therefore cannot fix it. I have seen multiple complaints online about this. Kia needs to determine the cause of the issue before someone is killed.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

problem #37

May 012013

Sorento

  • 7,903 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while decelerating to a stop, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact restarted the engine and the vehicle operated normally. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the defect could not be duplicated. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,903.

- Azusa, CA, USA

problem #36

Feb 152014

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 29,530 miles
While driving on the freeway at about 70 mph the car's accelerator stopped working and the engine light came on. I was in the lane next to the fast lane in los angeles. I quickly turned on my hazard lights and pulled over about 5 lanes to the shoulder. Thank goodness it was late at night and I was able to pull over safely. I had four kids in the car driving home from magic mountain! I turned off the car and turned it back on and it worked fine the rest of the way home although I did stay in the slow lanes in case it happened again. This happened on a Saturday. On Sunday my husband drove the car a few miles to have lunch. The engine light was on when he left but then turned off when he was on his way home. Took the car to the dealership on Monday and they said I needed a computer update and that would fix the problem. They let me know this has happened to other cars and the computer update has worked. Very disappointed in Kia knowing this has happened and not sending a letter or letting us know about the problem to have us come in and get the update done. We could have been in a serious accident resulting in death. I hope this fixes the problem. This is the first Kia I have owned and have loved the car up until this point.

- Lakeside, CA, USA

problem #35

Jan 292014

Sorento

  • 22,000 miles
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento that I bought brand new with only 8 miles on it. I was at a stop light and my car lunged forward as if someone hit us from behind but there was no one there. So when the light turned green we started to go and noticed we had no power and the check engine light was on. We were able to get to the side of the road and turn off the car and called aaa and the dealership telling them what happened. So once it got there the service tech and it probably was the computer and it needed to be updated. I stayed there for about 1 hour while they did the update and then they test drove it and the check engine light came back on. So then they said it was the throttle body so they replaced it and test drove it again and the check engine light came on again. So they found that it was the PCM. Not totally sure what that is. He says it was 1500$ part in the computer that was malfunctioning. But they had my car for a week doing the repairs and now is running good. They also have me a rental car. So in all the dealership did a good job fixing my car and wouldn't stop until it was fixed right.

- Apple Valley, CA, USA

problem #34

Jan 162014

Sorento

  • 22,171 miles
Driving through neighborhood approximately 25 to 30 mph, vehicle suddenly screeched to halt (I did not depress the brakes), engine light came on. All parts of vehicle were disabled (unable to steer, start, etc.) I was thrown forward despite seat belt on due to sudden and complete stop. Thankfully, I was the only vehicle in the roadway at the moment. After several minutes of no response from vehicle with ignition issues, I was finally able to restart and continue my drive, as well as contact dealer for appointment to 'repair' this rampantly unsafe 2013 Kia sorrento engine issue. I purchased this vehicle new in February 2013 with the notion that Kia has a 5 star safety rating. After this incident and after reviewing other eerily similar complaints, I vehemently disagree with the rating. This is an extreme safety hazard. I drive to and from patient's homes for a living, often traveling freeways and in remote areas. I did not notice any issues with motor prior to 'computer upgrade' requested at last visit to dealer. I am hoping that Kia resolves this obviously rampant issue before serious injury or death results from this problem. I will no longer Transport my children in this vehicle until Kia can remedy this situation. I am taking in to the same dealer who did 'upgrade' today to 'repair' if possible. I will also be contacting Kia via phone and email contact as well as the dealer from whom I purchased my vehicle. All need to know that this engine failure issue is serious and could be fatal if not dealt with soon.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #33

Nov 272013

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 17,500 miles
I was stopped in the left turn lane waiting for traffic to pass so that I could pull into a shopping center parking lot when suddenly everything shut off. I had first noticed the radio had shut off and then I realized that the entire engine had shut down as I could not move the vehicle. After putting the vehicle in park and turning the ignition off and the restarting it, I was able to resume driving. As this was the day before thanksgiving, I was not able to take the car to the dealership until the Saturday after thanksgiving. Similar to others here who have made complaints, the automotive technicians at the dealership were not able to find anything wrong with the car even after test driving it and having it connected to the computer. The problem has not occurred since taking it to the dealership. I thought that maybe this was just a fluke thing until I read all of the complaints here. Kia really needs to find out what the issue is with these vehicles before someone gets seriously injured or killed.

- Laveen, AZ, USA

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