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    Kia Sorento

    EPA MPG: 22 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2013 Sorento is much less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2013 Kia Sorento has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    ""Kia needed three times to repair. Due to their incomplete diagnosis the last became a warranty issue.corporate tried to tell me ,since I took the car for inspection from a certified mechanic the car was no longer warrantied they assumed I was a ignorant consumer who did not read their warranty. The warranty has no such restriction. I stopped using Kia once the warranty expired. I sat in their show room who they quoted $1250 for four wheel brakes grind two rotors and replace two. Most local costs between $600 and $800 the customer was a 70 year old veteran.""

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Compressor works at higher rpm but does not work at idle"

    Anonymous A., WA (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Condenser

    "Condenser hose was stopped up not allowing it to drain."

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Kia failed to use leak detector until warranty was expired"

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Kia failed to identify part of the compressor leak on two trips resulting in a third trip when the Kia was out of warranty. Multiple delays due to poor sourcing."

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Other steering/suspension problem

    "Handling became very twitchy. Service technician discover rear subframe failed due to rust. Replaced all rear suspension components."

    Anonymous A., IN (2013 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Shocks or struts

    "Unusual noise and uneven tire wear was attributed to struts that needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous A., CO (2013 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    "As part of the suspension issues and uneven tire wear it was determined that the front wheel bearings were faulty and needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous A., CO (2013 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Plastic trim around the front windshield will not stay on and vibrates at highway speeds - its been in the the dealership twice for repair with no resolution."

    Anonymous A., MO (2013 Kia Sorento LX 3.5-L V6)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "LARGE areas of paint peeling off the car. Pearl white paint. Apparently a problem with this paint color across many auto manufacturers according to a body shop I spoke to about it."

    Anonymous A., MO (2013 Kia Sorento Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    "The pearl white paint is an issue on all KIAs apparently, peeling began about 2019 on a 2013 model and KIA will not warranty it or provide any relief to get the car repainted. Some kind of issue with the primer and paint adhesion."

    Anonymous A., MO (2013 Kia Sorento LX 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""Engine through a rod but there was a recall. Kia had no problem rebuilding the engine, even though the car had surpassed the warranty. The vehicle has worked perfectly since the rebuild. Customer service was excellent.""

    Anonymous A., (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Head gasket

    "Head gasket seal compromised, Kia tech took engineer apart, water created a sludge at the bottom of the engine. Kia refused to replace engine which was under warranty and claimed poor maintenance since it was not serviced regularly at a Kia dealership. Unable to afford lawyers, car does not have a working engine at this point in time."

    Anonymous, (2013 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "I replaced both headlights but the left one comes on and off intermittently. I have also cleaned all the connections"

    Anonymous, AZ (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Interior lights

    "Problem existed when I bought car. None of the overhead lighting works."

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Kia Sorento SX 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "A month before my extended warranty ran out the car would drop RPM while driving, the car would stall and I would have to pull over and restart. I also have to turn the key part way for a minute before starting the car, otherwise it will not start, has a real loud knocking noise if you don't do this. Had it to dealership many times for this and they can't figure out why it does this. Kia has been absolutely no help at all."

    Anonymous A., PA (2013 Kia Sorento Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Driver window up/down broken"

    Anonymous A., AZ (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    ""CV joint boot was punctured, have to replace CV joint and half shaft. Third boot replaced in over 97,000 miles.""

    Anonymous A., IN (2013 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other driveline problem

    "I had to replace both front axles"

    Anonymous, AZ (2013 Kia Sorento EX 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Steering wheel controls

    "The volume control sometimes triggered the hands free voice controls for calling."

    Anonymous A., NS (2013 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2013 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 25, 2023
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V652000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1730192
    ENGINE
    Dec 02, 2020
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V750000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 294756
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 19, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
    What should you do:
    Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V907000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 71653
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Mar 31, 2017
    Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V224000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 618160
    POWER TRAIN
    Oct 06, 2015
    Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V626000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 377062
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