2013 KIA Sorento

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

  THREE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND DOWN HILL. I TOOK IT TO PRECISION TUNE FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD I NEED A PASSENGER REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.

• 12/31/2019· ENGINE

  THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE ENGINE DID HAVE A MINOR OIL LEAK SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT WAS MONITORED AND REPLINISHED REQULARLY AND HAD BEEN DONE THE SAME DAY THE ENGINE SEIZED.

• 12/31/2018· ENGINE

  MY VEHICLE HAS GONE INTO "LIMP" MODE TWICE ON THE INTERSTATE AND TWICE IN LOCAL TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. THE LAST TIME WAS YESTERDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2018. THAT MEANS THAT I LOSE ALL POWER TO ACCELERATE BEYOND A LOW LIMIT. IF I PULL OVER AND RESTART THE MOTOR, IT RUNS NORMALLY FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES AND THE MIL LIGHT GOES OFF. ACCORDING TO THE DTC CODES, I HAVE A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY AND THROTTLE ACTUATOR SENSOR, HOWEVER THEY WERE CHECKED AND SHOWN TO BE WORKING NORMALLY. I SEARCHED FOR VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM LIES WITHIN THE COMPUTER. THERE WAS EVEN A KIA ECU UPGRADE PART NUMBER SUPPLIED AS THE FIX. WHEN I CONTACTED SEVERAL KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENTS, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PART NUMBER. I ALSO CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT KIA HEADQUARTERS. THEIR RESPONSE WAS TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM - TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER WHILE TRAVELING ON A CONGESTED HIGHWAY. I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR. IT HAS ABOUT 22,000 MILES, WITH OIL CHANGES EVERY FOUR MONTHS. *DT *JB

• 12/31/2014· VISIBILITY

  SUN ROOF IS ACTUALLY BUCKLING. WITH THE INFORMATION LISTED ABOUT THE SUNROOF RECALL WE ARE NERVOUS THIS MIGHT IMPACT THIS. I AM 7 MONTHS PREGNANT AND AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. *JS

• 12/30/2015· POWER TRAIN

  FRONT WHEEL, 4 CYLINDER ENGINE GROSSLY UNDER POWERED. MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN FROM STOP, THE ENGINE HESITATED ALMOST TO THE POINT OF STALLING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL HEAD-ON COLLISION EVEN ON A MODERATELY BUSY ROAD. KIA DEALER CLAIMS NO DEFECT IN VEHICLE. *JS

• 12/29/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/28/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/28/2023· STRUCTURE

  Pearl White Paint is chipping and peeling all over my car.

• 12/28/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  Received important safety recall on 14th November 2023, I called Kia dealership and corporate office to resolve and got the answer that the remedy is not available. It’s been more than 45 days since I received a letter, I am not parking my car in my garage, or neither driving secondary to concerned of fire, risk and injury as indicated in later. I went to local Kia dealership as I was instructed by the Kia corporate number, They instructed me not to worry about it just a precaution, which which is contradictory and different information then I received a letter. I’m strongly filing a complaint on behalf of all the Kia Sorrento owners, who received this letter and afraid to drive for more than 45+ days and afraid to park inside the garage or right next to the neighbors house. Please address this issue as soon as possible as there are so many of me and they don’t know what to do next.

• 12/28/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/28/2022· STRUCTURE

  When driving on the highway, paint unexpectedly peels off in large (hand size or larger) sections mainly from the roof. Although it doesn't hurt cars behind you, the shock of being hit and/or the obstruction of view for drivers behind you can lead to a pile up if the driver swerves or freaks out. (Similar risk to a sheet of paper suddenly covering the wind shield on the driver's side)

• 12/28/2021· ENGINECrash

  My 2013 Kia sorento got recalled for an engine filling/Engine knocking. Back in 2019 so i toke it to the dealer and there's was not issues at the moment until 2021, i was driving on the highway and the car turned off. I lost power to the brakes and the steering was very hard to turn. The engine light started flashing so i pulled over and called the tow truck to take it to the kia dealership. Next day they called me and the engine was valid for the recall but they told me since it's a rebuilt car the car is not valid for a recall.

• 12/28/2018· ENGINE

  THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET AFTER TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY FRO 150 MILES. KIA HAD A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THE ENGINE AND INCREASED THE WARRANTY TO 10YR OR 120K MILES. MINE SEIZED AT 126K MILES. KIA REFUSED TO FIXED IT AND IT WOULD COST 5K FOR A REBUILT ENGINE OR 12K FOR NEW ENGINE.

• 12/27/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/27/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE

  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.

• 12/27/2018· ENGINE

  CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED ON ROAD WHILE RUNNING TWICE WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS WHAT SO EVER. BOTH TIME THE CAR TURNED OFF AND UPON INSPECTION IT HAD NO OIL DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE. FIRST TIME THE CAR TURNED OFF, I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO SLUDGE/DEBRIS IN ENGINE THAT CAUSED A GAS SENSOR FAILURE (DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE). RECOMMENDATION WAS TO CHANGE THE OIL VERY OFTEN TO CLEAR ANY POTENTIAL REMAINING SLUDGE SO WE HAVE BEEN CHANGING OIL EVERY 2K. DESPITE OF THIS, CAR TURNED OFF AGAIN (AGAIN NO WARNING LIGHTS) ON THE HIGHWAY RAMP ACCELERATING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK. THIS TIME THE ENGINE HAS NOW APPARENTLY CEASED. THIS SET OF ISSUES ARE DESCRIBED BY 100S OF PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET AND MIRROR THE ISSUES FOUND IN THE FWD 2013 ENGINES, SO IT IS PUZZLING WHY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS CAR'S ENGINE.

• 12/27/2017· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  AROUND 4:30AM (STILL DARK OUTSIDE) I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, MY ENGINE WAS MAKING KNOCKING SOUNDS AND I STARTED TO GET OFF ON AN EXIT, ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT SEEMED AS IF EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON, THE OIL CHANGE LIGHT AND SOME SIGNS I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE LIGHTED UP, THE CAR WENT DEAD AND CAME BACK ON INSTANTLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT. I TURNED MY HAZARDS ON AND REMAINED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN EXIT UNTIL HELP ARRIVED AND WAS ABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSH MY VEHICLE BUMPER TO BUMPER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

• 12/27/2014· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY WIFE WITH 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN CAR HAD ALL THE DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND THE CAR BECAME SLUGGISH AND WAS HARD TO DRIVE. I ADVISED HE VIA MOBILE PHONE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I TOLD HE TO WAIT A MINUTE AND TRY TO RESTART IT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. ALL DASH LIGHTS LIT UP AGAIN AND THE CAR MADE A CLICK, CLICK, CLICK SOUND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. SHE TRIED THIS 5 TIMES AND SHE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR FOR $946.14 ON 12/23/2014 AT DULLES KIA IN LEESBURG, VA. *TR

• 12/26/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  Hello. The gugua started turning on the lights on the panel about 7 months ago. The lights on are the engine, the brakes, the “ABS”, and other lights that cannot be explained. Those lights have never gone out and since then the gugua has turned itself off, many times it does not turn on, a battery inflated me (I had to buy a new battery), the foot brake also causes a lot of problems. When trying to stop the gugua with the foot brake, the gugua shakes, the foot brake blows like air, the pedal shakes, among others. Also the handbrake (emergency brake) does not work well, on a sloping road the gugua does not stop with the handbrake when I put it on. The gugua has electrical problems in general. There are also other things that I don't know how to explain. The gugua is a danger as it is, please I need you to do something about this matter. Thanks a lot.

• 12/26/2019· VISIBILITY

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS NOT IMPACTED BY A FOREIGN OBJECT OR DEBRIS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAFELITE AUTO GLASS WHERE THE FRACTURED SUN ROOF WAS REMOVED AND PLASTIC WAS TAPED TO THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. SANDS KIA (13474 N AUTOSHOW AVE, SURPRISE, AZ 85388, (623) 474-3344) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

• 12/26/2018· STRUCTURE

  APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO I PAID DEALER TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE. TODAY PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF IN HAND WHILE OPENING DOOR (SAME AS PREVIOUS). NOW UNABLE TO OPEN REAR DOOR FROM OUTSIDE OF CAR

• 12/24/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  I BOUGHT MY 2013 KIA SERENTO IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. I HAD IT FOR 33 DAYS AND THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT. I CALLED KIA IN JOPLIN AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING UP THERE. ONCE I ARRIVED, AND I SET FOR OVER HALF THE DAY, THEY TELL ME THAT MY KIA IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS GOING TO COST ME $1000. AFTER HAVING IT REPLACED THE RADIO SHUTS OFF AND ON BY IT'S SELF AND NOW THE FLAT TIRE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS. I AM TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALLS ON MY CAR.

• 12/24/2014· ENGINE

  PURCHASED 2013 KIA SORENTO BRAND NEW ON 6/11/12, CAR WAS SHAKY AND IDLED ROUGHLY ON & OFF DURING THE FIRST YEAR, SEEMS TO HAVE RESOLVED ITSELF. ON 12/22/14 WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON SECONDARY ROAD ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND. PARKED VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED THE FOLLOWING DAY ON 12/23/14 TO KIA DEALERSHIP, THEY CALLED ME THAT AFTERNOON AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE OIL CONTROL VALVE AND IT WAS ORDERED AND REQUESTED FOR OVERNIGHT AND CAR WOULD BE DONE ON 12/24/14. I CALLED DEALER ON 12/24/14 @ 11:03AM AND PART WASN'T IN YET WAS TOLD THAT I'D BE CALLED WHEN PART ARRIVED. RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALER AT 2PM THAT PART HAD ARRIVED AND BEEN INSTALLED BY TECH BUT THAT ENGINE WAS STILL MAKING TICKING NOISE, SO NOT FIXED. WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO START OVER AGAIN ON FRIDAY 12/26/14 WITH REQUEST TO KIA WARRANTY SERVICE FOR APPROVAL FOR "ENGINE TEAR DOWN", WHICH I WILL ALSO HAVE TO AUTHORIZED AND AGREE TO PAY $400.00 FOR (WAIVED IF ALL REPAIRS ARE COVERED BY WARRANTY). THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 53000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 30 MONTHS, ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES FOLLOWED AND THERE SHOULD NO WAY BE AN INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM ON A PROPERLY BUILT ENGINE. KIA HAS SOME SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE IN THIS CAR AND SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE ENTIRE LINE OF 2013 SORENTO'S AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER THAT " WE MAY BE LOOKING AT A NEW ENGINE". I HOPE NOT, EVEN THOUGH I COULD HAVE A ALMOST 3 YEAR OLD CAR WITH NO MILEAGE I DON'T WANT ONE, IF THE FIRST ENGINE HAS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WHAT WOULD THE SECOND ENGINE HAVE. I AM GOING TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO HOLD KIA RESPONSIBLE AND MAKE THEM COVER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

• 12/23/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My Kia Sorento white paint have been peeling and chipping started on the roof now its starting on left side of my car. Please see if this can be recalled.

• 12/23/2020· STRUCTURE

  PAINT IS PEELING OFF BONY. WHITE PEARL. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI AND KIA AUTOMOBILES AS THERE ARE PEOPLE ESTABLISHING CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ON THIS ISSUE.

• 12/23/2019· STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

  WE EXPERIENCED LITERALLY EVERYTHING DESCRIBED ON THE LAST LETTER FOR THE RECALL ON OUR 2013 KIA SORENTO'S ECU, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF ACTIVE INTERSECTIONS, HIGHWAY, AND NORMAL DRIVING OPERATION(S). MY WIFE AND I OWN A VEHICLE (2013 KIA SORENTO), THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF YOUR "VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO UPDATE THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU)". AFTER THE ECU UNIT WAS REPLACED WE RECEIVED THE ATTACHED LETTER FROM KIA THAT STATES HE HAS A WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE FOR AS LONG AS WE OWN THE VEHICLE. DESPITE THIS LETTER, WE'VE BEEN TOLD BY KIA USA CORPORATE AND LITHIA KIA OF ANCHORAGE THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NO LONGER COVERED BY A WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE. I EXPECT SOMEONE IN A HIGHER LEVEL MANAGEMENT TO EXPLAIN, ASFORMERLY REQUESTED. AS OF DECEMBER 23, 2019, WE HAD OUR VEHICLE TOWED TO LITHIA KIA OF ANCHORAGE TO ATTEMPT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED, AND COMMUNICATE WITH KIA USA. KIA HAS DECIDED TO STOP COMMUNICATING WITH US AND WILL NOT SHARE ANY INFORMATION WITH OUR LAW FIRM, PER THEIR OWN GUIDANCE. WE ARE HOPING THIS WILL COMPLETE THIS TEDIOUS METHOD OF VEHICLE REPAIR(S). KIA NEEDS TO EXPLAIN TO US WHY IT WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY AS STATED IN THE LETTER. I AM A RETIRED DISABLED VETERAN AND CAN BE REACHED AT ANY HOUR. PER MY LAW FIRM'S INSTRUCTION(S), WE HAVE CONTACTED AND FILED A CLAIM THROUGH THE STATE OF ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AS WELL.

• 12/22/2025· TIRES

  Tires are Douglas Touring, and Sceptor. Those options were not available. I bought a set of tires that belongs to two different brands. Three from Douglas/Goodyear tires and one is Sceptor all from Walmart. They are supposed to have 50000 miles and 45000 miles respectively. When I took for car service, two different service mechanics mentioned that two of the tires have already reached 2/32. Originally, two tires were bought in June 2023, third tire is July 2024, and fourth tire in Jan 2025. There was already an issue with a tire that led to replacement earlier this year. I even filed a set of NHTSA reports in this regard earlier this year in February 2025. Now, two tires have gone down to less than 7/32, and as stated above has reached 2/32. I even shared a picture of peeling tread that I noticed at the time of purchase. This repeating issue suggests high likelihood with quality concern with these tires. For that matter, suddenly, I was asked to change brake rotor and pads, while previous inspections did not suggest any such change. As you might know, poor tires can also impact the brake rotor and pads. Your support to address this issue quickly would be greatly appreciated.

• 12/22/2015· ENGINE

  STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED OUT. WAS IN " DRIVE " AND WAS NOT LOW ON GAS. PUT FLASHERS ON AND SHUT OFF CAR. WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR AND DROVE HOME. CALLED KIA IN SMITHTOWN WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD IF I BROUGHT IN CAR AND IT DIDN'T STALL WHILE IN THEIR CARE THE TECHS WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHY IT HAPPENED.

• 12/22/2015· ENGINE

  STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED OUT. WAS IN " DRIVE " AND WAS NOT LOW ON GAS. PUT FLASHERS ON AND SHUT OFF CAR. WAS ABLE TO RESTART CAR AND DROVE HOME. CALLED KIA IN SMITHTOWN WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD IF I BROUGHT IN CAR AND IT DIDN'T STALL WHILE IN THEIR CARE THE TECHS WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHY IT HAPPENED.

• 12/21/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE REAR TAILLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AND MAKING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT GO OUT TOO SO IT MAKING THE REAR OF THE CAR UNVIABLE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IT'S A BIG SAFETY ISSUE CAN REPLACE THE BULBS AND THEN THEY GO OUT AGAIN

• 12/20/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  I HAVE TAKEN MY 2013 KIA SORENTO TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AFTER THE LATEST ENGINE RECALL. THEY UPGRADED SOFTWARE BUT GAVE NO FURTHER EXPLANATION. EVERYTIME I GET MY OIL CHANGE ITS ALMOST EMPTY. THE PAST 2 OIL CHANGES THERE HAS BEEN ALMOST NO OIL. YESTERDAY, I WAS DRIVING, ON THE HIGHWAY AND CHECK ENGINE, OIL, BATTERY, LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING AND THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND 15 MIN LATER WHILE WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK I TRIED TO TURN IT ON AND IT CAME ONE. I CANCELED THE TOW AND I AM AT THE DEALERSHIP TODAY . MY CAR IS NOT LEAKING OIL ANYWHERE AND I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A ENGINE RECALL ON MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. I AM AFRAID OF THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND THE SAFETY OF A VEHICLE THAT STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.

• 12/20/2015· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  I BOUGHT A 2013 KIA SORENTO LAST NIGHT SATURDAY 12/19/2015 AND THE PAPERWORK DID NOT GET COMPLETE UNTIL AFTER 10:30PM. THE SALESMAN STATED THAT ALL COMPONENTS HAD BEEN CHECKED AND THAT ALL WAS GOOD. I LIVE A HOUR AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND WHEN I WAS ON 290 HEADING EAST AT ABOUT 70 MPH, WHEN I NOTICED THAT MY DASH AND RADIO PANEL LIGHTS START FLICKERING, MY MOTOR FELT LIKE IT IDLED DOWN A LITTLE BUT THEN IT WAS OK, BUT THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE RADIO AREA, STEERING WHEEL AND SPEEDOMETER AREA TURNED OFF AND IT LOST A LITTLE POWER BUT THEN THEY ALL CAME BACK ON AND I MADE IT HOME, THEN ON 12/20/15 I WAS DRIVING INTO TOWN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES AT 75 MPH MY INSIDE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AGAIN, AND THEN WENT TOTALLY DARK. I DIDN'T LOSE ANY POWER THIS TIME BUT I'M STARTING TO FEEL PRETTY RIPPED OFF. I ALSO NOTICED TODAY THAT WHILE DRIVING ON HWY THAT WHEN YOU COME UP TO A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE JERKS TO FAR AND I ENDED UP IN THE OTHER LANE. THANK GOD THAT NO CAR WAS THERE. *DT

• 12/20/2015· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  HIT MY BRAKES GOING ROUGHLY 30MPG (I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE TOLLWAY WITH LOTS OF BRAKING AND GOING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES ALREADY), THE ABS WAS TRIGGERED AS THE CAR WAS MAKING THE JERKING/THUMPING (HOWEVER YOU DESCRIBE FEEL OF ABS), I SHOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH SPACE TO STOP, BUT MY CAR WAS ACCELERATING IT SEEMED AT THE SAME TIME, I HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AND IT CONTINUED, LURCHED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR A SECOND TIME ALL WHILE THE BRAKE (ONLY) WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THAT FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. THE OTHER DRIVER THOUGHT I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND TOO SINCE THERE WERE TWO HITS...BUT I FELT THE LURCHING AND ALSO THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE BACK OF MY CAR, PROVING IT WAS MY CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!! AFTER READING ONLINE I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS OF KIA'S LURCHING AND ACCELERATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. MANY ACCIDENTS REPORTED WHILE PARKING AND THE CAR ACCELERATES SO QUICKLY IT JUMPS A CURB, HITS A TREE, OR ANOTHER CAR OR OTHER SUCH INCIDENTS. IT IS CLEAR AFTER SEARCHING "KIA SORENTO 2013 ACCELERATING WHILE BRAKING AT THE SAME TIME", THERE ARE LOTS OF REPORTS ON CAR GURUS.COM OF THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT.

• 12/19/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I am seeing an axle shaft issue for this vehicle and noticed that several vehicles for similar timeline had a safety recall. However, mine is not showing up. Could you look into it and let me know whether my vehicle should also be part of this recall?

• 12/19/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  LIGHTING HAS WENT OUT MULTIPLE TIMES, BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND NOW TURN SIGNALS. WHEN HEADLIGHT GO OUT, IT OFTEN MELTS THE LIGHT BULB SOCKET AND BURNS WIRES. WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT, THE BULB BURNING OUT CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO SHORT OUT, BY DESIGN ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. LIGHTS RANDOMLY GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING, OFTEN FLICKERING, ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING BUMPS.

• 12/19/2012· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  2013 KIA SORENTO 4 CYLINDER. WHILE AT STOP LIGHT ENGINE REVVED UP AND LUNGED FORWARD. APPLIED HARDER BRAKE UNTIL STOP LIGHT TURNED GREEN. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP FOR TWO DAYS SO FAR WAITING ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT. SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATES NEVER HAD TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR BEFORE AND NOT IN STOCK, WAITING FOR OVERNIGHT SHIPPING FOR TWO DAYS. DEALER STATES THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER DEFECTIVE PARTS, BUT WILL FIX AND SERVICE VEHICLE WHEN PARTS ARRIVE. *TR

• 12/19/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT NIGHT AT 65 MPH LIGHTS FLICKER INSIDE AND HEADLIGHTS. BATTERY WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD HARD SHIFTING AROUND 20 TO 30 MPH, ALMOST LIKE APPLYING BRAKES ON SLOW DOWN AND AN ENGINE REV WHEN SPEEDING UP. NEXT NIGHT (SUNDAY) VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON TWO LANE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. MADE IT OFF TO A SIDE ROAD, BUT ENGINE STILL RUNNING ROUGH, NO RESPONSE TO GAS PEDAL, COULD NOT SHIFT VEHICLE TO PARK, HAD TO HOLD STOP BUTTON FOR LONG TIME TO FINALLY STOP ENGINE, LIGHTS CAME BACK ON, BUT WOULD NOT START, FINALLY COULD PUT IN PARK. HAULED BACK TO DEALER. SERVICE REPLIES WASN'T ON SCHEDULE WILL MAYBE GET TO IT TODAY. DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR ON "E" ORDER WILL FIX ALL THE PROBLEMS. WIFE REFUSES TO DRIVE UNSAFE, DEATH TRAP AND THAT SHE WOULD NOT HAD BEEN ABLE TO MANAGE SAFELY IF SHE WOULD OF BEEN DRIVING WHEN PROBLEMS SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE. *TR

• 12/18/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO KEARNY MESA KIA (7303 CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 365-8763) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. *LN

• 12/18/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WON'T WORK. THE HIGH BEAMS ARE FINE. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THIS MODEL HEADLIGHTS BUT IT'S NOT COVERED AND IT WAS THE ONLY YEAR THEY USED THESE HEADLIGHTS. SO THEY TOLD ME IT'S GOING TO COST $2000 TO FIX MY HEADLIGHTS.

• 12/17/2023· SEATS

  The heated seats were turned on high. It was cold outside. Two hours later the occupant got out of the car and discovered blisters on leg from seat heat. Several large blisters from burns. The seat should not be hot enough to burn someone and cause blisters

• 12/17/2018· ENGINE

  DRIVING FINE, CAME TO A STOP SIGN, STOPPED, PUSH ACCELERATOR AND ENGINE REVVED TO HIGH RPMS BUT DID NOT MOVE. VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE BUT LACKED POWER. ABOUT 150 YDS UP THE ROAD, ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, LEAVING VEHICLE HALF WAY IN THE ROAD ON A STEEP, BLIND HILL. 37 DEGREES OUTSIDE- VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. FOUR YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CAR AS WELL

• 12/17/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  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. *TR

• 12/16/2025· STRUCTURE

  Purchased the car in 2020 paint above windshield was beginning to peel, within months the a-pillars were peeling off, the hood is peeling off and now the section above the windshield is beginning to rust due to the peeling. Additional Cases Snow White Pearl paint! Complaint #11700960, 11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038.

• 12/16/2020· ENGINEFire

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, SHE BEGAN TO NOTICE A DARKISH GRAY SMOKE EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER AS HER HUSBAND WENT TO INSPECT THE HOOD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, FLAMES BEGAN TO EMIT FROM ENGINE AND THE CONTACT AND HER MOTHER IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD AND DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED TROPHY KIA OF CARSON(22020 RECREATION RD, CARSON, CA 90745) WHERE THEY INFORMED HER THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HER FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000(ENGINE); HOWEVER, HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

• 12/15/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I am submitting a formal written complaint to supplement my existing NHTSA Safety Report ID 11702339 regarding a serious fuel system defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento. My car began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling at stop signs and traffic lights, and a strong fuel odor. A check engine light subsequently illuminated, and due to safety concerns, the vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed and documented fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator and fuel contamination in the engine oil. This defect presents a serious safety risks: increased risk of engine fire due to fuel leakage, unexpected loss of power while stopped or in traffic, and increased likelihood of a collision due to engine stalling. This vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, making this failure particularly concerning. Fuel system failures and post-recall engine-related defects have been the subject of multiple Kia recalls, service campaigns, and NHTSA investigations involving engine fires and fuel leaks. Despite the dealership's documented diagnosis and clear safety implications, Kia Consumer Affairs denied recall coverage and refused to assist with repair costs, stating this is not a recall-related issue. The estimated repair cost exceeds $1,700, and the vehicle remains unsafe and undrivable. Given the confirmed fuel leakage, fuel contamination of engine oil, prior recall engine replacement, repeated stalling events, and Kia's refusal to acknowledge responsibility, I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case as part of a potential defect trend, particularly involving high-pressure fuel system components on Kia Sorento vehicles with prior recall engine replacements. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this safety issue is formally documented, investigated, and considered for further action to protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter

• 12/15/2019· STRUCTURE

  THE BACK DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE HANDLE FELL OFF, TAKING TO KIA TOMORROW BUT GETTING SENSE THERE CLAIMING NO ISSUE

• 12/15/2017· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ITS REAR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, AND LOWER BACK. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, AND ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

• 12/15/2015· AIR BAGS

  2013 VEHICLE WITH 60,939 MILES HAS AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECALL SC 124 PERFORMED. DEALER INDICATES CODES B1764 AND 1765 OCS DEFECT. DEALER STATES SENSOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT, MAKING THIS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT NO ONE SHOULD SIT IN THIS SEAT BECAUSE A COLLISION COULD RESULT IN "TRAGEDY." KIA SAYS VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY (BY 939 MILES) AND I AM SECOND OWNER (PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH 12K MIKES AS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED) THEREFORE, KIA WILL SPLIT THE REPAIR COST 3 WAYS-KIA, DEALER, ME ($2,200.00 REPAIR AND ONLY FACTORY PARTS CAN BE USED, RESULTING IN OVER $700.00 FOR ME TO PAY IF I WANT MY KIDS TO BE SAFE IN THE CAR) THERE ARE 42 OTHER REPORTS OF THIS EXACT DEFECT AT HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/AIR-BAG-LIGHT-INDICATOR-691 SIMILAR MILEAGE AND SAME SEAT LOCATION ON MANY OF THOSE REPORTS. DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE ON OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE, AS AIRBAGS SAVE LIVES, AND KIA'S AIRBAG SENSORS ARE DEFECTIVE. NO CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE TO BEAR THIS UNREASONABLE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON A THREE YEAR OLD CAR FOR AN AIRBAG SENSOR THAT GOES OUT AT A FEW MILES OVER 60,000. SENSOR REMAINS ON CONSTANTLY. SHAME ON YOU, KIA. THIS WAS MY THIRD KIA BECAUSE I TRUSTED KIA'S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY. I WILL NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE AGAIN.

• 12/14/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION

  MY 2013 KIA SORENTO BACKUP CAMERA RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING, AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON ISSUE FOR A LOT OF KIA MODELS BECAUSE THE CAMERAS ARE NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND GET CORRODED INSIDE OF THEM. WHEN I SHIFT THE CAR TO REVERSE THE SCREEN IS BLACK, THE DISTANCE LINES SHOW UP BUT NO CAMERA VIDEO FEED OR SOMETIMES IT IS INTERMITTENT AFTER WAITING FOR 20+ SECONDS.

• 12/14/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. SOME GLASS FELL INTO THE CAR AND LARGE CHUNKS WERE THROWN BEHIND ME INTO TRAFFIC.