2013 Kia Sorento complaints

I purchased the 2013 Kia in February, 2019. In August, 2020 the "check engine" light came on and had it diagnosed as "Throttle body error"(not exact terms). I had the throttle body actuator and gasket replaced. When I questioned one of the service personnel about having to "re-learn" it, he stated "No". 1 year later (8/23/21), engine light again came on and the intake manifold was the issue. The intake manifold was replaced and I was under the belief that this would be the end of the issue. On 9/3/21 the same part (Throttle body) needed to be replaced a second time at Kia. When I questioned the service manager if the part had to be "re-learned", he said yes it does or it won't function properly and could affect the intake manifold. On 1/30/22, the check engine light again came on and this time the code was "Intake manifold Runner Performance (Bank1). This is a Motor Module-VCM which is associated with the Intake Manifold. After this was installed on 2/2/22, the car was driven home and the "check engine light" came on again(less than 15 minutes after it was taken out of the dealership. A scan check revealed that the part that controls the throttle body is now defective and needs to be replaced. This all has created unsafe road conditions due to the vehicle going into "Limp Mode", as is designed to do, however, this was experienced while driving on the Interstate. This seams to be a recurring issue with this car and I have only owned it for less than 3 years. All work was done

My engine started knocking and suddenly locked up.Had to get it towed to the repair shop. The mechanic said it was clogged oil passages from metal shavings that caused the restriction and I had to pay 4970.35 dollars for a engine replacement

The car brake failed while I was driving. The brake warning light came on. The warning light was off after I added brake fluid. After driving for about 10 miles, the warning light came back on. The car is losing brake fluid fast. I cannot find any trace of brake fluid leak. The car is available for inspection. After I picked up the car from the dealer after motor replacement recall, my remote control for the door lock system no longer works.

I own a 2013 Kia Sorento with 39,000 miles on it. It has Pearl White paint that is rapidly peeling off. It started peeling around a year and half ago when mileage was around 34,000 miles. I have contacted KIA Consumer Assistance Center and they asked for 2 estimates to repair the paint problem. When received they the estimates they said it’s out of warranty and refused any responsibility for the defective paint. Kia has sent me extended warranties on the Engine, Air bags and other items. I assume the only reason for extra warranties is that the car was built with unreliable parts. The paint is a big item that Kia should stand behind with some type of warranty. It too is defective to where it just peels off. This makes the car worthless.

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.

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.

The paint on the hood, and top of the vehicle is chipping and peeling in 1-2" spots. No one was put at risk No one has inspected. No warnings or lights- first appeared 18 months ago.

The paint is peeling off of the roof as well as on the hood. Was told by a body shop that the primer used by Kia is incorrect and will cause the paint to not adhere properly.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle was running rough. The contact thought she had bad fuel. The contact stated after restarting the vehicle, it seized. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not available. The dealer diagnosed there was a loss of compression in cylinders #1 and #2. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and determined that the failure was due to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

When driving at freeway speeds and accelerating the vehicle begins to do a sputtering motion and the looses all speed. Goes from 65mph down to 45mph. I then have no option but to put my hazard lights on and pull over. If you hit the gas it feels as though no fuel is being delivered to the car so there is no power. Once I pull over give the car a minute, turn it on, hit the gas for a bit while parked the car while drive okay until my next 40+ mile drive. No check engine lights have come on. This has occurred multiple times. It is very scary especially with my children in the car. Dealer can’t find problem because there is no check engine light, but this can’t be normal. Please help. Thank you

The passenger airbag light remains turned on even when front passenger seat is occupied and seat belt is in use.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and left running for a while there was an abnormal plastic burning odor coming from the vehicle. After researching online, the contact did not believe the issue was related to a fuse but instead believed that there was a heater circuit continuity issue. The contact was concerned that there was an electrical short in the seat heater. The contact stated that there were two warning lights related to the driver’s and passenger’s side front seats. The contact stated that whenever the seat heaters were performing as designed the three LED lights would remain lit however, whenever the failure was present one of the LED lights would flash. During the failure, the driver’s front seat would not seat up normally or would be lukewarm. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. the local dealer was contacted however, the contact was yet to receive a callback. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Dear Kia, 1st of all I Love my Kia Sorrento. The only problem I have is that the original paint is peeling off the vehicle. Now my car is 8 yrs old and the original paint is starting to peel and the metal is showing, on the passenger side of the front windshield. Now to me it seems that the original paint that was used for my car must have a defect. When, have you heard of the original paint peeling from the vehicle to where the metal is showing, that does not happened unless the paint is faulty I have 2002 dodge caravan (White) and that has never happened, I also have a 2004 ford truck 150 (White) and that has never happened. As you can see how old these vehicles are and their original paint of the automobiles is still there. Now I know it’s the original paint, but if you need for me to take it to a Kia expert I will so they can analyze it. I have had a lot of great compliments on my Kia Sorrento the people think is a brand-new car because the color looks well treated. When I tell them that it’s a 2013 they complement me on how well the color is kept and what it is equipped with. Now what am I going to tell them when they that ask me about my Kia, that the car is great but the paint they use is not of good quality, that after a couple of years it starts to peel down to the metal. Now I could tell you my car’s paint is not warned out or faded it still looks new. I have attached photos of my cars so you can see what I am talking about.

On my 2013 Kia Sorento the driving shift is giving me problems. I have to move the gear stick around more then 3-5 times for the car to actually drive. I can reverse with no problems, but when I put the car on drive, it does not drive, until I move the gear stick around a couple of times, then the drive will work. I don't know if its called the drive gear or driving shift. Sorry that I don't know the correct name for this. Hope this gives a clear description on what is going on with my car.

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 74 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise began to emit from the engine as the check engine and ABS warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle suddenly lost power as the contact began to smell smoke in his cabin. The contact immediately pulled over and once the engine was turned off, the engine became engulfed in flames. The contact exited the vehicle and called the authorities to his location. The fire was extinguished by the fire department; a police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries as a result of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

It’s been losing power and suspension is horrible the steering was tight and now it’s so loose there is so much vibration in the floorboard too I know I’m going to lose control soon

My headlights have not worked properly since I bought the vehicle in February of 2017. I took it to the dealership I got it from (Stephen Wade Chevy) and explained the problem. They replaced the bulb and maybe the wires but I can't remember (I still have the paperwork from it if needed). The headlight worked for a short time and then would sporadically quit working here and there. Now, the wires look burnt which could cause a fire and the headlight will not work at all. I took it to Kia dealership and they said since I had it "fixed" through the dealership I got it from, it voided my warranty and I would have to pay to have the entire headlight assembly replaced. I looked online and it appears that there are over 300,000 complaints on this issue (including my sister in laws car which has the same issue). I don't believe I should be responsible for the fix as its been an issue this whole time. On top of this, the other headlight is now also working sporadically and I've been driving in the dark and had NO HEADLIGHTS when the other just stops working. This is a huge safety issue. Kia has told me that they will not do a goodwill fix. I've taken this to the escalation dept. but if they still refuse, my next move will be a lawyer. Kia needs to fix this issue. I wanted you to be aware. I've been pulled over several times because if this issue. Paying for tickets and bulbs (that don't fix the problem) is getting old. I hope you can document this and help in some way. I've attached a

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contacts husband stated while driving approximately 45mph when smoke came from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing an engine replaced. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) however was refused recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

While exiting the interstate highway the electrical system and engine stopped working as I approached the intersection. After getting the engine started again we learned that the piston rods were shot and the engine was no good. The vehicle had 120,000 miles.

Headlight wiring seems to be coming loose. Replaced bulbs, no change. Lights will go out while driving on both sides. Cannot get them set back to remain on.

While driving I my head lights will automatically turn off and takes a while to come back on or may come back on a few seconds after they shut off on their own. I only notice due to it being dark outside that this was happening, due to hardly driving at night I don't know how long it's been happening until recently.

- I have replaced the passenger head light bulb several times, starting summer or 2019, early 2020, fall 2020 and 2021. I recently learned it is not the bulb, it is the wiring connector which this time is damaged I believe by heat. The vehicle is available for inspection. - It is very dangerous driving this vehicle as a single low beam does not adequately illuminate the roadway. This is my wife's vehicle and she is legally blind in one eye. Proper/reasonable roadway lighting is essential. - I tried to purchase the wire pig tail today, was told I had to replace the entire wiring harness, several hundred dollars. I did not have the vehicle serviced. - No warning lights or error codes, the bulb just kept going out and I thought this is odd. This time, instead of just swapping the bulb, I put the "bad" bulb in the drivers side and it worked fine. That is how I determined it was the wiring connector. Closer examination confirmed this. - Trying to identify a less expensive solution online, I learned that this is a well known problem, I would hate to have a vehicle fire and unsure I there is a reasonable repair option.

Brake/taillight on driver side keeps burning out, not as quick as the headlight on the driver side does but I have replaced the taillight on the driver side 4 times already this year

Since august 2021 passenger side headlight bulb has been replaced 3 times and has blown again only this time it has melted the headlight wiring harness

Vehicle caught on fire, beginning in the engine compartment. No warning indications showed on the instrument panel. Driver and two children were able to exit the vehicle and notify the fire department. The fire investigator believes the fire started in proximity of the alternator. The engine has been replaced under warranty by Kia twice.

ABS Traction System and Wheel Speed Sensor - My Sorento has driven only around 37000 miles and has been maintained well on a regular basis. Recently, I noticed tpms sensor light on, and took it for oil change while also asked the service provider to check the tire pressure. The service center personnel identified two tires on the passenger side having lower tire pressure and refilled air, which addressed the tpms sensor light. However, the following day while I was getting ready to take my daughter for a doctor visit, I noticed the abs, traction light and slope align assist sensors being on. While running an OBD2 scanner test on it, it turned out to be an issue with left rear wheel speed sensor. Though my car has gone past the warranty, I have not driven much as can be seen by the miles. Moreover, I also know a close member in my network purchasing a very similar car around the same time, but has driven a lot more miles. However, that car still has not shown any issue with the sensors. While digging further, I noticed that many others have seen a similar issue with these sensors, even after two or three years since the release, that were shared in Kia based forums. Being a safety concern, I would appreciate your department to look into this matter to see whether there is a manufacturing issue with these sensors.

The vehicle was driving smoothly than all of a sudden the engine steamed and died on the side of the high way. It make a knocking sound before it died out. Brought it to a dealership and they told me the engine, started and spark plugs are toast. Being 2nd owner it no longer covered under powertrain warranty.

My 2013 Ex Sorento when idling with the A/C on, “Pants” or “pulse” struggling to idle. BUT…. If I turn OFF the A/C the RPM “Smooths out” and is consistent in idling. This began about 2019 March. Current miles: 56,000 and current On maintenance, inspections and oil changes. (Two drivers only) Will there be a recall for this?

Paint is Chipping off cat Rapidly and it’s getting worse.

Excessive oil consumption. Kia stated this is a known issue but is not "quite to the status of a recall." They said there is no fix to the issue and they cannot diagnose what is causing the excessive oil consumption but can confirm it is not leaking. Both the Kia dealership and general Kia phone support informed me there is nothing they can do and the best suggestion they can provide is to wait until the engine seizes up. They said at that point, I can have it towed to a local Kia dealership or "limp" it to a dealership and it would then be qualified for an engine replacement under a different recall. I asked if I should top it off with oil to prevent the engine from failing while we are driving, and they informed me not to do this "as that will only prolong the issue." I then confirmed with them that the only solution being provided was to continue driving the car and wait until the engine fails while I am driving down the road, potentially with my family in the car which is an extremely dangerous situation. Multiple different Kia reps confirmed that is the only and "best" solution they can provide. The dealership said they see this issue with this engine "all the time and it sucks" but they cannot help me until I bring them a seized-up engine. They also said there is nothing they can do to fix the issue before the engine goes bad. They tried to provide a glimmer of hope by saying, "the good news is there is a 99% chance you will get a new engine because we see major engine

I have a 2013 Kia Sorento SX Snow White Pearl. This vehicle has been garage kept its entire life. In spite of this, the paint has begun delaminating above the windshield (just yesterday 08/17/21). Many spots are down to the bare metal. I have never heard of paint doing this on a car....my 20-year-old truck paint is in great condition. I now must get this vehicle painted to avoid rust.

I have submitted multiple complaints with NHTSA on this vehicle, as well as the dealership. 0n 4/14/2014 I complained that the key won't turn in ignition at intermittent times. Just today (8/17/2021) is the latest time in which pulling into my garage and turning off the vehicle the ignition key would not fully turn off and come out of the ignition. Had to restart the car, put in drive, back up and pull forward, turn steering wheel, place in park and turn vehicle off, then I was finally able to turn ignition and remove key. I've made multiple attempts with the dealership to investigate this problem and the service on Jan. 25, 2021 they verbally recommended replacing the ignition at my expense because it's probably a tooth broken off in the ignition tumbler; however, they could duplicate and are not sure if that would fix problem. My concern is that I'll get stranded somewhere and won't be able to get the key removed from the vehicle or get the vehicle started.

Pearl white paint chipping and delaminating on the roof of the cars body

Paint peeling and chipping off my car and my insurance stated they will not cover a Manufacture defect…

I started the vehicle as usual to head home from running errands. I usually watch the warning lights go off. For some reason after the lights went off the air bag light came back on as I was going down the road. I pulled over and turned it off. Waited 5 minutes and started it back up thinking it just needed shut off and restarted. The light again went off for a second and back on all the way home. My normal shop can not work on that component so I have to take it to the Kia dealer to get it fixed and pay to have it checked. Under 130000 miles, this shouldnt be happening.

I took my vehicle in to have the oil changed and have a inspection. During the inspection they found that the timing belt cover was just starting to leak. They would need to replace the gasket costing over $1700, then inspect the rest of the components. Thats not even what it is gonna cost if there is more to be done. Under 130000 miles.

I was driving home from work on the I79 going to Pittsburgh, when I had to switch lanes because of construction my car struggled to increase in speed. As I pressed down on the gas petal all the warning lights on my dashboard came on and my car slowed down, so grateful I was able to pull my car off the highway barely. I turned my car off and waiting, then when I tried to turn it on, it wouldn’t turn over. I called my insurance and requested a jump, but when the roadside assistance arrived, he jumped my car but that didn’t help, he checked my oil and asked about my recent inspection. After all the information and attempts, he researched my VIN and found out it had all the systems of the Kia recall. I am just lucky I was driving the speed limit and made it off the highway lanes even thought I was stuck on the highway off ramp. I think what if I was speeding and had cars following me, then this happened? I would be severely injured, dead, and put others in risk of that danger too.

I own a 2013 Kia Sorento with Pearl White paint. It started peeling huge chunks of paint off of the top of my car. There is no reason the paint should just be peeling off, often in huge peeling strips. I am aware of other makes and models with this paint around my production year that have had recalls to fix this defective paint. I believe Kia should be included in this recall. I have included pictures, the last picture is of three average size paint chunks that are coming off daily.

Paint delimitation rapidly along top of windshield allowing rust. Safety concern with water damage. No reports to dealer.

I continuously am having issues with several light bulbs going out in my vehicle. I have replaced them several times. The headlights, running lights, turning signal bulbs, brake lights, etc. Lights are obviously a very important part of driving, especially at night. I have read complaints from several other Kia owners having the same issue. I am unsure of when the issues started occurring as I purchased the vehicle from the first owner in march or april 2021 and I noticed the issues within a few day of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle does not have any other issues or warning lights. The light have yet to be inspected.

The paint on my roof is chipping and peeling. I purchased the vehicle used with ±65K miles. After about a year, ±12K miles I noticed some small chipping just above the windshield. I assumed it was normal road debris causing it. Then the paint started to peel back. Just recently a patch about 8" x 6" peeled off. There are other concerned KIA owners suffering the same issues. Now small areas of where the paint chipped/peeled off is starting to rust. The color of the vehicle is Pearl White, which is the most common KIA paint to chip or peel. I purchased a 3 year extended warranty when I bought the car. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from was not a KIA dealer so may not have known about the peeling paint issue with the Sorento and Pearl White paint.

The contact owns a 2013 KIA Sorento. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle started to lose power and the speed decelerated to 55 mph unintendedly. The contact took it to the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the spark plugs, drive belts, and several other unknown parts. The contact stated that approximately 5 months after the repairs the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,332.

Vehicle’s headlights keep burning out, right after replacing them. The headlight wires and bulb connectors keeps melting, causing a potential for fire. I had to replace the headlight wires and connectors 4 times due to this issue. This is a major safety issue and Kia needs to fix this ASAP. Thanks

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer for the recall repair however, due to severe rust to the subframe, the dealer declined to provide the service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be repurchased at wholesale value. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.

I was sitting in my car before work as I always do. It was running but it was parked. All of a sudden I hear a huge bang that sounds like a shotgun blast. I jump and duck thinking someone is shooting a gun at my car. I then see little shards of glass all over my windshield. I exit my vehicle and see that my sunroof is completely shattered. In the pictures it’s clear it wasn’t from a point of impact (nothing hit my car). Luckily my shield was pulled so no glass got on me and I wasn’t driving. This could have caused me to crash with how loud the boom was. I see online that there’s been several instances of this happening with no recall.

Driver side headlight keeps burning out within 24 hours of being replaced. It has happened 6 times in a row now

While on the highway, the engine blew causing a sudden loss of speed and power steeting. The car/engine is currently available for inspection. This is a known issue with the 2013 Kia Sorentos as well as other models. From reviews online, it appears that there is an issue with the crankshaft and oil. For some reason other 2013 Sorentos (and other models) were recalled - this VIN was not. The car was inspected by two independent mechanics (two different companies) and both advised that this is the same problem that was recalled for the crankshaft/oil issue and that I should contact Kia. I contacted Kia and they said this VIN was not re-called. There were no warnings in regards to this issue. The car suddenly lost speed on the highway and I was fortunate enough to be able to glide to a safe area off the highway.

For the past year my car has been losing a lot of oil and i've been replacing the oil not thinking much of it until a couple months ago 3 times right after an oil change I lost all all my oil where there was no oil left on the dipstick and no check engine or oil light has come on telling me that my oil is running out. Twice I had to stop on the side of the road and await for friends to bring me oil because i was afraid to ruin my engine. If I wasn't a person that checks oil a lot I'd have no car. Also on this car when I first got the car I had to replace the transmission and I want to check the transmission but this vehicle don;t have a dipstick. I've been checking all the recalls for this vehicle and called the dealership and all they want me to do is bring the vehicle in and charge me money I don't have. I've been reading that oil consumption is a major problem with this vehicle. I'm afraid I may have damaged my engine and Kia is at fault for not fixing this problem years ago and have warning lights for this problem. Monday I'm going to go to the dealership and speak to someone that may be able to help me. Today I replaced the PVC valve as I understand that may be the cause. No oil leaks from the engine and I don't know where the oil is going and I'm afraid the car will lock up and harm my passengers. It first started around 6/2020 but got worse 1/2021.

When I first bought my Kia Sorento my car died on me in 2013 in the middle of the freeway while I was pregnant. The car completely shutoff on the freeway. I was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. I took it to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong. Two years later, the engine shut off on me again, this time with my child, husband and mother in the car, I again was pregnant at this time. I took it to the dealership again, and they were unable to find any codes on it. 5 years later, my vehicle died on me three times in one weekend. Again, with my two children and husband in the car. It has now been at a shop for over a week, and they have not been able to find any codes. My safety and my families safety at all times was put at high risk due to majority of the instances of my Kia Sorento engine shutting off was on the free way. No warning lights appear on the dash before the vehicle shuts off and once the vehicle turns on, there are no warning lights that appear/stay on.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the roadway and would be able to restart the vehicle a few minutes after failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was referred to a local dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.