NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 5 recalls, 973 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Kia Sorento.
20–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
The 2012 to 2013 Kia Sorento received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the Sorento earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, while the side pole test also achieved five stars. Rollover resistance received a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2012 to 2013 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2013 Kia Sorento's complaint picture by a wide margin. Owners most frequently describe internal engine noises, knocking, ticking, and rattling, often accompanied by oil consumption that owners say is excessive between changes. A recurring pattern involves engines failing or seizing, sometimes with little warning, and owners report check engine lights tied to misfires and rough running. Structure complaints form the second notable cluster, with owners describing rear subframe and underbody rust progressing to the point of structural concern, along with suspension instability and vibration at highway speeds. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three, where owners report headlights and taillights failing or producing noticeably reduced output. On the engine side, oil consumption leading to low-oil engine damage is the most consistently described sequence owners report.
973
Total Complaints
23
Crash-Related
44
Fire-Related
22
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Kia Sorento has 5 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks: engine compartment fires can break out while driving or while the vehicle is parked, and a separate fuel leak on vehicles that previously had engine replacement work done can ignite if it contacts a heat source.
The fire risks span two issues. One involves the engine compartment and can occur during normal driving or while the vehicle sits. The other applies specifically to vehicles that had an engine replaced under a prior recall or warranty repair, where a fuel leak near the engine can catch fire if an ignition source is present. There is also an engine reliability concern: premature bearing wear inside the engine can cause the engine to seize without warning, which can result in a sudden loss of power while driving. On the brake control side, the anti-lock brake system control module can develop an electrical fault that leads to an engine compartment fire whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Rounding out the list is a transmission concern: if excessive force has been applied to the gear selector, the brake-shift interlock mechanism can crack, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed, which can let the vehicle roll unexpectedly.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rough handling of the gear shift lever can crack the brake-shift interlock mechanism, allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.