Problems · by component

2013 Kia Sorento engine problems

498 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Sorento cite engine, 51% of all 983 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
498
51% of all complaints
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
33
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The engine failed due to a manufacturing defect that is well known in the company but they aren't calling it a recall, they are calling it an improvement and therefore my car isn't qualifying and isn't being repaired”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026EngineODI 11773291
“The car is running rough, losing power and knocking. Unable to drive it safely. The more you accelerate the less power it has. It has been sitting ever since the incident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026EngineODI 11772250
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic machine to retrieve DTC: P0136, P0172 system, to the rich bank, and P1326 control module which indicated that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the oil change records were needed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was too much fuel, and that the knock sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 312,320.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2026EngineODI 11753810
“AC stopped, engine began to struggle, engine light came on and engine over heated. Pulled off highway to be towed. Dealer found metal in oil and suggested possible manufacturer defect issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11752405
“The head gasket blew. This car has been meticulously maintained. All maintenance records with kia dealer. I hear there is secondary engine problems related to the 2013 kia sorento. I have all maintenance records as well as the dealer.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2026EngineODI 11746873
“My vehicle experienced a dangerous incident involving smoke entering the passenger cabin followed by complete engine seizure. Prior to this failure, the vehicle had already undergone recall-related repairs through an authorized Kia dealership for known engine and fire-related safety concerns. The recall was marked as completed by the dealership. However, after the repair, the vehicle continued experiencing problems significant enough to require multiple return visits to the dealership. Despite the recall work being completed, the vehicle ultimately suffered the same type of dangerous condition the recall was intended to prevent. Smoke entering the cabin created a serious safety hazard for myself and anyone inside the vehicle. This was not a routine mechanical issue or ordinary wear and tear. This involved conditions directly connected to known Kia engine defect investigations involving engine failure and fire risks.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2026EngineODI 11743679

Showing 6 of 498 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Free remedy

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.

EngineReported Dec 2, 2020NHTSA 20V750000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.