Car Yearsto Avoid

2013 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2013 Kia Sorento?

512 owners have reported engine problems on the 2013 Kia Sorento, 52% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 50,000–120,000 miles. 3 recalls cover this area.

512 complaints 52% of all 2013 complaints 90,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Cooling system 1
Radiator assembly 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (390 of 512). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Sorento year

2008 Sorento 43
2009 Sorento 4
2013 Sorento 512
2020 Sorento 68
2021 Sorento 69
2022 Sorento 53
2023 Sorento 32
2024 Sorento 6
2025 Sorento 19

Related recalls

Engine

Fire risk

An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V750000 · Dec 2020

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018

Engine

Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge.

Recall 17V224000 · Mar 2017
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2013 Kia Sorento gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2013 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Other 2013 Kia Sorento problems

Common questions

What are common 2013 Kia Sorento engine problems?

Complaints most often name the cooling system and radiator assembly.

At what mileage do 2013 Kia Sorento engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 50,000–120,000 miles. The middle value is about 90,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2013 Kia Sorento engine problems?

Yes: 20V750000, 18V907000, 17V224000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Sorento year has the most engine complaints?

The 2016 Sorento, with 718 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.