2013 Kia Sorento engine problems
496 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2013 Kia Sorento — 51% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 30, 2026
“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.”
filed Jul 23, 2026
“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.”
filed Jun 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An engine compartment fire can occur while drivingCampaign 20V750000 · Dec 2, 2020
- Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear…Campaign 17V224000 · Mar 31, 2017
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Sorento years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 18 | 26% |
| 2024 Sorento | 4 | 11% |
| 2023 Sorento | 28 | 25% |
| 2022 Sorento | 50 | 27% |
| 2021 Sorento | 61 | 26% |
| 2020 Sorento | 63 | 48% |
| 2019 Sorento | 151 | 36% |
| 2018 Sorento | 102 | 41% |
| 2017 Sorento | 381 | 48% |
| 2016 Sorento | 690 | 56% |
| 2015 Sorento | 359 | 48% |
| 2014 Sorento | 384 | 39% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 Kia Sorento
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.