Model year guide

2013 Kia Sorento

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Kia Sorento is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 341 on record.

2013 Kia Sorento — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Kia Sorento at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints976
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$15,457

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2013 Kia Sorento recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #18V907000 · 19/12/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine repl…

Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

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,…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #17V224000 · 31/03/2017

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #15V626000 · 06/10/2015

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2013 Kia Sorento common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 976 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2013 Kia Sorento safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2013 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2013 Kia Sorento MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2013 Kia Sorento worth?

Low
$11,400
Typical price
$15,457
High
$20,000

From 335 comparable 2013 Kia Sorento listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Kia Sorento costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$9,850
Total$23,600
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($15,457) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,623), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Kia Sorento trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · SX · Base / LX
Engines
2.4L · 3.5L 6-cyl

2013 Kia Sorento vehicles on record

Other Kia Sorento model years

2013 Kia Sorento — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sorento?

Based on 976 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, structure, service brakes.

What is the 2013 Kia Sorento safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2013 Kia Sorento an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Sorento get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Kia Sorento at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2013 Kia Sorento worth?

Comparable 2013 Kia Sorento listings run roughly $11,400–$20,000, typically around $15,457 (from 335 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.