Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
After a routine oil change my air bag sensor light illuminated after turning the car on. Tried the reset, still on. I took it to a mechanic who told me this is a common problem with KIA Sorentos. He also said that it is likely some sensor or the airbag itself and it being on it is very unsafe to drive because it won't deploy if there is an accident. There has never been a collision or any other reason for this to occur other than faulty manufacturing. After researching I've found many posts of other Sorento owners with the same issue. All of them being required to pay a heavy amount for a fix that should be a safety recall. We all have paid a large amount for a "safe" vehicle. Common sense would say that it is KIA's responsibility to fix the issue, regardless of warranty. It isn't a wear and tear, its lives and financial burden. …
Since I purchased my 2013 KIA SORENTO I have had at least 3 recalls. My vehicle AIR BAG LIGHT is still ON. I have been waiting since last year (2023)to get this recall item repaired and the local dealership has informed me that the part is on ORDER but never received( I have the work order from dealership stating that).. My Anti- thief system won't allow my vehicle to start upon demand I have to wait and turn the key over and let panel lights come on before it starts I have to do this 3x always. I've tried different approach's to rectify this issue, still dealing with it today( March 1, 2024). My speed control sensors had too be replaced. ABS lights would come on and stay illuminated. A lot is going on with my KIA SORENTO. I really enjoy my vehicle until all these recalls started. Now, I'm afraid to drive it as much, due too this FIRE RECALL!!!!!! I have documentation of these recalls.
I started the vehicle as usual to head home from running errands. I usually watch the warning lights go off. For some reason after the lights went off the air bag light came back on as I was going down the road. I pulled over and turned it off. Waited 5 minutes and started it back up thinking it just needed shut off and restarted. The light again went off for a second and back on all the way home. My normal shop can not work on that component so I have to take it to the Kia dealer to get it fixed and pay to have it checked. Under 130000 miles, this shouldnt be happening.
In the past two weeks the Warning lamp for front passenger seat remains lit up indicating airbag problem in that area second row seats clip areas to lift seats and allow entry to third row were very hard to operate and now malfunctioned and don't work at all to lift seats. This has been checked out by Kia dealer last year to no resolve(they were able to lift seats up with great effort), but I am not able to get the seats lifted rendering access to 3rd row impossible for use.
My airbag light has been on for a while and I didn't know until today that technically I shouldn't be driving it. I learned that, if the light is on, there is a possibility that in the event of a collision the airbags may night deploy. I am financing this car from car shop and had to have a recall for the airbags be repaired. Is there any way to have this issue corrected without paying? I'd rather not die going food shopping.
I own a 2013 Kia Sorento LX FWD AUTO, granted I bought it USED in June 2020. But every since I've owned my vehicle I've had a problem with my Engine Light being on, the Driver Side Break light keeps going out and the USB and Cigarette Lighter keep Blowing the FUSES. I Love my Truck and I need to know how KIA can help to fix these problems.
Passenger air bag warning light stay on . On the dash. Brought up to the attention of the dealership. Advised them that I felt it wasn't safe, I was advised that the recall had not been received. Still my bright red light stays on. Worried when I am driving with a loved one in the passenger seat.
I have been Trying to set up a appointment with Citrus Motors Kia, Ontario California.1350 S Woodruff Way Ontario California 91761. And they are giving me the rounds. Seen last week I have been texting them and calling. And no answer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While turning into a parking lot during inclement weather conditions, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a metal pole. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt failed to retract. The contact sustained a cracked sternum, neck and back pains that required medical attention. The passenger sustained a back injury that required medical attention. The contact also stated that four additional passengers sustained minor abrasions that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000. Updated 09/01/2015 ma 09/03/15 updated 12/7/2015
Airbag complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Kia Sorento, 6% of the model year's 982 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Kia Sorento airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2013 Kia Sorento, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Kia Sorento airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 2 fires and 12 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.