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).
On 4/29/22 @ 215 pm whilst deselorating for an off ramp from I-57 in Mattoon IL to enter onto RTE 16. The car made a huge search and a loud knocking near could be heard from the engine compartment. The cabin began to have smoke enter from the air vents. No warning lights where illuminated on the driver's control panel. The noise stopped and the car resumed it regular forward motion. Yet large amounts of smoke could be seen coming from the rear of the car. A min or two later the car smoke got more intense and the cabin and all the drivers warning light illuminated. The car stalled and engine and steering and breaks failed to function. The car coasted to a bit and then had to be pushed off the the busy highway. …
Engine keeps shutting off at 50 miles per hr no warning lights or engine codes, this keeps happening every two or 6 days. Mechanic replicated the issue but no engine codes were presented, so no solution. This vehicle is no save to drive. When vehicles shuts off you lose control of the steering wheel. And you can't start the vehicle back up until you get to a full stop.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting to turn right, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the vehicle drove off the road and crashed into a tree. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The air bag deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was totaled and was towed to a tow yard. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
We experienced literally everything described on the last letter for the recall on our 2013 Kia Sorento's ECU, including the vehicle shutting off in the middle of active intersections, highway, and normal driving operation(s). My wife and I own a vehicle (2013 Kia Sorento), that is the subject of your "voluntary service campaign to update the engine control unit (ECU)". After the ECU unit was replaced we received the attached letter from Kia that states he has a warranty on the engine for as long as we own the vehicle. Despite this letter, we've been told by Kia USA corporate and lithia Kia of anchorage that our vehicle is no longer covered by a warranty due to mileage. I expect someone in a higher level management to explain, asformerly requested. …
I bought a 2013 Kia Sorento last night Saturday 12/19/2015 and the paperwork did not get complete until after 10:30 pm. The salesman stated that all components had been checked and that all was good. I live a hour away from the dealership and when I was on 290 heading east at about 70 MPH, when I noticed that my dash and radio panel lights start flickering, my motor felt like it idled down a little but then it was OK, but then it happened again and all the lights in the radio area, steering wheel and speedometer area turned off and it lost a little power but then they all came back on and I made it home, then on 12/20/15 I was driving into town and after about 10 miles at 75 MPH my inside lights started flashing again, and then went totally dark. I didn't lose any power this time but I'm starting to feel pretty ripped off. …
I was traveling down a route 30 in greensburg, pa at approximately 45 MPH. There was a slight clicking noise and then silence. No noise. The engine light came on. The gas pedal would not work. The power steering would not work. I was able to coast into the mall parking lot. I had my vehicle towed to allwine curry auto sevice, a local garage, for evaluation. I was told that the engine was shot and that a used one could be installed for $3500. We purchased our vehicle used from smail Kia in May 2017. We have our oil changed every 6000 miles. We have not had a oil light come on or any warning that there is a problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power suddenly without warning. The contact attempted to apply the brakes, but they failed to respond. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to the shoulder, but the steering failed. The vehicle came to a stop and was able to be restarted after the second attempt. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (Kia west county), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
I have repeatedly contacted Kia corporate and the dealership regarding an axle issue. It is the same exact issue that nhsta has issued a recall notice for 2014 model vehicles. My axle is in jeopardy of fracturing - company will not repair the issue because they say 2013s aren't covered. Summary: Kia motors corp. Is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft May fracture.
Vehicle was stationary after pulling into my garage, turned vehicle off - key would not come out of ignition, restarted car, backed up, pulled straight forward, made sure wheel was straight, placed in park, turned off ignition, key would not come out of ignition. Restarted car, backed up, pulled forward again and parked, finally able to remove key from ignition. Thankfully I was home and was able to remove key. This has happed many times on this vehicle, some of which I have reported already.
The traffic light for my daughter's vehicle turned green. She proceeded into the intersection. And ended up crashing into the passenger side of another vehicle that ran thr red light. My daughter's vehicle sustained heavy damage to the entire front end . However there was no airbag deployment. We are very concerned due to the amount of damage done to the vehicle . And we wish to put it on report so that someone can investigate if there May be a defect in the airbag system.
Steering complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Kia Sorento, 2% of the model year's 982 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Kia Sorento steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to steering 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.