2013 Kia Sorento — Specs, Recalls & Safety

The 2013 Kia Sorento is a suv from South Korea. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 2013 Sorento VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.

2.9
Reliability score (NHTSA data)
982 complaints · 5 recalls · worst: engine

When things go wrong — failure mileage by component

ComponentComplaintsTypical mileage
Engine 387 100,000 mi (median)
Electrical 101 80,000 mi (median)
Body 81 65,000 mi (median)
Brakes 66 92,000 mi (median)
Powertrain 61 70,000 mi (median)
Airbags 55 85,000 mi (median)

Recall gap — complaints without a matching recall

7 components with significant owner complaints but no corresponding NHTSA recall campaign:

  • Airbags — 55 complaints · 1 alleged fires
  • Body — 81 complaints
  • Electrical — 101 complaints · 9 alleged fires
  • Lighting — 42 complaints · 1 alleged fires

37 alleged fires reported for this model year across all components.

70 service bulletins (TSBs) on file. Top category: airbags (6 bulletins).

Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0) — aggregated from public NHTSA complaints and recalls. Owner reports are unverified; scores reflect volume, not per-vehicle defect rates.

Overview

Specifications at a glance

Basic build info
Model year2013
MakeKia
ModelSorento
BodySUV
Country of originSouth Korea

Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.

NHTSA safety recalls — 2013 Kia Sorento

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Recall data for this specific model year has not been ingested into our snapshot store yet. Check the official NHTSA recall lookup or decode the VIN above — VIN decodes always query the current NHTSA database.

Most reported problem areas: 2013 Kia Sorento

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this vehicle, grouped by component, with the mileage where failures typically appear. Source: ProblemsByVin aggregation of public NHTSA complaints (unverified owner reports).

Failure areas for the 2013 Kia Sorento, ranked by complaint volume
Component Complaints Typical failure mileage Typical repair estimate
Engine 387 100,000 mi $3,100
Electrical 101 80,000 mi $850
Body & Exterior 81 65,000 mi $1,500
Brakes 66 92,000 mi $450

Related OBD-II diagnostic codes: P0300 · P0171 · P0128 each with what the code means and how urgent it is.

Check-engine light on your 2013 Sorento?

Every 1996-and-newer vehicle uses the OBD-II standard. Look up any stored code, then search 2,000+ codes to see what each code means and how urgent it is.

OBD-II code lookup →

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Related guides for 2013 Kia Sorento owners & buyers

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2013 Kia Sorento specs?

The 2013 Sorento is a SUV. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.

Are there recalls on the 2013 Sorento?

No open NHTSA recalls were found in our latest check. Recall status is tracked per-VIN, decode the specific VIN to confirm.

Is the 2013 Kia Sorento reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on maintenance history, a well-serviced example almost always outperforms a neglected one.

How do I check this specific 2013 Sorento?

Enter the VIN above to see the factory-decoded specifications and open recalls. Combine with a free vehicle history check and a pre-purchase inspection.

How much is a 2013 Kia Sorento worth?

Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them, and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.

What common problems should I watch for on a 2013 Sorento?

Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.

Sources on this page: NHTSA vPIC (specifications), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA NCAP (safety), EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG), SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Kia or any government agency.