What 977 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact then stated that soon after the recall was serviced, the vehicle would hesitate to start after multiple attempts without warning. The vehicle had been taken back to the dealer on multiple occasions due to failure; the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure, but stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a white-grayish smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. The smoke became heavier and quickly turned black as the contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames as the authorities were called to the scene. Both the police and the fire department arrived at the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was destroyed as a result of the fire. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had yet been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732711

This vehicle has a oil consumption problem that causes engine damage and Kia will not take responsibility for especially after the car being maintained. On top of it even with substantial evidence that this was a manufacturing defect that Kia is refusing to take accountability for and completely dismisses any claims or complaints and not even bothered to speak with you unless the car has warranty which is absurd because this was a again a manufacturing defect of the vehicle not from not sustaining the vehicle from the driver that owns it. It also did not give off any warning signs or any indication that there was a problem until the problem completely left me without a car. Without a warning or indication this was a hazard and luckily I did not have my children in the car when the oil brought broke and pierced an immense hole causing my engine damage. Kia sorentos are known for this defect it has had a lawsuit for this with other Kia sorento's they need to put this model also as I dug deeper I am not the only one that has this problem I'm currently trying to pursue a lawsuit with Kia corporation for this however as you know this is not an easy process This was definitely a safety issue that could have became extremely severe and risked my life and my children

NHTSA ODI 11662704

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later flames and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The contact sustained a right-hand laceration while attempting to remove items from the vehicle. The injury did not require professional medical treatment. Police and fire report information was not available. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), and the recall had not been completed prior to the incident. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616683

We were driving on highway at 120 kmh. The road was smooth and we had no error/service dash lights illuminated. Suddenly we heard a loud bang and we lost total control of the vehicle. We (hit) slid onlong the concrete highway which prevented the car from flipping and entering oncoming traffic. Our terrifying experience lasted about 8 seconds until we came to a stop. We were fortunate that we were not crashed into by nearby traffic. The original manufacturer alloy rear left wheel shattered. I have pictures of the wheel. The wheel totally separated from the hub. The tire was in good condition and we didn't hit any bumps or pothole. I notified KIA about this issue with reference # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11611361

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, it rolled away while she was removing groceries from the passenger side of the vehicle. As a result, the contact ran to the driver's side and jump into the vehicle to stop it. While driving at unknown speeds with the windows up and the air conditioner in the on position, smoke was entering through the vents. The engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over. An independent mechanic informed the contact that there was an electrical failure. The contact and child occupant had white residue in their noses, and medical attention was provided. There was no reported fire, air bag deployment, or police report. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 90.000.

NHTSA ODI 11585182

The heated seats were turned on high. It was cold outside. Two hours later the occupant got out of the car and discovered blisters on leg from seat heat. Several large blisters from burns. The seat should not be hot enough to burn someone and cause blisters

NHTSA ODI 11560525

Engine cooling system failure on my second engine after it being replaced ounce already still the same thing overheating millions of recalls on 2013 kia serento with cooling system failures why am I have to buy another engine with 2 years of replacing my original with the same problem my vehicle vin need to be added with the rest of the same year make an model

NHTSA ODI 11553912

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH and towing a trailer, he heard a loud abnormal sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle. After which, the instrument panel behaved erratically, then the vehicle lost all motive power, and the contact observed smoke entering the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to shift into park. After some time, the contact observed the vehicle engulfed in flames originating from an unknown location. Local emergency services were called and were able to extinguish the flames. A fire and police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA ODI 11552699

Car caught fire in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI 11543660

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph a knocking noise was present coming from the engine and the vehicle began to violently shake and vibrate causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a ditch. During the crash both the driver and passenger side and curtain air bags deployed. The driver sustained a concussion that required medical attention. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 153,000. The contact stated that the vehicle's engine seized up due to leftover metal particles in the engine cylinders. The contact has since sold the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11517791

Vehicle was parked at a store in accessory mode while I ran inside to grab drinks on the way to a birthday party. My children were inside and noticed smoking from the hood and got out before the vehicle was consumed by flames. Luckily the engine was not running and we were not driving/accelerating at the time of fire. I had several issues with headlight and taillights blowing, the last time the headlight harness was completely melted and had to be changed out. The fire department speculates the fire started near the battery, which would make sense considering the headlight in question was the one closest to the battery, and accessory mode was on. My 5 year old now believes every car we have will eventually catch fire. Please advise.

NHTSA ODI 11506640

My vehicle was having trouble starting so I scanned it and found out it might be part of a recall. I called Kia recall department and they confirmed that there was a safety recall for my engine and to make an appointment with the dealership. I called the Longmont Kia Fowler dealership in November but they refuse to service the recall for mr in a timely manner. They said it would take 2 months to even do the diagnostic that was a safety concern. They said all Kia dealerships are busy with the recalls and I would just have to wait. I called Kia management back and told him my concerns and documented every call because I didn't know what to do and needed help but didn't have another vehicle. Kia just said keep on them and didn't tell me not to drive the vehicle or that my life could be in danger like it was. The engine caught on fire in December and I was put in considerable danger. It was towed to Kia Fowler Longmont and they have refused to service it or give me a rental car. First they never did the diagnostic and filed the wrong request for the incorrect recall and then tried to lie about it. Now they're on their third reason of why I don't qualify for the recall that kia already confirmed I am part of throuhout this ordeal sayin I didn't ask for it to be serviced before the damage was done, which was not true and I've records of them refusing to service it in a timely manner and make me wait 2 months which was dangerous. Now they're saying since I'm not the original owner I don't get the service and get it fixed as it is now $9,000 to fix the engine that caught on fire because they wouldn't do the safety recall in a timely manner when I asked. So now I'm out of a car,no rental car and $9,000 they are saying I owe for the the damage they caused. They put my life was in danger. I've done everything to comply with this recall and more. I kept in touch with Kia the whole time and beg them for help and they're being impossible and breaking the law

NHTSA ODI 11501742

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact noticed there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact inspected underneath the hood and saw there were flames coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the contact had not yet received notification. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11481998

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. A security guard from the hospital has seen the smoke coming from the car and when I opened the lock on the hood a huge cloud of smoke rose up he yelled for me to get out of the car as it was going to catch fire. I exited the car and stepped way back from it as he told me to do. He got the smoke to stop. And then looked at the cars engine compartment and said this smells very bad. He pulled the oil dip stick to check it and it smelled of gasoline. He said not to stay in the car but to await the tow truck on a lawn many feet away as he was worried it might catch fire again. The car was towed at my expence ($282.00) to a mechanic who looked at it an said we got very lucky had it not been for that officer the whole car would have caught fire. He stated the engine is seized up and needs a total long block replacement. Total cost to fix it about $5000.00 rough estimate.

NHTSA ODI 11462899

My 2013 Kia sorento got recalled for an engine filling/Engine knocking. Back in 2019 so i toke it to the dealer and there's was not issues at the moment until 2021, i was driving on the highway and the car turned off. I lost power to the brakes and the steering was very hard to turn. The engine light started flashing so i pulled over and called the tow truck to take it to the kia dealership. Next day they called me and the engine was valid for the recall but they told me since it's a rebuilt car the car is not valid for a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11445242

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and left running for a while there was an abnormal plastic burning odor coming from the vehicle. After researching online, the contact did not believe the issue was related to a fuse but instead believed that there was a heater circuit continuity issue. The contact was concerned that there was an electrical short in the seat heater. The contact stated that there were two warning lights related to the driver’s and passenger’s side front seats. The contact stated that whenever the seat heaters were performing as designed the three LED lights would remain lit however, whenever the failure was present one of the LED lights would flash. During the failure, the driver’s front seat would not seat up normally or would be lukewarm. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. the local dealer was contacted however, the contact was yet to receive a callback. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11441018

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 74 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise began to emit from the engine as the check engine and ABS warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle suddenly lost power as the contact began to smell smoke in his cabin. The contact immediately pulled over and once the engine was turned off, the engine became engulfed in flames. The contact exited the vehicle and called the authorities to his location. The fire was extinguished by the fire department; a police report was not filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries as a result of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11439909

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contacts husband stated while driving approximately 45mph when smoke came from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing an engine replaced. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) however was refused recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438427

Vehicle caught on fire, beginning in the engine compartment. No warning indications showed on the instrument panel. Driver and two children were able to exit the vehicle and notify the fire department. The fire investigator believes the fire started in proximity of the alternator. The engine has been replaced under warranty by Kia twice.

NHTSA ODI 11434812

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped at a red light, she saw smoke emerging from the hood and the dashboard. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact stated that the engine had caught on fire. There were no crash or injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contacted and was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle towed to a impound lot. The contact had not notified a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11418048

Abs break

NHTSA ODI 11417540

ON DECEMBER 18, 2020 WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY (IN MOTION), WITHOUT WARNING, AN ENGINE FIRE ERUPTED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES WERE SO PRONOUNCED THAT ONLOOKERS CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AND HAD NO KNOWN MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AT THAT POINT IN TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11407419

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, SHE BEGAN TO NOTICE A DARKISH GRAY SMOKE EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER AS HER HUSBAND WENT TO INSPECT THE HOOD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, FLAMES BEGAN TO EMIT FROM ENGINE AND THE CONTACT AND HER MOTHER IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD AND DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED TROPHY KIA OF CARSON(22020 RECREATION RD, CARSON, CA 90745) WHERE THEY INFORMED HER THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF SUCH FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HER FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000(ENGINE); HOWEVER, HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11383836

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, FLAMES WERE SUDDENLY PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND FILED A FIRE REPORT. DURING THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER JIM SHORKEY KIA LOCATED AT 1050 PITTSBURGH RD, UNION TOWN, PA 15401 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. INVALID VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11378515

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE FRONT HALF OF VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK POSSESSION OF VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. *LN THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11375577