Home · 2013 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (977)Crash / fire / injury (72)Engine (494)Electrical system (116)Body & structure (89)Brakes (88)Lights (70)Transmission & drivetrain (69)Airbags (60)Fuel system (37)Seats (33)Visibility & wipers (31)

88 of 977 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters · page 1 of 4

Jan 16, 2026BrakesElectrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. While the contact's granddaughter was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a special device was previously installed in the vehicle because of a legal matter. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who installed the device, and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the device did not cause the failure. In addition, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

NHTSA ODI 11711398

Jan 10, 2026BrakesEngine

Car stalled several times including as I was turning through an intersection. I took my car to KIA Ganley if Boardman 7870 Market Street Bdmn Two, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. I met w/Gerry who I explained the concerns with car stalling reminding him it had been almost 2 years since the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.

NHTSA ODI 11710092

Dec 4, 2025BrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's daughter stated that the engine had seized, and the vehicle had stalled. The contact's daughter was unable to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that since the first recall repair had not been completed, the manufacturer denied the recall repairs. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact received a bill from the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact's daughter stated that before the engine failed, every time the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. However, after several minutes, the abnormal sound disappeared. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11702984

Nov 21, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the ABS had failed, and the brakes needed to be repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); and the recall repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was informed of the persistent failure; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer for another diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI 11700829

Mar 18, 2025BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An unknown repair was performed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An unknown repair was performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11649041

Sep 26, 2024BrakesFire1 injury

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

Sep 19, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11615340

Sep 18, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ODI 11615134

Jul 22, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11603705

Jun 24, 2024Brakes

After having the recent recall completed at the dealer, shortly thereafter I noticed that the ABS warning light, traction control warning light, and the downhill assist warning light all came on and stayed on while driving. The service department at the dealership says that these events are not related to the recent recall. I checked online and the problem seems to be a faulty speed sensor in the hub is to blame. There are NUMEROUS complaints from KIA and Hyundai owners that all point to this part having failed. The 2011 to 2015 KIA Sorento (like mine), seems to be especially problematic. I feel this is a safety related issue that should be remedied by the dealer and the expense for this often-failed part should not be borne by the owners. My car has less than 40K miles and is not cruddy or rusty underneath. If this is not addressed, several safety features will not function and the drivers of these cars, as well as others on the road will be in peril. MANY owners are just driving with the warning lights on due to the complexity and high cost of this repair. I feel KIA should address this so as to save lives and show their customers some respect. Thanks! PS: I had the vehicle plugged into a code reader at a local well-known auto parts store and they confirmed that it was a wheel speed sensor.

NHTSA ODI 11596218

May 24, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11590546

May 7, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11587429

May 6, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11587156

Apr 30, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11586012

Apr 25, 2024Brakes2 injuries

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

Apr 24, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11585029

Apr 16, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11583324

Apr 12, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11582640

Apr 10, 2024Brakes

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11582215

Apr 8, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11581693

Apr 8, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11581713

Apr 3, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580852

Apr 3, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rubber-burning odor detected. The traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580973

Mar 29, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580043

Mar 28, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11579883

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Working with the data? Download all 977 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid verdict →