2013 Kia Sorento

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2013 Kia Sorento, organized by category and engine/transmission configuration as requested. The 2013 Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of value and practicality. It was offered with three engine options: a 2.4L inline-4 cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5L V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Sorento’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and extensive features for the price. Common complaints include less-than-stellar fuel economy (especially with the V6), some reliability concerns, and a somewhat unrefined driving experience compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4 Cylinder

• Engine Knocking/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of engine knocking noises, often leading to complete engine failure. This issue seems to be related to connecting rod bearing failure due to oil sludge buildup or manufacturing defects. Some owners report this occurring at relatively low mileage.
  • Solution: Engine replacement is often required. Some owners have had success with warranty claims or goodwill assistance from Kia, especially if they have documented maintenance records.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls:
    • SC147 (Service Campaign) - PI1802 - Inspect the Engine Assembly and Perform Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Logic Upgrade
    • SC176 (Service Campaign) - PI2002 - Replace the Engine Assembly with a New Engine Assembly
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report the engine consuming excessive amounts of oil between oil changes, sometimes requiring adding oil every 1,000 miles or less. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
  • Solution: Possible solutions include piston ring replacement or engine replacement. A compression test can help diagnose the severity of the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

• No Issues Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported rough or jerky shifting, especially between certain gears. Slipping during acceleration or delayed engagement are also common complaints.
  • Solution: Some owners have had success with transmission fluid changes. In other cases, valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid change) - $4,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature sagging of the rear suspension, especially when carrying passengers or cargo. This can lead to a bouncy ride and reduced handling performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers or springs. Some owners opt for aftermarket heavy-duty springs to address this issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, frequent disconnections, or inability to use Bluetooth functions.
  • Solution: Software updates to the infotainment system may resolve some issues. Replacement of the Bluetooth module may be necessary in other cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $300+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS/Traction Control Light Illumination
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS and/or traction control lights illuminating on the dashboard, sometimes accompanied by a loss of ABS or traction control functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the root cause with a scan tool is essential. Common causes include faulty wheel speed sensors, ABS module failure, or wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks from the sunroof, often into the headliner or cabin.
  • Solution: Cleaning the sunroof drain tubes is often the first step. If the leak persists, the sunroof seal or entire sunroof assembly may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (drain cleaning) - $1,000+ (assembly replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Kia Sorento, while offering good value, has some notable issues. The 2.4L engine is particularly prone to engine knocking/failure and excessive oil consumption, which can be costly to repair. Transmission problems such as rough shifting are also prevalent. Other issues such as suspension sagging and electrical glitches may also be encountered. Overall, the potential severity and cost of repairs for these issues should be considered when evaluating a used 2013 Kia Sorento. Checking maintenance records and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.