2013 Kia Sorento: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine · TN

The car is running rough, losing power and knocking. Unable to drive it safely. The more you accelerate the less power it has. It has been sitting ever since the incident.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Fuel system · ME

I am submitting a formal written complaint to supplement my existing the federal safety agency Safety Report ID 11702339 regarding a serious fuel system defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento. My car began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling at stop signs and traffic lights, and a strong fuel odor. A check engine light subsequently illuminated, and due to safety concerns, the vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed and documented fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator and fuel contamination in the engine oil. This defect presents a serious safety risks: increased risk of engine fire due to fuel leakage, unexpected loss of power while stopped or in traffic, and increased likelihood of a collision due to engine stalling. This vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, making this failure particularly concerning. Fuel system failures and post-recall engine-related defects have been the subject of multiple Kia recalls, service campaigns, and the federal safety agency investigations involving engine fires and fuel leaks. Despite the dealership's documented diagnosis and clear safety implications, Kia Consumer Affairs denied recall coverage and refused to assist with repair costs, stating this is not a recall-related issue. The estimated repair cost exceeds $1,700, and the vehicle remains unsafe and undrivable. Given the confirmed fuel leakage, fuel contamination of engine oil, prior recall engine replacement, repeated stalling events, and Kia's refusal to acknowledge responsibility, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this case as part of a potential defect trend, particularly involving high-pressure fuel system components on Kia Sorento vehicles with prior recall engine replacements. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this safety issue is formally documented, investigated, and considered for further action to protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving, my vehicle developed engine knocking, lost power, overheated, and produced smoke from the engine compartment. Shortly after, the engine seized and the vehicle will not start. An authorized dealership diagnosed the failure and recommended a complete engine (long-block) replacement, indicating catastrophic internal engine damage. This failure appears consistent with known Theta II engine bearing defects. The manufacturer is refusing coverage by stating the owner did not bring in the car for the recalls. The recall was preventive monitoring software (KSDS) and did not repair or prevent the underlying mechanical defect that caused the failure. This is a safety concern, as the failure caused loss of power and overheating, creating risk of fire or accident.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · ME

I am reporting a safety defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, a noticeable fuel odor, and eventually a check engine light. These symptoms increased over several days, and once the check engine light illuminated, we had the vehicle towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. At the dealership, the problem was confirmed and reproduced by their technicians. They diagnosed: •Fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator •Fuel contamination in the engine oil These components and diagnostic findings are available for inspection upon request. This issue poses a significant safety risk. Fuel leakage and fuel-in-oil contamination increase the potential for an engine fire, and the hesitation, sputtering, and stalling at intersections present a risk of unexpected loss of power in traffic, which could result in a collision. The vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, and the current symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine and fuel system defects addressed in past recalls and technical service bulletins. The vehicle has been inspected only by the dealership so far; it has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Kia Consumer Affairs has been contacted and is reviewing the case. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this issue as a potential defect trend involving the high-pressure fuel system on this model, especially in vehicles with prior recall-related engine replacements. Documentation from the dealership, including the diagnostic report and repair estimate, is available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MD

On February 1, 2024, I was driving home from work. I had been driving for about 20 minutes and out of nowhere almost every dashboard light indicator that exists came on. Initially, it was the ABS, Tire Pressure, and Stability Control. I stopped at a light and all of these lights went off but as soon as I started driving again they came back on along with the AWD, Brake, and Airbag indicators. I drove approximately 10 more minutes and the check engine light came on and I had a loss of power. I was able to get to a road that had less traffic where the car started sputtering, the oil lamp came on, and then the car shut completely off. Prior to shutting off it would not allow me to place the vehicle into any gear other than neutral. I was able to use a battery pack to restart the vehicle temporarily but it started doing the exact same thing before shutting off. I ended up having to push the vehicle out of the middle of the street. Prior to this I had experienced a loss of power and the battery indicator came on so I had the alternator replaced in November 2023 along with the battery. I ended up having to return to the mechanic after I experienced another loss of power. The mechanic checked the alternator and other electrical components and stated that the rear hatch wasn't closed all the way even though there was no indicator on the dashboard. The vehicle seemed to be fine until this. After a little research it appears that I am not the only person with this same make & model that this has happened too - Kia is going to get someone killed!!!!

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Engine · NY

On 11/20/2023 I was entering the freeway when the engine on my Kia completely quit. No lights, no sputtering, no indication at all of an issue. Obviously I lost power steering. I was able to get to the side of the road and try to restart the engine. Would not restart. I had the car towed to my mechanic and called Kia customer service later. I was advised to have it towed to a Kia dealership (fee would be reimbursed), get it diagnosed (fee would be reimbursed), and that the engine would be replaced. The diagnosis was no compression in cylinder 4 and that this is not covered under warranty. I was offered an engine for $6000. Called customer service back and was told they would research the case. Two months later I am told they will not be replacing the engine. I am out a tow fee, diagnostic fee, and have a lawn ornament that I owe $4000 on. This is absolutely a safety issue and Kia needs to be held accountable. To go immediately from power steering to none, engine turning to stalled is not safe! I feel lucky as I was not traveling fast, not trying to merge or pass. I am disgusted that this is not a safety concern and that Kia continues to deny any fault.

Filed Jul 12, 2023 · Engine · GA

The engine started knocking, experienced loss of power, and oil leaks around the engine head. Kia of Savannah refused to retrieve the vehicle, and I could not afford to tow it to them. Then, they could not get me an appointment for months. Now they are refusing to conduct repairs because the “knock sensor upgrade” was never performed.

Filed Dec 28, 2021 · Engine · FL · crash

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.

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · Engine · 102,000 miles · WV · fire

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.

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · WV

It’s been losing power and suspension is horrible the steering was tight and now it’s so loose there is so much vibration in the floorboard too I know I’m going to lose control soon

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · 110,332 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 KIA Sorento. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle started to lose power and the speed decelerated to 55 mph unintendedly. The contact took it to the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the spark plugs, drive belts, and several other unknown parts. The contact stated that approximately 5 months after the repairs the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,332.

Filed Mar 6, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · 140,000 miles · CA

Over a period of a month on multiple occasions during normal driving on highway and city streets, the engine lost power while driving, only allowing enough drive ability at significantly reduced power and speed to pull over. In each of those instances, the power was restored to normal after a small period of rest. An overlapping condition existed during that same period, in which all power was lost to the engine and power steering, as the engine completely shut down while driving under normal circumstances. In each of those cases, the engine would not turn over until after a period of rest of at least 20 minutes. There was never an engine warning to indicate an issue. The car was serviced and assessed by certified mechanics, but no problem was detected. During one such inspection with aamco of redlands, california, the car lost power during their final test drive following a rigorous inspection in which no issue was identified, and never regained power again. It was determined that the engine had ceased with 141,335 miles on the odometer. Another issue revolved around an electrical issue with the driver side headlamp and turn signal. It ceased to work while within the 100,000 mile warranty and was fixed without cost. However, it continued to fail afterwards and was fixed multiple times at personal expense. The airbag light has also been on for half the life of the car, and is still on at this time, but the dealer refused to acknowledge it was a warranty issue despite a recall on that light. They claimed that the light was tripped due to some empty soda cans they discovered under the chair and which were probably rolling around according to their opinion. They stated that the tripped airbag light had nothing to do with the recall.