2013 Kia Sorento fuel system problems

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

AC stopped, engine began to struggle, engine light came on and engine over heated. Pulled off highway to be towed. Dealer found metal in oil and suggested possible manufacturer defect issue.

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 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 May 23, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI · fire · 1 injury

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

Filed May 13, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

my vehicle falls under the 2013 Kia Sorrento engine replacement and fuel pump. Recall these have not been done to my vehicle. I even double checked with the previous owner and Kia did not service the engine or replace it although it has a recall under mine, and all the symptoms stated in the recall with the engine and fuel pump are happening with my vehicle now how do I get this service covered under the recall also a very strong fuel odor

Filed Apr 5, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

Kia failed to take accountability for rods related to oil pan and engine damage defect on this vehicle. Did not offer other safety options and did not give any warning signs. I have ALL my receipts and maintenance on vehicle that I DID Maintain my vehicle responsible and this was a Kia vehicle safety issue on manufacturing. I did not receive any warning or lights on my dashboard and I have all my oil change receipts. Please see all attached documents for my complaint. All Kia customer service was concerned with was warranty when this is a manufacturing product defect of this car not being put together properly and my vehicle has been serviced over years at a Kia dealership and no one has ever told me my vehicle was not maintained. Kia corporation won't even investigate or even move forward in any direction even with all my receipts reports and evidence to submit my claims are true.

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Acceleration, Airbags · TX

Since I purchased my 2013 KIA SORENTO I have had at least 3 recalls. My vehicle AIR BAG LIGHT is still ON. I have been waiting since last year (2023)to get this recall item repaired and the local dealership has informed me that the part is on ORDER but never received( I have the work order from dealership stating that).. My Anti- thief system won't allow my vehicle to start upon demand I have to wait and turn the key over and let panel lights come on before it starts I have to do this 3x always. I've tried different approach's to rectify this issue, still dealing with it today( March 1, 2024). My speed control sensors had too be replaced. ABS lights would come on and stay illuminated. A lot is going on with my KIA SORENTO. I really enjoy my vehicle until all these recalls started. Now, I'm afraid to drive it as much, due too this FIRE RECALL!!!!!! I have documentation of these recalls.

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NY

I drove with my family south bound on i95 and between exit 6-5 the engine light came on out of no where and the gas peddle and brake stopped working. My luck was that I was on the right lane and I pulled over to shoulder of the highway till the car stopped. after 5-10 min I turned the car on and I was able to crawl to exit 5 ramp driving barely 10-15mph. The engine was making knocking sounds and then it just died in the middle of the exit, where I had to push the car in neutral through the ez-pass booth. We waited for an hour and got a tow truck to tow us to the nearest shop, where the mechanic told me that the engine is done and I need a new engine. I told him when it comes to engine, only an authorized kia dealer repair shop would be able to do the job.

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · 155,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and incline warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 155,00. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 4, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · AR

I have experienced multiple electrical failures, engine stalling & fuel pump issues. One after another. I had the fuel pump sensor replaced ($900 just for one part) a few months ago. I have wires randomly corroding - headlight connector. As of 2 days ago my ignition switch and starter solenoid intermittenly fails to send voltage to the starter. Won’t know if the starter motor will need replaced until it’s tested and proven it wasn’t the culprit for the failure of the other two. I have replaced 2 spark plugs. They have still been read to misfire. Random electrical things stopped working like my heated seats and a few steering wheel buttons. (I’d like to note the battery was just replaced last month) All of these problems seem to be linked with several recalls. All problems have all occurred over the last 6 months. There is an abundance of evidence pointing to faulty wiring and electrical issues. This recent HECU recall is basically saying our cars could spontaneously combust while not in use due to an electrical short circuit. Barely outlining the dangers it could cause while actually in use. A simple google will tell you if this system fails so could your ABS. Even with the ABS engine light warning how do we know it could warn us far enough in advance to pull over to safety? Imagine that while even going the speed limit in a school zone let alone the interstate. I have kids. This is terrifying. I can’t afford to just replace my vehicle. I have proof of a very well maintained lifetime of repair and maintenance on this vehicle. I had no knowledge of any prior recall issues until I spent hours researching. You buy a car and assume that if it has been well maintained it’s safe. My mistake. I would have absolutely declined had I known I’m strapping my babies in a double death trap every day over a failed circuit. Can we just accept the fact that this is certainly due to the engine replacements? Perhaps some were installed more carefully and correctly than others?