2013 Kia Sorento lights problems

70 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 95,000.

owner complaints: 70
of this car's complaints: 7%
typical mileage: 95,000
crashes: 0
recalls: 0

Which part fails

Headlights
5

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Kia Sorento lights problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Kia Sorento lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 72

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Headlight FailureOpened June 1, 2020, closed January 25, 2022

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on seventy-four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting headlight failures on model year (MY) 2011-2013 KIA Sorento vehicles.In its response to ODI's June 25, 2020, information request letter (portions of which were submitted under request for confidentiality), Kia Motor America (Kia) provided design details of the headlight system showing that each headlight circuit is independently powered by the Smart Junction Box (SJB), a power control module. Kia claimed that the design minimizes the chance of both headlights failing simultaneously due to a headlight connector defect, a component located downstream of the SJB. Kia also advised that the SJB contains a safety feature designed to monitor power consumption for each headlight circuit; if excessive current is being demanded by either headlight the SJB will open the circuit (i.e., stop supplying current). Lastly Kia presented testing showing that the maximum headlight connector temperature achieved prior to the SJB opening the circuit was below the autoignition temperature of the plastic material the connector housing is made of, which Kia maintains eliminates the potential for a fire originating from an electrically overheated headlight connector. In its review of all available data, ODI determined that the majority of both VOQ and Kia customer complaints (1,339 reports in total) involved the loss or dimming of a single low beam headlight assembly caused primarily by a poor or overheated connector terminal located at the headlight. In some cases the failures were momentary in nature (i.e., flickering) with the headlights coming back on without driver intervention. A minority of VOQs and Kia complaints (the 196 Other reports) alleged simultaneous (and persistent) loss of both low beam headlights, and in most cases the driver was able to take an action (e.g., toggle the headlight switch, or use the ON rather than the AUTO setting on the headlight switch) to reinstate the low beam headlights. The high beam headlights were not seen to be affected and were available for drivers to use as alternate lighting.ODI did not identify any crashes or injuries, nor any fire incidents caused by a headlight related defect. While some VOQ and Kia reports alleged or indicated a fire occurrence, the incidents were found to involve melting or smells/odors due to thermal overheating of the plastic headlight connector housing, rather than an open flame fire.ODI notes that in April 2019, Kia initiated a 10 years/unlimited mileage warranty extension program to replace the headlight connector for MY 2011-2013 Sorento vehicles.Based on this analysis, a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time, and ODI is closing the investigation. This does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect is not present; the Agency will take further action if warranted by additional information received.The reference (ODI) numbers for the VOQs cited above are included in the downloadable version of this closing resume available at

PE20008

What 2013 Kia Sorento owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 20, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · NY

Some Unknown The vechicle wire and cable has shortage/ electrical problems, no accident occur.

Filed Jan 1, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

We were told by our auto mechanic that this vehicle needed a new electrical control module. The part has been on back-order with the local KIA dealership for a couple of months. My daughter was driving the car recently when all of the lights went out, and the car would only drive forward approximately 5 miles per hour. The car began to shudder and I had my daughter pull into the nearest parking lot and park the car. The engine shut off as she entered the parking lot, the car could not be placed in any other gear except neutral, and there was a burning smell. We pushed the car into a parking spot and removed the key from the ignition. We had to put the emergency brake on to keep the car from rolling. There is a safety recall related to this specific problem, but KIA states it does not have a remedy for the problem yet. What are we supposed to do?

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · MI

Received important safety recall on 14th November 2023, I called Kia dealership and corporate office to resolve and got the answer that the remedy is not available. It’s been more than 45 days since I received a letter, I am not parking my car in my garage, or neither driving secondary to concerned of fire, risk and injury as indicated in later. I went to local Kia dealership as I was instructed by the Kia corporate number, They instructed me not to worry about it just a precaution, which which is contradictory and different information then I received a letter. I’m strongly filing a complaint on behalf of all the Kia Sorrento owners, who received this letter and afraid to drive for more than 45+ days and afraid to park inside the garage or right next to the neighbors house. Please address this issue as soon as possible as there are so many of me and they don’t know what to do next.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Lights · GA

2022-09-22 I took my 2013 Kia Sorento for both low beam lights out to Ed Voyles Kia Service - 2145 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. Initially, the Service shop only replaced the bulbs and wanted to send me on my way. I explained that I already replaced both bulbs 2 times and the low beams keep going out and changing the bulbs is not going to solve the problem. I demoed how pushing on the hood alone makes the lights flicker. Then, the Service shop replaced the passenger low beam connector per Kia warranty extension. They did not replace the driver low beam connector. 2023-10-20 I took my 2013 Kia Sorento for driver low beam light out and airbag light on to Ed Voyles Kia Service - 2145 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. They fixed the airbag clock assembly per Kia warranty extension but although they admitted that the fix to the driver low beam connector should had been done a year prior, now the warranty expired, and they did not honor it.

Filed Sep 8, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · OR

Having to replace the headlight bulbs weekly. They go out without any warning until I cannot see while driving. Taillights need replacement about 30-60 days. Again without any warnings. Safety issue in my opinion. Definitely a defect from Kia. Unsafe and replacing bulbs weekly is not practical. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jun 28, 2022 · Lights · FL

Passenger Headlight connector has melted - dealership refuses to repair without replacing entire headlight fitting.

Filed May 16, 2022 · Lights · 178,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the front driver's side headlight was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2022 · Airbags, Electrical · VA

I own a 2013 Kia Sorento LX FWD AUTO, granted I bought it USED in June 2020. But every since I've owned my vehicle I've had a problem with my Engine Light being on, the Driver Side Break light keeps going out and the USB and Cigarette Lighter keep Blowing the FUSES. I Love my Truck and I need to know how KIA can help to fix these problems.

Filed Oct 28, 2021 · Lights · UT

My headlights have not worked properly since I bought the vehicle in February of 2017. I took it to the dealership I got it from (Stephen Wade Chevy) and explained the problem. They replaced the bulb and maybe the wires but I can't remember (I still have the paperwork from it if needed). The headlight worked for a short time and then would sporadically quit working here and there. Now, the wires look burnt which could cause a fire and the headlight will not work at all. I took it to Kia dealership and they said since I had it "fixed" through the dealership I got it from, it voided my warranty and I would have to pay to have the entire headlight assembly replaced. I looked online and it appears that there are over 300,000 complaints on this issue (including my sister in laws car which has the same issue). I don't believe I should be responsible for the fix as its been an issue this whole time. On top of this, the other headlight is now also working sporadically and I've been driving in the dark and had NO HEADLIGHTS when the other just stops working. This is a huge safety issue. Kia has told me that they will not do a goodwill fix. I've taken this to the escalation dept. but if they still refuse, my next move will be a lawyer. Kia needs to fix this issue. I wanted you to be aware. I've been pulled over several times because if this issue. Paying for tickets and bulbs (that don't fix the problem) is getting old. I hope you can document this and help in some way. I've attached a photo of the wires now. The other photo is of the original bulb and wires that were replaced (and I paid for. The bill is attached as well) also, a letter I got in 2019 regarding the lights flickering. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Oct 13, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · PA

Headlight wiring seems to be coming loose. Replaced bulbs, no change. Lights will go out while driving on both sides. Cannot get them set back to remain on.

Questions about the 2013 Kia Sorento lights

Does the 2013 Kia Sorento have lights problems?

Owners have filed 70 complaints about the lights of the 2013 Kia Sorento, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Kia Sorento lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 95,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Kia Sorento lights?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Sorento have the most lights problems?

The Kia Sorento model years with the most lights complaints are 2017 (126 complaints), 2011 (105 complaints) and 2015 (91 complaints).