2013 Kia Sorento: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · 190,000 miles · NJ · fire

The contact owned a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he had received a recall notice for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact then stated that soon after the recall was serviced, the vehicle would hesitate to start after multiple attempts without warning. The vehicle had been taken back to the dealer on multiple occasions due to failure; the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure, but stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a white-grayish smoke began to emit from the vehicle without warning. The smoke became heavier and quickly turned black as the contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames as the authorities were called to the scene. Both the police and the fire department arrived at the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession. The vehicle was destroyed as a result of the fire. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had yet been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

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 Nov 17, 2023 · Engine · 128,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the RPM’s revved up however, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Jul 5, 2023 · Engine · 178,000 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the warranty requirements. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2020 · Engine · 140,000 miles · IL

2/11/20: driving north on I-55 when the car suddenly started hesitating as if it wasn't getting fuel, I pulled over & heard a crack noise, car stalls, smoke coming from inside the hood, engine, oil, battery & trans dash lights lit up after the noise & smoke, but oil gauge never ever got hot (even before this) I opened hood & saw liquid had exploded under the hood. I tried to start the car & it wouldn't. The next day, had it towed to a shop, the mechanic said: 'engine is blown & no clue why, there's a hole in the engine block & nothing you could've done to prevent it, it definitely seems like a mechanical defect & it was just a matter of time before it blew.' so imagine my confusion when my 2013 vehicle's engine (maintained perfectly as I had free oil changes through kia so I got them done regularly & it's all in their system) randomly blows & mechanic has no idea why. I researched & 0 open recalls, kia headquarters said it's my responsibility as my VIN not included on recall detailing my exact complaint because it didn't have a gfi engine. This is obviously a mechanical defect and kia should be held accountable and responsible for replacing the defective engine on my car!! I'm now without income due to the coronavirus pandemic happening, so I can't afford the car pmt that I'm responsible for a vehicle I just purchased 12/2018!! This is horrifying that kia refuses to replace my engine. I'm a single mom with 2 kids (8 & 9) trying to survive & they refused to even give a loaner while I try to raise the money to pay for a used engine to be put in. This has put me in a horrible financial situation as I rented a car for a month before the lockdown & could have used the $ towards repairs but I had to work so I had no choice, but now can't afford anything so I'm just stuck with no help at all for something that is not my fault. Kia is responsible & I'm out of options & help.*dt

Filed Nov 11, 2019 · 100,000 miles · PA

My vehicle starts hesitating than shakes and stalls . I wait and start it up . It has done this and I see recalls for kia and stalling issues. I am afraid I'm gonna get into an accident

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · Engine · 95,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia sorento. While operating the vehicle, a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2017 · Fuel system · CA

My car has 73,000 miles and kept well maintained. One day the car wouldn't start. Engine kept turning over and over. I was eventually able to get the car started but it would shake, vibrate, and hesitate while driving. My mechanic said the problem is high pressure fuel pump and it is not cover after 60,000 miles warranty and the part will cost over $850 without the labor. I never had an issue with fuel pump or fuel pump system with a car that has under 100,000 miles on it. This is defect design from kia and they will not cover for it.

Filed May 25, 2016 · Fuel system · 71,000 miles · NC

Car was parked. Went to start it up to and car wouldn't start. Engine kept turning over and over. First few times this happened, I was eventually able to get the car started but it would shake, vibrate, and hesitate while driving. Eventually, I went to start the car from park and it wouldn't start. I was able to get it started by jumping it, but the vibrations, shaking, and hesitation continued. I took it to the dealership and was told the problem of were the result of low fuel due to a failure with the high pressure fuel pump. While driving home on the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of speed (I.e. 65 MPH to 20 MPH) and significant decrease in power, which is very dangerous. Car has 71,000 miles on it. All routine services have been performed on the car at the dealership and oil has been changed routinely as specified.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Transmission · 3,200 miles · SC

Front wheel, 4 cylinder engine grossly under powered. Making a left or right turn from stop, the engine hesitated almost to the point of stalling. This is a potential head-on collision even on a moderately busy road. Kia dealer claims no defect in vehicle.