2013 Kia Sorento: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 513 owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Sorento that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772250 (filed 10/19/2026): “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.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11753810 (filed 07/30/2026): “The contact owns a 2013 kia sorento. the contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the engine warning light illuminated. the contact used a diagnostic machine to retrieve dtc: p0136, p0172 system, to the rich bank, and p1326 control module which indicated that the k…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11752405 (filed 07/23/2026): “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.…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .
