P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento
Intake Air Temperature High Input
P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento indicates intake air temperature high input. It usually stays drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is disconnected or unlatched iat / maf-iat connector (typically $0–$50). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0113 mean on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
P0113 is set when the ECM sees the intake air temperature sensor signal voltage above the calibrated maximum — typically a reading that would represent an unrealistically cold air temperature (often below −40 °F / −40 °C). This is the textbook fingerprint of an open circuit at the IAT sensor: a disconnected sensor, a broken signal wire, or a failed sensor element.
This guide covers P0113 across the 2010-2014 Kia Sorento generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2010 through 2014.
Is it safe to drive a 2012 Kia Sorento with P0113?
In most cases a 2012 Kia Sorento stays drivable for short trips with P0113 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a low-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.
What are the symptoms of P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
- Check Engine Light is illuminated
- Slightly harder cold starting in some cases
- Mild reduction in fuel economy
- Reduced power under hard acceleration (engine adds extra fuel for "cold" air)
- Often no noticeable drivability problem at all
What causes P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnected or unlatched IAT / MAF-IAT connector | Most common | $0–$50 |
| Open circuit in the IAT signal wire (broken, chafed, or pinched) | Common | $80–$350 |
| Failed IAT sensor element (open internally) | Common | $30–$150 |
| Corroded sensor connector pins | Common | $30–$200 |
| Damaged sensor body from intake backfire | Occasional | $30–$200 |
| Failed PCM input (extremely rare) | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
How to diagnose this on a 2012 Kia Sorento
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Confirm where the IAT sensor lives on this engine
Modern engines fall into two configurations: a standalone IAT sensor in the air intake tract, or a combined MAF/IAT assembly where the IAT element is built into the mass airflow housing. Both share P0113 — the diagnostic difference is where to find the connector and which wires carry the IAT signal.
Tools: Vehicle-specific service information
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Read IAT temperature on the scan tool
A working IAT reads close to ambient air temperature when the engine has been off long enough to cool. Compare to the coolant temperature reading at cold start — they should agree within a few degrees. An IAT reading of "−40 °F" or "−40 °C" is the classic open-circuit fingerprint.
Tools: Scan tool with IAT PID
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Inspect the connector and wiring
Unplug the IAT connector and inspect for corrosion, water, or bent pins. With the connector unplugged and the key on, the scan tool should still report a fixed "very cold" value — that confirms an open circuit signature is what set the code.
Tools: Electrical contact cleaner, Flashlight
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Bench-test the IAT sensor with a multimeter
With the sensor removed, measure resistance across its terminals at room temperature. Compare to the service manual — most NTC IAT sensors read 2.0–4.5 kΩ at 68 °F (20 °C). Infinite resistance means the sensor is open and dead. Heating the sensor gently should cause resistance to drop.
Tools: Multimeter, Heat gun or hair dryer (optional), Service spec sheet
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Jumper test the signal wire
With the IAT disconnected, briefly jumper the signal wire to ground and observe the scan tool reading — it should swing from "very cold" to "very hot" (P0112 territory). If the reading does not change, the wiring or PCM input is at fault rather than the sensor.
Tools: Jumper wire, Scan tool
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2012 Kia Sorento
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2012 Kia Sorento. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Kia Sorento diagnostics.
- ENGINE 460
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 127
- SERVICE BRAKES 101
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 81
- AIR BAGS 79
5 active recalls
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Dec 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The h…
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 - ENGINE Dec 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.…
NHTSA campaign 20V750000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.…
NHTSA campaign 17V224000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Oct 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allo…
NHTSA campaign 15V626000
How do I fix P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
- Reconnect the IAT or MAF-IAT connector
- Replace the IAT sensor (standalone) or the MAF/IAT assembly
- Repair broken IAT signal wire
- Clean corroded sensor connector pins
About the 2010-2014 Kia Sorento
The 2010-2014 Kia Sorento was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 2.5L I4, 2.5L Turbo I4, 1.6L Turbo Hybrid I4, 1.6L Plug-in Hybrid I4. Common trims include LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line.
P0113 vs P0112
These are the two ends of the same circuit:
- P0112 — IAT signal reads too low (sensor sees a very high temperature, often “300 °F”). Usually a shorted-to-ground signal wire or a sensor failed in the closed direction.
- P0113 — IAT signal reads too high (sensor sees a very low temperature, often “−40 °F”). Usually an open circuit — disconnected, broken wire, or sensor open internally.
Why P0113 rarely affects drivability
Modern ECMs use the IAT for relatively minor fuel-trim corrections and to fine-tune cold-start enrichment. With a missing IAT signal, the ECM uses a default value (usually around 70 °F) and the engine runs essentially normally. This is why many drivers report P0113 with no symptoms at all beyond the Check Engine Light.
Combined MAF/IAT assemblies
On most modern vehicles the IAT is integrated into the MAF housing as a single assembly. When the IAT element fails, the entire MAF assembly must be replaced — there is no separate IAT to service. Confirm the part number before ordering; combined assemblies are 4–10× the cost of a standalone IAT.
P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0113 mean on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
P0113 is set when the ECM sees the intake air temperature sensor signal voltage above the calibrated maximum — typically a reading that would represent an unrealistically cold air temperature (often below −40 °F / −40 °C). This is the textbook fingerprint of an open circuit at the IAT sensor: a disconnected sensor, a broken signal wire, or a failed sensor element.
What are the symptoms of P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Slightly harder cold starting in some cases. Mild reduction in fuel economy. Reduced power under hard acceleration (engine adds extra fuel for "cold" air). Often no noticeable drivability problem at all
What causes P0113 on a 2012 Kia Sorento?
Disconnected or unlatched IAT / MAF-IAT connector (most-common). Open circuit in the IAT signal wire (broken, chafed, or pinched) (common). Failed IAT sensor element (open internally) (common). Corroded sensor connector pins (common). Damaged sensor body from intake backfire (occasional). Failed PCM input (extremely rare) (rare)
Is it safe to drive a 2012 Kia Sorento with P0113?
In most cases a 2012 Kia Sorento stays drivable for short trips with P0113 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a low-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.