P0013 on 2016-2020 Kia Sorento 3.3L V6: Exhaust Actuator Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento

For the third-generation Sorento with the 3.3L V6 (engine code G6DH), this code is a common and typically straightforward issue. Bank 1 is the cylinder bank closer to the firewall, which can make accessing the exhaust OCV slightly more challenging than on the front bank (Bank 2). These Lambda II engines are known to be sensitive to oil maintenance; they rely heavily on clean oil and proper oil pressure for the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system to function correctly. Neglecting oil changes can directly lead to oil sludge, which clogs the fine mesh screens on the OCVs and causes them to fail.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Decreased fuel economy
• Engine hesitation or loss of power, especially during acceleration
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Engine stalling

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Bank 1 Exhaust Oil Control Valve (OCV/VVT Solenoid) 🔴 High Probability The OCV can fail electrically due to an internal short or open circuit in its coil windings, or it can become mechanically stuck due to oil sludge and contamination from extended oil change intervals. This is a very common failure point on the Lambda engine family.
   How to confirm: Check the resistance of the solenoid with a multimeter; it should be within the manufacturer's specified range (typically 6.9-7.9 Ohms for Kia/Hyundai). You can also swap the Bank 1 exhaust OCV with the Bank 2 exhaust OCV (same part number). If the code changes to P0023, the OCV is confirmed to be faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 exhaust Oil Control Valve. Cleaning is sometimes attempted but replacement is the reliable fix. 🎬 Watch: How to replace a VVT oil control valve solenoid
   Est. part cost: $40-$90
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The VVT system is operated by oil pressure. If the oil is low, dirty, or the wrong viscosity, it can clog the small passages and filter screens in the OCV or prevent it from operating correctly. The Lambda II GDI engine can be prone to carbon buildup and oil consumption, making regular oil checks critical.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil dipstick. The oil should be at the full mark and appear clean. If it's low, black, or sludgy, it needs to be changed. This is the first and most important check.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using the correct viscosity oil specified in the owner's manual (typically 5W-30) and a quality OEM filter.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness or the electrical connector to the OCV can become damaged, corroded, or contaminated with oil, causing an open or short in the circuit. Rodents have also been known to chew on the soy-based wire coatings.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the connector and wiring going to the Bank 1 exhaust OCV for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage and ground at the connector with the key on.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare. The PCM is the last thing to suspect after all other possibilities, including the OCV and its entire circuit, have been thoroughly tested and ruled out.
• Mechanical Timing Issue: In rare cases, especially on higher mileage engines, a stretched timing chain or a failing camshaft phaser can cause timing-related codes. One owner of a related Hyundai engine with P0013 found a broken pin on the exhaust cam gear. This is not a common cause for a purely electrical circuit code like P0013 but can happen if the phaser failure damages the OCV.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. Top off or change the oil and filter if necessary. This is the most critical first step.
2. Inspect the electrical connector and wiring harness for the Bank 1 exhaust OCV. Bank 1 is the cylinder bank closer to the firewall. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
3. Using a multimeter, disconnect the OCV and measure the resistance across its two pins. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specification (typically between 6.9 and 7.9 ohms for Kia/Hyundai). An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a short (near-zero resistance) indicates a failed solenoid.
4. If the resistance is within spec, check for power and ground at the OCV connector with the ignition on.
5. The most effective test is to swap the Bank 1 exhaust OCV with the Bank 2 exhaust OCV (on the front cylinder bank, same part number). Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code returns as P0023 ('B' Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit Bank 2), the OCV is faulty and needs to be replaced.
6. If the code P0013 returns after the swap, the problem lies within the wiring or the PCM, requiring further electrical diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Exhaust Camshaft Oil Control Valve (Bank 1) (OEM #24355-3CAB2) — This solenoid is the most common failure point for a P0013 code, either due to an internal electrical fault or mechanical sticking from contaminated oil. This part number is often used for both intake and exhaust OCVs on this engine. 🎬 Watch: Kia VVT solenoid location and replacement walkthrough
  Trusted brands: Kia (Genuine), Hyundai (Genuine), Aisin, Dorman
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0014 — P0014 indicates the exhaust camshaft timing is mechanically over-advanced. A failing OCV that triggers P0013 can get stuck, causing this mechanical timing error.
🎬 See this video on fixing the related P0014 timing code

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Oil Control Valve (OCV) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 - 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (open circuit) or near-zero resistance (short circuit).
• Voltage at OCV Connector — expected: Battery voltage (approx. 12V) on one pin with ignition on, engine off.. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem with the power supply circuit, potentially a fuse or wiring issue.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System): Actuation Test for Oil Control Valve — This bidirectional command allows a technician to manually command the OCV solenoid on and off while monitoring engine data. A change in engine idle or sound when the solenoid is activated confirms the solenoid is mechanically working and the circuit is capable of carrying a signal. No change suggests a failed solenoid or a circuit problem.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Bank 1 Exhaust OCV Connector — On the Bank 1 (rear, firewall side) valve cover. It is one of two solenoids located there.. This is the primary connection point to test for voltage, ground, and resistance. It is susceptible to oil contamination from a leaking valve cover gasket, which can degrade the connection and cause an open or short circuit.
• Main Engine Ground — Typically a large gauge wire from the negative battery terminal to the chassis and another from the chassis to the engine block or transmission case. Specific ground points are often found on the cylinder heads.. A poor main engine ground can cause a host of erratic electrical issues and fault codes, including circuit codes for sensors and actuators like P0013.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user comment (Kia with a camshaft sensor code (specific model/year not detailed, but engine behavior is relevant)) — Check engine light with a camshaft-related code.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) An initial dealer visit resulted in an oil pan reseal and cleaning the oil control valve for $600, but the code returned within two days.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user was quoted an $8000 engine replacement. Another commenter suggested a common, less severe failure on these engines: the dowel pin holding the CVVT sprocket to the camshaft can sink into the cam, allowing the sprocket to spin and exceed timing tolerances. This is verifiable with scan tool data and can often be repaired without major engine disassembly. While not a direct fix for P0013's circuit fault, it highlights how dealers can escalate to engine replacement when underlying mechanical timing issues are suspected alongside electrical codes.
• NHTSA ODI #11678480 — An owner of a related Kia model reported that their vehicle was diagnosed with DTCs P0014 and P0013. Despite the check engine light being turned off and the camshaft being replaced, the failure persisted.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 221103cab0, 221103cab0a, 504r53ca00 → 24355-3CAB2 — Part number consolidation and potential minor revisions by the manufacturer.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Head Gasket / Head Bolt Failure 🔴 High — Primarily reported on 2016-2017 models, with failures occurring between 50,000 and 140,000 miles. Can lead to catastrophic engine failure requiring replacement. (Ref: NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE23-019 opened in Nov 2023. Kia launched extended warranty campaign WTY035 in Dec 2023 for coolant leaks.)
• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup 🟡 Low — Common to all Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines, including the Lambda II. Can cause rough idle or misfires, typically becoming noticeable after 80,000 miles.
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🟠 Medium — Some owners report increased oil consumption, particularly after 60,000 miles, requiring frequent top-offs. (Ref: No specific recall for the 3.3L V6, but Kia has general TSBs for oil consumption tests.)
• Sticking Steering Wheel 🟠 Medium — Reported in 2016-2018 models where the wheel sticks in the straight-ahead position, requiring force to initiate a turn. (Ref: Solution often involves replacing the electric steering gear.)
• Faulty Accelerator Pedal Assembly 🔴 High — Affected a specific range of early 2016 models. (Ref: Recall SC115 was issued for improperly soldered components that could prevent acceleration.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For the primary fix, the Oil Control Valve (OCV), buying a used part is generally not recommended. The part is relatively inexpensive new (often under $90 for a quality aftermarket version), and a used part carries a high risk of being clogged or having a limited remaining electrical lifespan.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 60000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Ensure the donor vehicle had no signs of engine sludge (check oil fill cap).
• Ask for the maintenance history if possible; regular oil changes are key.
• Physically inspect the OCV's mesh screens for any tears or metallic debris before purchase.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) - Must be OEM and often requires dealer programming.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Dorman
• Standard Motor Products (SMP)
• Aisin

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• No-name, unbranded solenoids from online marketplaces often have high failure rates and may not perform to OEM specifications.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0023 — This is the Bank 2 equivalent of P0013. Swapping the Bank 1 and Bank 2 exhaust OCVs is a diagnostic step; if the code moves from P0013 to P0023, the solenoid is confirmed faulty.
• P0017 — A related timing code often seen on the Lambda II engine family (such as the Kia Sedona) that can point to similar OCV failure patterns or oil-related timing issues.
• P0010 — Relates to the intake camshaft actuator circuit on Bank 1, whereas P0013 specifically targets the exhaust camshaft actuator circuit.
• P0300 — Random or multiple cylinder misfire codes may appear alongside P0013 due to rough idle, engine hesitation, or carbon buildup on the intake valves.

Frequently Asked Questions