2014 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 987 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 23 involved a crash and 46 involved a fire. 24 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 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 high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 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.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftAug 13, 2013
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.
Campaign 13V356000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
153 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 28, 2026
I am filing an official safety complaint against the manufacturer for refusing to perform federally mandated safety recall repairs on my vehicle. My vehicle is impacted by critical safety recalls involving high-severity fire risks, specifically the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) electrical short circuit risk. Corporate Customer Care and my local authorized dealership have officially refused to schedule or perform these safety recall repairs. The representatives explicitly stated that my vehicle is denied service because I purchased it used from a third-party private owner, and because I do not possess complete historical maintenance records. The manufacturer is conflating civil class-action lawsuit requirements with federally mandated safety recalls. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, a manufacturer cannot legally condition or deny an active, free safety recall repair based on a vehicle's third-party purchase history or maintenance records. Due to poorly trained employees at both the dealership and customer care offices, I have faced constant misinformation that has wasted an immense amount of my time. Because this non-compliance has caused a severe safety hazard to drag on for an extended period, I am also requesting that a loaner vehicle be provided immediately until this vehicle is made safe to drive. The manufacturer has logged these denials and communications under an active corporate file, which I can provide directly to investigators upon request. I request that the NHTSA investigate this non-compliance and instruct the manufacturer to immediately authorize the local service center to perform all open fire safety recall remedies without cost or penalty.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 23, 2026
This is a follow up of NHTSA case# 1840444. Complaint Description: Vehicle exhibited active CAN-bus communication timeout code DTC C1642 targeting the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Following the official technical safety guidelines established under NHTSA Campaign 20V519000 (Kia SC197), an isolated parasitic current draw test was performed between the engine junction box positive power post and the ABS2 circuit terminal. Testing across three independent iterations utilizing a digital multimeter confirmed a continuous localized parasitic draw of 218.6 uA. This dramatically exceeds the manufacturer's maximum safety engineering threshold of 70.0 uA by over 312%. This quantified excessive amperage draw conclusively isolates an internal circuit board short-circuit condition caused by a failure of the internal HECU brake fluid seals. The vehicle presents an immediate network communication failure, brake malfunction, and thermal/fire risk. Kia Corporate must be compelled to immediately authorize an expedited, zero-cost component replacement under the active safety recall mandate.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 11, 2026
This is a follow up submission to NHTSA case #XXX. Organization Under Complaint: Hutchinson Kia, [XXX] Complaint Summary: The dealership is utilizing unfair and deceptive financial gating practices to avoid its legal obligations under a federal safety recall. The dealership refuses to look at or evaluate a vehicle subject to an urgent fire-risk HECU safety recall unless the consumer first authorizes a $189.00 diagnostic fee. The dealership refuses to give a firm, legally binding commitment that this fee will be waived for a confirmed recall component. Instead, they require the consumer to assume all financial risk upfront, stating the fee will only "likely" be waived based on their own internal, unverified findings. This creates a high-pressure trap where the consumer is forced to sign away financial rights to access a free, federally mandated safety remedy. The dealership is weaponizing a acute shortage of independent import and specialized repair facilities in the Macon, GA market. They are aware consumers have almost no local alternative venues to get an independent, affordable cross-check scan, and are using this regional monopoly to coerce consumers into signing open-ended diagnostic authorizations. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 16, 2026
Re: Formal Complaint – Repeated Engine Failures and Unacceptable Service Delays Vehicle: Kia Sorento 2014 VIN: [XXX] Purchased: Fall of 2021 Current Issue: Vehicle in service at Kia of Lincolnwood since January 9, 2026 Dear Kia Consumer Affairs and Legal Department, I am writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete lack of communication and urgency from both Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) and Kia's consumer support channels. This has caused significant financial hardship, disruption to my family and work, and eroded any trust in the brand. I purchased this vehicle approximately 5 years ago through CarMax. Within that time, the engine has died or stalled three times: The first failure occurred about one year after purchase, stranding me at 11:00 p.m. in rural Wisconsin during winter with my three young children in the vehicle. The second incident happened in downtown Chicago (River North), just one hour before I needed to depart for a work event in Champaign, IL, requiring a tow and last-minute rental arrangements. The most recent failure occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. after leaving my music studio, necessitating another tow and a $50 Uber ride home. Eleven months ago, Kia of Lincolnwood replaced the knock sensor under a one-year recall warranty. Despite this, the engine issues persisted. On January 9, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Kia of Lincolnwood for the third major engine-related failure. It has now been in the shop for nearly six weeks with no meaningful updates on diagnosis, repair timeline, or resolution. I have called the dealership at least ten times seeking callbacks from my assigned service advisor (Max) or any team member. In each instance, I was either hung up on, placed on hold for over an hour, or promised a return call that never came. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jan 27, 2026
My key fob doesn’t register even while in car, my battery drains daily has to recieve jump off every Otha day if not daily, door open indicator shows open on all doors even when closed, car locks won’t disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls something’s wrong with it
Electrical system, Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Push to Start button failed to function as intended, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact called the Lien holder and was informed that the key was not connecting. The Lien holder replaced the key. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the key fob failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer swapped the key fobs with another set of key fobs to diagnose the failure. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that two unknown fuse boxes needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the LED lights under the door and dashboard failed to function as intended. In addition, an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained with the dealer for months. The contact was informed that the fuse box had been replaced. The vehicle failed to restart when the contact picked up the vehicle from the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been driven since. The tow truck driver tried to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. There was no power in the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that there was oil leaking out of the exhaust, accompanied by an abnormal sound and odor. The contact stated that the front driver’s side air bag was intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine, power train control module, brakes, and several other unknown electrical parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2025
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected, we discovered that the motor/engine had completely failed. This failure also impacted the electrical system, leaving the car completely immobile. It has been confirmed by a mechanic that the engine is at fault. However, local dealers and mechanics were unable to inspect it further due to a lack of necessary equipment. As of now, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other authority. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure, and the vehicle showed no signs of issues leading up to the incident. We purchased this car in 2023, only to find out later that Kia had issued a recall for this issue in 2021. This recall was never disclosed by the dealership, nor was it listed on the Carfax report. Due to the recall predating our purchase, Kia has refused to provide any assistance or compensation, leaving us with an inoperable vehicle and significant financial strain. As a low-income family on a fixed budget, this situation has been extremely challenging. We kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and helping us find a resolution. Thank you for your attention and support.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 13, 2025
I have a problem with the electrical, and I found that they already have a recall, but the Van Nuys dealer refused to fix it on the car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Had the engine replaced before and it blew up again and the Kia dealer said the ignition wasn’t recalled after they said it was a fire hazzard
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2024
Unknown
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 12, 2024
I was driving on the freeway in traffic with my 3 children returning home from a holiday weekend vacation, it was high 90's so the A/C was running and I had devices charging on the ports. We were 1.5 hrs into our drive and the vehicle failure came out of nowhere. Car has been in good condition and normal operation previously. Suddenly the entire dash flashed, flickered off then came back on with check engine light illuminated and battery symbol also on (very faintly), felt a minor kickback and car started slowing down until it stopped. I was able to get over and pull off to the shoulder to avoid incident but this could have easily turned into a very bad crash with a less experienced driver behind the wheel or if we had been going faster. Prior to this happening there was no warning of an issue with the vehicle - temperature check was in center between C and H, oil pressure was normal, no warning lights on dash, plenty of fuel and car was not due for an oil change for another 40 miles. Once I pulled over and stopped, turned off the car, it would not restart. Not enough power to turn over the engine. We had to call AAA and have the car towed home 35 miles. I had the vehicle towed to the Kia dealership and they are stating that it is not covered under a current recall or warranty extension and are seeking over $12,000 to replace the engine. I feel like my vehicle 2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 with 3.3L engine needs to be looked into for recall and warranty extension on the engine.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 27, 2024
Every light is on in the dash compartment. Power steering goes in and out. Brake lights not working even after being replaced. Car stuck in park unable to put into reverse. ABS/ Airbag light showing- ABS Sensor replaced and still not working Recall in 2022. Kia repaired vehicle and now that same issues are occurring Kia refuses to even look at vehicle without payment of 180.00 to just LOOK!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2024
I own a 2014 KIA Sorento 2.4L LX FWD. I have been experiencing a problem with my car for about two years. This usually occurs when driving up a hill and the transmission downshifts and I experience a jerk, either from the transmission or engine and the rpm drops to zero. The transmission will not shift from the last shift point. Most times it will be in the drive for final gear. You can increase the vehicle speed by pushing the accelerator all the way down. We were coming back on vacation two years ago and was driving in the left lane on an interstate. I experienced the symptoms and the rpm dropped to zero. No downshift or up shift. I managed ti find an opening in traffic to get over in the right hand lane and exit. Once I came to a stop, I tried to accelerate but engine struggled. I turned off the engine and was able to restart the engine and it operated properly. Had rom, transmission shifted properly. This was an unnerving situation. I felt very fortunate that I did not have to evade a dangerous situation on the interstate since the transmission would not shift and I could press the accelerator to the floor to gain a little extra speed. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2024
Door Locks/Hatch Lock won’t unlock 95% off the time, using fob OR interior switch. Also won’t unlock automatically when vehicle is put into park. Mechanic looked it and after research, determined there’s a probable faulty/stuck Relay on the BCM. Not replaceable without removing the BCM and desoldering components or replacing the whole BCM. It’s unsafe as I’m unable to unlock the doors should I need to remove/evacuate someone or my pet, from the vehicle, in an emergency. Also unable to access back hatch area to retrieve anything for roadside concern (flares/cones, spare, tire iron, etc), leaving me potentially stranded on the dangerous roadside. I first noticed this concern about 2 months ago and there were no warning lights.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2024
Doors cannot be locked and is very dangerous when driving with my family on the highway
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 25, 2024
The HECU fuse in my Kia has the risk of starting an engine fire. It is currently part of a recall. I have checked this with your organization using my VIN number. I am unable to drive my vehicle due to the potential risk for me and passengers. This has made life extremely inconvenient. Even going to work has been difficult because I've had to rely on other modes of transportation. Kia has been unable to provide a replacement part, even though the recall was first announced over 6 months ago. I am unable to sell my vehicle because of this recall as well. We are expected to not use our vehicles but Kia is not providing a replacement part in any sort of a timely manner. They need to move their focus from the new vehicles to fixing these before someone is seriously injured.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2024
We have not had an incident BUT we were notified of this recall in Nov of 2023 and now as of March 2024 there is still no fix. If my car could “combust” at any moment why is it taking so long to come up with a fix? Doesn’t seem very safe….. Again, we have had no accidents but this is the only place I could find to fill out a complaint.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2024, fire
The Kia one morning were I were at stop just turned off power completely disconnected/dead . I turn the key before I moved the stick to park and turn off the car than waited 3seconds and started the car. It turned on were I pulled to the side to park five foot to the left side and turn off the car to check what happ. It would’nt click or turn on dead car than help arrived and the battery I charged immediately underneath the lot started burning and smoke fire let dead that out.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2024
A recalled was made on September 25th about Kia Sorento for potential fire hazard in driving or parking but up till date the recalled parts are not available at Kia dealership to fix the recall issues. Given it's fire risk, am pleading if you can follow up to make sure this problem is rectify before people's lives are affected for "A stitch in time serves nine"
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 3, 2024
I received a recall notice from Kia dated 11/14/2023. The notice said that the HECU hydraulic electronic control unit could short circuit and catch the car on fire whether driving or parked. They suggest parking away from anything that could catch fire. There is currently no remedy for this serious safety issue. It has been 3 months already and there is no time line for a remedy. They offer no options such as a loaner car to help mitigate the risk to personal safety while driving this car. I would like to have some interim solution until there can be a remedy of this serious safety risk. This is an unacceptable safety risk. Thank you for your time and attention. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Feb 1, 2024, fire
While driving at night, the instrument panel gauges and lights behind it faded away and all gauges went to 0, RPM, Gas, speedometer, temp, mileage all stopped working all at once. The headlights dimmed to almost nothing. After stopping, it was discovered that a rear sensor was basically melted off after being on fire from the inside. It put a hole right through the sensor and exposed the wire. It basically turned the sensor to ash and you can see the melted wires inside slightly poking out of the hole it melted. The radio and clock still work, so it didnt affect everything. The lights that come on when opening and closing the door were basically stuck on unless turned off manually when the car is off. (Turned off door light feature) Took me a few to figure that out. After checking fuses, the Module 3 was blown. Tried to replace the fuse but it keeps blowing because I cant currently do anything with the damaged sensor. A Kia repair guy wanted to change all the wiring, sensors, and instrument panel, costing thousands of dollars I don't have. After checking the Kia forums, this same exact issue has happened to multiple people with the 2014 Kia Sorento. If this has happened to multiple of the same vehicle, Kia should be responsible to fix it or replace the vehicle! Its dangerous! It was raining, but my car could have stayed on fire. I almost drove off the road when everything was shutting off and my headlights dimmed to nothing. The car still drives fine, so I got home, but it was hard to see and I had no idea of the speed of the vehicle. And the Kia guy said it could still catch fire again so I will have to fix it before driving it much more. I dont have the money for this or for a new car and my job is literally in my car! Check the Kia forums about the other issues and complaints, as again, this happened to multiple people and its all the same issue. Kia needs to fix this since it costs so much to fix and before someone burns up in a fire!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 16, 2024, fire
Kia smelled of electrical burning/fire after driving. burning smell permeated into dwelling. Notified KIA Customer Care Center at 1 (800) 333 4542. Case [XXX] initiated day of engine burning/fire [XXX]. No response from Kia. Called to inquire on update January 16th, 2024. Spoke with Mary. Mary had no update. Asked to speak with her manager, She transferred me and call dropped. Unprofessional conduct with life-threatening Kia engine bomb sitting in my driveway. Initiated complaint on Kia's website and another case number was generated - [XXX]. Tried calling back to no avail. Call dropped five times. Initiated this NHTSA complaint immediately after last call dropped by Kia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the malfunction indicator light (MIL) was illuminated. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the wheels locked up. There was an abnormal plastic burning odor. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 226,983.
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Jan 16, 2024
The component that malfunctioned was the dashboard. The dashboard began flashing and caused the wheels on the KIA Sorento to lock while on the highway. The car also had a burn smell. The car was turned off and then I was able to drive normally. A couple of weeks later the Malfunction Indicator Light has turned of intermittently. The electrical issues are causing the cars blind spot warning system to not work properly and as well as seats to stop moving in the car. I have reached out to KIA Customer care line so that they could tow the vehicle once the MIL came on and they said they I would have to pay out of pocket since the recall is in the "interim" phase. I called Southern KIA in Chesapeake, VA and they stated the car would have to be evaluated but that they do not have appointments any time soon.