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: service brakes
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, she became aware that the headlamps were extremely dim, severely compromising nighttime visibility. The ABS warning and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 17, 2024
The contact's husband owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine, the MIL, and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Jan 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast off to the side of the highway and then noticed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact did not open the hood and had the vehicle towed to an unknown dealer. The contact stated the dealer advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Air, Nov 20, 2023
Informed Nov 19 of HECU leak resulting in fire even when parked and to park vehicle away from structures. KIA DOES NOT HAVE A REMEDY YET. Spoke with Lupient dealer and they have no idea when available. While I appreciate the notice I find it very disappointing and disturbing that a remedy is not in place especially with holiday traveling in this vehicle.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 5, 2023, crash
Replaced engine 1/31/23 had open recall per 21v331was not repaired even though they wasn’t suppose to return vehicle according to recall. They said It would be safe to drive.Said they had no remedy to fix they would call me. Few days car stalls alternator was hanging had to replace. They didn’t replace properly. With in a month cars brakes were acting weird took in for diagnostic back brakes no remedy. Call Kia still no parts for recall. Sept 11,23 was pulling off expressway during 5 o'clock traffic my brakes locked up I had no control. Towed to Kia they wanted 75. to look at it then 2700. to fix the brakes. And stated I had no brake fluid. Which was just checked. They said recall did not cover the repairs Neither the engine recall nor the brake, hecu, abs, stability control recall. I contacted Kia they told me they would get back to me. As of Oct.31,23 they had not done any repairs or response from Kia. So I traded my car back to Kia so I would have a vehicle for school and work. I’ve tried to get reimbursement from Kia. For rental car etc. And keep getting the run around. I have towing, rental, and repairs that they are refusing to reimburse me. I drove the recalled vehicle for 9 months and could have been killed myself, my daughter, as well as others. Kia could care less! I traded vehicle 10/31 the recall was cleared on my 2014 Sorento on 11/4 according to Nhtsa.gov 3 days they clear it so they could sell it. I m really disgusted with Kia. I’m out thousands of dollars for their neglect. They couldn’t repair the recall for longer than 9 months for me . But as soon as I trade it to them it’s repaired or they are lying just so they can sell it. Just like when they sold it to me with 2 open recalls without telling me it had them. What do I need to do? Suggestions? I do have more receipts and documents
Power train, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2023
On 06/23/2023 i went to team Nissan located at 70 Keller st . took it in while purchasing new tires from tire warehouse told me about repairs that needed done that was still under warranty with team Nissan. when i took it to team Nissan they refused my warranty by telling me my car issuer was not any issue that they repaired back in July of 2022 for the amount of over 2thousand dollars. team Nissan lied to me let me leave their shop knowing the dangers just because they did not want to grant my warranty which where brakes outta tie Rodes and rear light INOP charged me 45 for en inspection to deny my warranty. I still can't drive my car because team Nissan wanted me to repay for pairs that was still covered under their own warranty my vehicle only has 120 thousand miles i was still in my year frame and way less than the miles. i prefer to bring in my documents if not i must downmload at another time cant take pic ith desktop
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2023
1. Kia sold me the car with open recalls. And did not disclose this. 2. I’m still paying on it and they had to replace the motor on 01/31/23 recall. 3. They again sent the car home with an open recall sc212 because they didn’t have the part to remedy the recall. (Brakes) 4. My brakes went out luckily in the parking lot. 5. Called Kia Customer Service they gave me the run around hung up on me left me on hold 27 minutes first. But I finally spoke to a supervisor and they agreed to have it towed to Mike Shaw Kia were I had purchased the car and who had done all maintenance and recall work. 6. Mile Shaw called me and now wants 75.00 to even look at my car. I have a11 yr old daughter and myself I have to take to school and work. This is a major recall I refuse to jeopardize my child’s life in this vehicle but I cannot afford to pay them anything plus the car payment insurance. And now I’m walking on top of all this.
Seat belts, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 18, 2023
We bought the car 6 months ago from a dealership and since then the breaks are bad the engine makes this strange noise it always smells like oil is burning. The seat belts don't stay latch and I hr suspension is all over the place.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2022
I was taking my daughter to school and the car stalled and died I restarted it but it wouldn’t accelerate and I could hear rattling in my engine so it took me a minute but I got it back to my driveway. The Abs and traction control lights where on and low tire. No check engine lights or oil low. I called my friend Jeff who is a mechanic and he came and checked oil and it was a quart low and he said the motor was shot that the blow by when he took the oil cap off he stated it sounded like a wrisp pin loose in my motor I called Kia and they told me I had to have it towed they don’t provide that service. Doesn’t know if I am covered under warranty or not. Even though they’ve done several recalls on my car for things to do with my engine. And yesterday when I looked my car vin # up it said I had a recall. This morning I was gonna print it out and it was gone. Which I found weird. The only people I spoke to was the mechanic where I bought my car and my mechanic friend about there being a recall on my car. So I can’t put my vin # in on Kia’s website it say it doesn’t recognize it. But it recognizes it here on this site. And I’m concerned they are trying to get out of fixing it just by the way the mechanic was talking to me. I bought my car there and I’m still making payments. But their website doesn’t recognize my vin and it’s the Kia dealer I bought my vehicle from? Plus I paid 3200.00 For extended warranty that they state ran out 2 weeks ago. Even though I have two years of payments to go to pay my car off. Isn’t an extended warranty suppose to begin when the manufactures warranty runs out? Not run concurrently with the manufacturer’s?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 24, 2022
Multiple electrical issues throughout the car that come and go. The door locks will stop operating when using the key FOB and lock/unlock switch on the driver and passenger doors, the only way to unlock them is manually. Window operating switch at all four doors stops working. The control buttons on the steering wheel are malfunctioning (volume up button decreases volume, volume down button activates voice control). Car stereo will call phone contacts via bluetooth without prompting. Had front and rear brakes replaced in April. There was shaking from the passenger side when brakes were depressed. Had brakes rechecked and it was determined the rotors need to be turned. Had the mechanic complete the repair. Now, in July, the brakes sound as though they need to be replaced (again) and the shaking has gotten worse. Will be taking to another mechanic. I have not had the electrical problems reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center yet. Vehicle and components have not been inspected. There have been no warning indications prior to or during electrical problems.
Service brakes, Jun 11, 2022
I had 2 HECU repairs done on the vehicle per the recalls. A year after the ABS, Anti Skid and Low tire warning light indicator came on suddenly and there was a "burning odor" noted. I went to the dealership immediately and they were unable to take a look at it for almost 1 week. I took the vehicle to a brake shop and they identified the ABS was on even when the vehicle was turned off. They stated this could cause a fire, but they weren't able to repair as KIA vehicles have require programming when the system is installed/modified. The brake shop strongly encouraged me to remove the fuse for the ABS to decrease the risk of fire, part away from other vehicles and structures--which I agreed to. I made an appointment with the KIA dealer for their next available date...which was 10 days out. At the service desk I explained everything and told them the fuse was not in due to the risk of fire. 1 1/2 hours later they called to tell me the issue was that the fuse was not installed!! I restated what I told them originally...they said they needed the fuse to troubleshoot the issue. They then informed me they did not have any fuses---which seems to be an issue. I called the brake shop and they gave me 2 fuses and I took to the dealer. The dealership evaluated and said the ABS module was defective and since the car was out of warranty, I would need to pay for the repair. I asked about the recall, but was told that KIA would not pay for it. I paid for the part, they ordered it...and the first new ABS was installed and was defective, they ordered a second ABS and it can in defective as well. The 3rd ABS arrived almost 1 week later and fortunately this was good. Since most of our travel is on I-95 or turnpike the ABS could have locked up and caused the vehicle to stop instantly as I have been told. This could have causes a severe accident. Given that 2 new ABS Modules were delivered...this indicates that KIA has a further issue with their brake systems.
Service brakes, May 26, 2022
ABS warning light & Traction Control warning light illuminated. Next time vehicle was used, it was found that the ABS hydraulic pump was running continuously and would not turn off even after key was removed from ignition. Pump motor was warm & due to fear of overheating & possibly starting a fire, power was disconnected. After power was restored, ABS pump motor turned on again & would not turn off. Due to unsafe feeling of possible accident, vehicle is being park until repair parts can be obtained & replaced.
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Tires, May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 26, 2022, fire
On 2/15/22, I accelerated to pass another car while driving home from work. As soon as I accelerated, my car stopped running. I coasted to the next turnoff from a busy street (about 1 block) and stopped at the curb in a residential area. The control panel/dashboard was completely dark, then suddenly lit up again. I tried to start the car but couldn't because I was unable to depress the brake. I waited a few minutes and tried again and a small amount of smoke came out from under the hood. In a minute that went away. At this time, I was very near my house and walked home. When I got there I called the Kia dealership (local) and described what happened. They asked if there had been a 'check engine' or other warning message before this happened and I told them there had not been. I said I guess I would have to have the car towed in to them to see what was wrong. I was told they would call back. While waiting for someone to call back, I walked back to my car. (All of this took less than 10 - 12 minutes.) As I turned the corner I saw police cars and a firetruck where my car was parked. The fire had been put out and there was only a shell of the car left; the entire motor and everything inside was destroyed. Later, my insurance company declared it a total loss. A neighbor saw flames and had called the fire department. There was some damage to the neighbor's yard - grass and shrubbery. The police called a wrecking service to tow the car. It was later picked up by my insurance co. No one was injured, thankfully; but I can only imagine what would have happened if I had made it home and parked in my garage. The local Kia dealership never called back. I called a week or so after this happened and was told they would have someone call me and no one called (again).
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2022
I received notice mid August 2021 about recall and warranty repairs that needed to be made to my car. Brought it to the dealer on 8/30/21. On 8/31/21 I was given the car back and told, yes, it needed the repairs but I needed to wait for parts and they'd be in touch. I have heard nothing from KIA, despite complaining to them several times.