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: structure
160 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jul 14, 2026
my 2014 Kia Sorento is having a paint issue and I know their is a class action law suite to get repaired. The only complaint I have is the white pearl paint is chipping off the front of the roof and on the left and right sides of the windshield . I would like to see if my car qualifies to get these areas repainted
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2026
Severe paint delamination has occurred on my vehicle, causing the clear coat and base coat (Snow White Pearl color) to come off on the side of the hood, pillars, the doors, and the hood of the car. Not only does the peeling paint create an airborne/debris hazard, it also risks exposing the vehicle to premature rust/corrosion. This issue slowly began not to long after I bought the car in November 2024, and has only gotten much worse. From the information I have gathered online, this is a widespread issue affecting this particular model/year/color of Kia. We need something done about it asap!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 11, 2026
The paint on my 2014 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl) is peeling and delaminating across multiple areas of the vehicle, including the roof and side panels. In several areas the paint has detached completely, exposing bare metal, and rust has begun forming on the roof. The condition appears to be progressively worsening and does not appear consistent with normal wear or isolated paint damage. The affected areas are available for inspection. The peeling paint may create a road or visibility hazard if pieces detach while the vehicle is in motion. In addition, the exposed metal and developing rust on the roof and upper body areas may affect long-term structural integrity over time. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting similar Kia Sorento vehicles with Snow White Pearl paint.
Structure, Mar 6, 2026
My 2014 Kia Sorento EX was purchased brand new, one owner, and started losing paint in several areas on the outside of the car and is horrible. So many 2014 Kias have this issue. It is a BAD PAINT job. This should never happen and I’ll never buy another Kia. Kia should fix these issues immediately. My Kia is in great shape except for the horrible paint.
Structure, Jan 13, 2026
Paint peeled off
Structure, Sep 7, 2025
paint is falling off in large sheets could be a safety issue, been reported to the dealership, and no warning. I feel this is a real safety issue because it comes off in large sheets could cause and issue on the highways for flying debris
Structure, Jul 25, 2025
First off, we love the KIA Brand of vehicles. This is our fourth Kia. We also presently own a 2010 Optima with white paint and no peeling issues. Our Sorrento is currently showing (as of today) 133418 Miles. Sad to say that this is the only KIA we have ever owned with this very defective paint issue. Several months ago, I started to see several other 2014 Sorrento with the same peeling paint issues, so it wasn't just our vehicle. Your company is in the business of producing sophisticated and desirable vehicles designed by engineers who can cover all the bases in the manufacturing process. With the exception of this faulty paint issue, KIA has achieved this goal. I can only hope that KIA recognized this paint failure early and will go on to the next design phase. 1n my humble opinion, if KIA wants to keep growing the company brand they need to work like crazy to get to the next level in the paint process. Buyers want to have confidence that things as simple as a paint job will have a long life. Interesting when you look at very old vehicles for sale and the owners say this is the original paint. Thus, my question is how will KIA remedy this issue with both current and future model owners? l await your reply. I hope KIA will share a disclosure that is fundamental and not try to hide or mislead.
Structure, Feb 13, 2025
I have a problem with the paint on the car; it keeps falling off by itself, and I tried to contact the Kia dealer for this issue, but they said to report here to you.
Structure, Jul 10, 2024
Paint has peeled off and continues to peel off from many places on the vehicle. One large spot is on top where no debris from the road hits. Since this has started it has only gotten worse. I believe the entire car will be paint free if this situation is not rectified. Currently there are five different locations where the paint has peeled off. Color of my vehicle is Snow White Pearl.
Structure, Jun 29, 2024
My vehicle's SNOW PEARL WHITE paint is flaking off in large chunks on the windshield pillars (both sides), as well as chipping all over the body. The chipping began in 2018 (2 years after purchase) and the large chunks began in 2022. Paint chunks have flown off my car while driving on the highway. Missing paint is now leading to the body of the car rusting. My car is available for inspection. The dealership has inspected the problem and informed me I am not the first person they have encountered with this same problem. It is specifically common with SNOW PEARL WHITE PAINT. Bubbles are forming under the paint in other spots now, and I am worried about the possibility of it coming off in larger chucks on the hood- which could possibly create a projectile/vision obstruction. I have provided photos to the manufacturer in 2022 and started a case number. I have not heard back since.
Structure, Jun 28, 2024
I have a 2014 Pearl White Sorento SX. After washing my car recently, two area showed up that have started to delaminate. I talked with my insurance company who came out and told me there are known problems with especially the Pearl White on Kia Sorento so they wouldn't cover anything. Unfortunately those two areas are spreading and three new areas are cropping up. Based on what I've learned since the insurance company informed me of the problem, other Pearl White Sorento owners (2014 and other years) are experiencing continuing delamination. It seems highly likely the delamination will only continue to get worse which will severely impacts the value of the car. I spent several thousand getting an extended warranty that is still good through 125000 miles, with the thought that, in addition to providing protection from a significant problem with the car (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.) it would also increase the value when I decide to sell. The warranty does not cover paint (I don't believe any extended warranties do). I am sure that I've now lost 25-50% of the value of the car which is very, very upsetting. I haven't contacted the dealer I had been going to because they let me drive my car off the lot after servicing it and they forgot to put oil in. Thank god I had an inspection appointment the next with a local shop who showed me the problem. The paint problem is obviously a latent defect. I believe Kia should take responsibility for the problem, but I am fairly sure they won't unless there is a recall. So I am hoping that with enough complaints a recall will be issued. Thank you for your time taking my complaint.
Structure, Apr 8, 2024
The paint on the body of the car is chipping, and peeling away. There are large patches of paint missing. While driving down the road paint falls off. The paint comes off randomly; allowing the environment to be affected. There is rust forming on the locations the paint, and primer have peeled away at. The vehicle has not been inspected at this time. No symptoms until the paint, and primer started coming off in chunks. I have seen several other 2014, white, Kia Sorentos with paint and primer peeling up. As well as I have found several others online experiencing the same exact issue.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2024
pearl white paint peeling off with less than 100k miles.
Structure, Jan 27, 2024
I left my car outside in a light rainstorm while at work. When I arrived back at my car I noticed something off about my paint, I soon discovered it was a water bubble in my paint, this caused my paint to fall off leaving my vehicle with a large chunk of missing paint.
Structure, Jan 16, 2024
Paint falling off like paper. Kia used defective paint and knows it. Whole car needs to be repainted with different non defective paint!
Structure, Jan 16, 2024
Snow White Pearl paint bubbles and has peeled away from body of SUV around window shield. 2014 Kia Sorento with 60,000 miles on it.
Structure, Jan 13, 2024
White paint is peeling rapidly and exposing the primer
Structure, Nov 6, 2023
paint is pealing on car this is third time kia gave 1,800.00 dollars to have previous pealing paint repaired then pealed again on rear of roof now on drivers side pillar about 1 ft strip blew off cant locate date kia reimbursed me 1st time 2nd time 2022 3rd time 11 5 23
Structure, Oct 6, 2023
It appears there are numerous people with the same issue with the pearl white paint on the 2014 Kia Sorento, paint bubbling and coming off in chunks. Kia should be ashamed of themselves for doing this to consumers. This is a DEFECT and needs to be rectified immediately. I received quotes for the car to be completely painted and it was from $9,000 to over $12,000. This is more than outrageous. I bought my car BRAND NEW. Cars are very expensive and now my resale value has diminished tremendously. Kia dealership could care less as well as corporate. If it was within the 36,000 miles you might get help, but anything over that, TOO BAD!!! I will NEVER purchase another vehicle from Kia. I wish someone would start a class action lawsuit against Kia because this is immoral to say the least. FINALLY: The car is even worse than the pictures I uploaded for this complaint, and I filed a complaint with Kia and they won't address the problem with the paint. I have all my e-mails with them. I was able to upload some current pictures as well.
Structure, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the engine hood was opened and raised, the hydraulic hood lift struts failed causing the hood to close down onto the contact's right hand. The contact's hand was trapped under the hood for approximately 30 minutes before help arrived. During the incident, the contact sustained a bruised right hand which did not require medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Structure, Sep 7, 2023
I have a Kia 2014. Sorento, Snow White mother-of-pearl. In the summer of 2019, I first noticed paint peeling (or what bodyshops call delamination) on the windshield frame. My paint started peeling off in a tiny spot, it looked like a tiny chip of paint the size of a piece of rice, but quickly started flakes all over the body. The dealership says that this is not cover a warranty, since I am not the first owner
Structure, Aug 21, 2023
At first, I thought it was due to normal wear on the vehicle. And would need a touch of paint job. I started seeing other vehicle with the same areas of paint issues on the road as mines. 2014 Kia Sorento LX - Pearl White paint peeling around windshield and off hood. Bubbles started forming form under paint and paint blisters and peels away quickly in large chunks from vehicle. Went to dealership and they told me paint is only under warranty for 36k miles, but after seeing all the complaints online with white Sorento, I realized there is a problem with KIA paint. However, they suggested calling Kia directly. When calling them they have no recall for this paint issue that has been caused by a defect in the paint that for some reason happens after their 36k miles warranty.Kia neeed to fix this issue.
Structure, Aug 6, 2023
Paint is peeling off of my Kia
Structure, Jul 10, 2023
The body of vehicle has paint chipping away in large pieces for no apparent reason. The color is a pearl white
Structure, Jul 9, 2023
My kia Sorento is severely peeling paint. it comes off in chunks. Since it has starting peeling above the passengers side door, it has not stopped. I saw that several other people have had this complaint and Kia has not fixed it yet. Kia will not agree to fix the paint job. My car has a SWP color on it and won’t stop peeling.