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: other or unspecified
147 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2026, fire
Took car in to get recalls fixed and they did not repair the vehicle and my car caught on fire
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding what I believe is a premature paint defect on my Kia vehicle that has resulted in exposed bare metal and the development of rust on my vehicle. The factory paint has begun peeling and chipping away without any collision, misuse, or abnormal wear. As the paint has separated from the metal surface, it has exposed multiple areas of bare metal that are now actively rusting. I have attached photographs documenting the condition. While paint deterioration may initially appear cosmetic, I believe this issue presents potential safety concerns because the failed paint no longer protects the vehicle's metal body from corrosion. Continued exposure to moisture and environmental elements can allow rust to spread, which may: Accelerate corrosion of the vehicle's body panels. Weaken the structural integrity of affected components over time. Increase the likelihood of water intrusion into the vehicle, potentially damaging electrical components. Reduce the effectiveness of corrosion protection designed into the vehicle. Negatively impact the vehicle's resale value and long-term reliability. This condition appears to be the result of a failure in the factory paint system rather than normal wear and tear. The paint is peeling prematurely, exposing metal that should remain protected throughout the expected life of the vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether this paint failure represents a broader manufacturing defect affecting other Kia vehicles and determine whether an investigation is warranted if similar complaints exist. Additionally, I respectfully request that Kia acknowledge this premature paint failure as a manufacturing defect and cover the cost of restoring the affected panels, including proper rust remediation, surface preparation, priming, and repainting. Simply touching up the exposed areas would not adequately address the underlying defect or prevent continued corrosion. Owners should not be responsible for r
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.
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!
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2026
The pearl white paint on the 2014 Kia Sorento has delaminated and is coming off in large sections all over the car.
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2026
2014 Kia Sorento sxl Pearl White paint just peeling off the vehicle in large pieces. Seems to be a common issue that Kia does not want to fix. Paint is peeling from both left and right pillars, the hood and the top towards the fin. Started about a year ago and is getting progressively worse. The paint needs to be recalled and effected vehicles repainted.
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
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2026
paint delamination and peeling on multiple panels
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Oct 15, 2025, crash
Backup camera doesn’t work properly it gives a blank screen
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2025
Car rolled after it was put in park. Car would not start after that and gear shift locked. Engaged emergency brake and put bricks behind wheels. Vehicle now in driveway.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2025
Severe paint delamination has occurred on the vehicle, causing the clear coat and base coat (Snow White Pearl color) to come off on the hood, pillars, roof, and rear sides of the vehicle. 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 in 2019 and has only become much worse. From the information I have gathered online, this is a widespread issue affecting this particular model/year/color of Kia.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2025
The check engine light keeps going on and off and I took it to go get looked at and they said I had a faulty Cadillac converter. I looked it up and it said that they had recalls on 2014 Kia sorentos for that but when I check on the website it says I have no open recalls and I'm trying to figure out why my car is not on that list because this has been an ongoing problem and now it's so bad I'm starting to smell exhaust in the car. I'm really not sure on the date that it started I just know it's been awhile. Can you please help me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2025
Paint peeling on my car and looks terrible and no help at all through the Kia. Very poor service. I take care of my car and for my paint to peel this is not right at all and they Kia can't even back up the product. Kia dealer or Kia headquarters does nothing about the issue and I have to drive their product looking like this because they don't have any support with this issue.
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
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2025
I have a 2014 Kia Sorento 4DR LX AWD with snow white pearl exterior paint. I bought the vehicle new with 91miles on it from the dealership in Mentor Ohio. The vehicle has always been in my garage when not driving. Just before Christmas I noticed a small (dime size) piece of paint missing from my drivers side pillar then a few days later on the passenger side pillar almost half the paint was gone! I took my car to the dealership and they told me that they were going to log the complaint and took my VIN and said it was probably from a stone chip in the paint? What? A stone chip does not cause almost all of the paint to flake off???? I worked at a car dealership in the Service Department for years and this is not from a stone chip - its a paint defect. I'm not sure if this letter will do anything but just wanted my paint problem noted as I've seen many other complaints about the same issue. Thank you [XXX] , OH INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2025
Paint delaminating in multiple areas on the vehicle Both risers, hood and roof
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2024
I am having issues with delamination and paint peeling off, on my driver's side pillar. The paint is the pearl white.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 2, 2024
when I purchased the vehicle the check engine light came on the day after. It would come on and off as I would start and turn off the vehicle. The salesman told me that the check engine light was still on because they had just serviced it and it needed to be reset. No driving problems occurred until a year later. I took the vehicle to be diagnosed three times by three different auto mechanics. There was a recall on the vehicle that is no longer a recall. The Kia dealership service department told me that I would have to pay thousands of dollars to do a engine breakdown to see what the root problem is. The vehicle will not drive far anymore so I do not drive it and I'm still paying for it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 26, 2024
Whilst driving on the interstate,the vehicles engine shut off with no warning. Rpm and everything was as normal and the vehicle shut off with no gas power, nothing. Engine and oil lights started flashing heavily, engine started rattling. Upon checking battery all was normal, car started smelling of burning under the hood
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2024
The paint is peeling from body on the front driver’s side panel
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2024
The pearl white paint on my 2014 Kia Sorento is delaminating from my hood, roof and side pillars. I have an estimate of $2772.50. I have more pictures and a copy of the estimate but was unable to upload more file.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 29, 2024
I took my Kia to Thomas Kia on April 12, 2023 and paid a total of $3321.93 for an oil change, fuel injection flush, engine oil flush, drive belt, oil pressure switch, front valve cover gasket, passenger brake bulb, high pressure ac line, cooling system flush, 6 spark plugs and plug assy-spark. I could not drive the car almost three months later I took my Kia back to Thomas Kia and was told it had a bad spark plug, a blown head gasket, oil leak into the cooling system and that would be an additional $6500. Are there any recalls that can help me?
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2024
My 2014 kia sx limited is pealing paint, a huge chuck on drivers side pillar. It has been garaged kept, and only has 150,000 miles. If u need I can send a picture.