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
987 reports, newest first.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
After work, a severe dust storm hit. I drove to the grocery store and then home (30 miles) in the dust storm. The next morning, as I was driving to work, I heard a weird knocking noise, but no engine lights came on. My car would not start during my lunch break, nor when I got off work. My boyfriend tried to jump it off. When that didn’t work, we traded the battery out since it was still under warranty. That did not work. We went back the next day and checked my oil levels and other fluids - all were good. My boyfriend then hooked up his small code reader which didn’t read any problems. The next day my mom started the car by putting the spare key up to the start button. She took it to Gene Messer Kia about 5 miles away. She said no engine lights came on, but the engine was knocking. Once she turned it off the mechanics were not able to start the car again. They looked over it and said they could not find any reason for my engine to have died. I asked them if it could have been the dust storm. They said no; the engine was well sealed, block was not cracked, oil levels were good, etc. They quoted me $11,521 for a new engine. However, I did not want to pay that because my car was only worth $5,500-7,000 (trade-in verse private sale) according to Kelly Blue Book. I called my insurance and had an inspector come look at it hoping he would be able to say the storm caused the issue and total my car so I could pay off my loan. However, they also could not find a cause for what happened to my engine. We sold it to Peddle.com.
Structure, Aug 6, 2023
Paint is peeling off of my Kia
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2023, fire
Well my boyfriend and I where getting the car straightened up swept out wiped down and cleaned up and drove it from one part of our yard to the other and we had to finish what we where doing before that so and hour or so later when my. Boy friend went to go finish the car he realized there was smoke coming from the driver's side and opened the front door and the whole front driver seat was on fire so we got it put out and then we realized we needed to get the car as far away from the house as we could as soon as we got the fire out so I found a lid to it on I had to push a release button under the shifter to move it outta park and stear it away from any other houses or objects so we did that and then the lights for the heated seats on the driver's side came on again without the key that I know of being in it or nothen and it just being on fire so we u plugged to battery and called kia and a town truck
Engine, Aug 1, 2023
Car recently hit 103,000 miles and was taken in for its scheduled oil change. Mechanic discovered that only a single quart of oil was left in the engine during the oil change despite regular maintenance. Metal flakes were found in the oil that was removed which points to a similar recall with the engine bearings identified in 2017. However, the VIN of this vehicle is not showing up in the recall list. Mechanic is recommending the engine be replaced in the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2023
I bought this 2014 kia sorento about 2 years ago from a small dealer. When I bought it there was minial peeling above my window on my hatch. When I bought my car it was already at 169,000. miles on it. In the last 6 months the paint has rapidly been peeling off on my doors and getting worse on the hatch. My car is currently at 205,866 miles. So in that time it started peeling off in 6 different areas. Over the winter when the first spot peeled we attempted to cover it up with a car paint in a panic afraid that it was going to rust. Although we noticed that the other spots where the paint is peeling and looks to be bare metal isn't even rusting. The thing is with these spots it wasn't starting with a chip then spreading. These spots were bubbling and then breaking and falling off while on the streets and the highway. We are very confused on why the paint is bubbling up then peeling off. After that inital tear in the bubble it continues to peel from there and get worse. Im afraid to was my car because the amount of the amount of paint that will come off. We also noticed that this wasn't the first time it has happend with my car. Like i said I bought it from a small dealer and after the right spot started peeling we started to take a clsoer look and we could see that some of the spots peeling have been previously covered up and resold. I just want my paint fixed for a mistake the manufaturer made.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 20, 2023
In May of 2021 my 2014 Kia Sorrento had major engine problems. I brought it to Myrtle Beach Kia immediately and after 5 months of back and forth and paying for rental vehicles, I was told that they would not cover any repairs due to the Recall! I then paid $8, 663.63 for a repair that was never fully completed. Immediately after receiving vehicle back, check engine light was on. Numerous call to the dealership and I was told dont worry it just needs to cycle through. My vehicle has NEVER been properly serviced by them. I have kept up will all oil changes and maintenance in the meantime. I was told the check engine light codes were PO335 & PO 0018. I have had the Camshaft Bank Sensor and Crankshaft sensor replaced on [XXX] and this vehicle STILL has same check engine light on and is not receiving proper power while driving. I looked up recalls and found that currently recall 21 V331000 is in effect, this recall is a major safety issue especially being that I have 3 children that I drive around in and there may be a fire! I called Myrtle Beach Kia and the earliest they can get me in to service is a month from now, on [XXX]!! I feel that especially after everything I have been put through with this vehicle and the amount of money I have put out, that a loaner car would be offered to me to drive while waiting for them to fix the safety recall. Please contact me at [XXX] or [XXX] and please contact kia to allow a loaner vehicle to be used while waiting almost 1 month for the service. Thank You in advance for hopefully your concern and remedy to this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after an oil change and driving approximately 1,200 miles, there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that there was no visible oil leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Engine, Jul 13, 2023
iT APPEARS MY CAR IS BURNING OIL, THERE IS NO LEAKAGE. I KEEP OIL CHANGES ON A REGULAR BASIS AND NOW CHECKING OIL LEVELS DAILY. IT IS USING 1-1.5 QTS EVERY 2 WEEKS. THIS PROBLEM WAS FOUND WITH LAST OIL CHANGE. MY CAR NOW SEEMS TO SEIZE WHEN TAKING OFF INCONSISTENTLY. I DON'T KNOW IF TWO PROBLEMS ARE CONNECTED. THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON. I CONTACTED CARTOWN KIA ABOUT 3 TIMES BY PHONE, LEAVING MESSAGES, AND ONLINE BUT NO RESPONSE.
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
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over on the side of roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle restarted rough, but then started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis, but no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 41,000. The contact went to the dealer who was going to charge 1hr out of 3hrs, if they found anything wrong with the vehicle. They didn't find anything and released the vehicle to the contact stating they would not take off immobilizer, now and go do what u have to do. The contact stated because of this the vehicle was traded in.
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
My son was driving the vehicle and was luckily stopped in traffic at a stop light. All of a sudden the RPM's dropped and the engine shut off. The car would not start and had to be pushed to the side of the road in heavy traffic. While waiting for a tow truck, we noticed the engine oil was completely dry. There had been no warning such as oil lights, engine lights, burning oil smells or leaking oil. The oil had just disappeared without warning. After the vehicle was towed to the local KIA dealer, we were told that the engine had seized. This vehicle has been maintained consistently since the day it was bought brand new. We have records from all maintenance that has been done on this vehicle. The local dealer told us it would cost $11,000 to replace the engine. Unfortunately, that was an expense that we could not afford so the car sits in non working order.
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.
Other or unspecified, Firerelated, Jun 22, 2023, fire
On January 8, 2023, my 2014 Kia Sorento burnt up. I was driving down the street when I could see smoke and smell something burning. I stopped the car and got out just in time. It exploded and totally burnt. I have a video but it will not upload.
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
Engine seized. No check engine lights on. Was driving and it made an awful noise and that was it. We have not drove it since. Took it to our local auto mechanic he refused to touch it. Told us it needed a new engine. We are an hour and half a way from a kia dealership. We can't afford to have ot towed that far. I am making payments on a car that i can not drive. I have called kia many times to see what to do. They said to have it towed to a dealership. We live on a limited income. I keep checking to see if my car is on the recall list it is not but should be. It has done what all the other engines that have been recalled have done.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2023
Kia Corporate Complaint No. [XXX] We bought a used but Kia certified 2014 Kia Sorento with 29K mileage in Jul 2017. Ran great but check engine light came on 3 times. Well before 100K mileage, we took it to dealer service department and we’re advised it was an ‘electrical problem’ that reported a false code. Each time the check engine light was reset. Car ran great except for the false trouble lights. We were told that if the light did not blink, not really a problem. At 120K mileage, we got a code and took car to local garage. Mechanic changed 6 plugs but advised that No. 6 coil may need to be replaced. At 122K miles, 3 weeks ago, we got a solid check engine light but with a serious female voice and pop up screen advising we get to Kia dealer. This time code was run by our local mechanic for clogged catalytic converter. We drove to Kia dealer and they ran code for fouled fuel injector for cost of $1,000. We left car parked at dealer and called Kia USA Corporate in CA. We got a complaint number with assurance Kia would contact us. Nothing in 3 weeks. Local dealer says no recalls of V6 engine but we see reports on line of a known fire problem. We fear driving car should the catalytic converter catch fire. Help! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Jun 8, 2023
The Paint above the front windshield is chipping and continues to get worst with rust and paint. I've seen multiple Kia Sorento just like my model with the same issue. My paint began peeling in a tiny spot I thought was a chip from a rock but rapidly began peeling all over. KIA SORENTO SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION. I believe the ENTIRE kia needs to repainted and fixing one spot is not the solution!! This includes the top of the car and racks on top, Mine are silver and peeling .
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2023
Engine control module when it fails vehicle will lose power and drops engine compression causing a danger to other traffic. I was on I-10 on Sunday morning at 60 mi. when all of a sudden it slowed down to 20mi causing other drivers too maneuver around me to avoid from colliding into my SUV. Had engine control module checked out and was advised me to take in to dealer to have it reprogramed or replaced. Either will be an expense I just cant afford replacing it would cost me over 2000.00 and reprograming any where from 200 to 500. If Im not wrong a recall for software added to engine control module was done around 2020 didnt that up.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was only able to accelerate to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P1326. After investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,800.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 1, 2023
The low beam headlights are very dim at night time. The inside reflective coating of the projector headlights has deteriorated over time.
Engine, May 31, 2023
UNKNOWN. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT I COULD NOT. TRIED TO JUMPSTART BUT STILL WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS. RECALL #SC 147.
Engine, May 22, 2023
Knocking Sensor Detection. Loud knocking noise associated with flashing check engine light.
Structure, May 17, 2023
The paint is peeling off of the car. My safety is not at risk but this is a serious manufacturer defect. The defect has been confirmed by the dealer but they are now refusing to repair the paint. The pint has been inspected by auto repair shops and it is called delamination where the paint peels off the primer in sheets. There were no warnings but the paint began peeling in 2018.
Structure, May 12, 2023
Paint is flaking off.
Engine, May 9, 2023
On 5/8/2023 I was driving on the freeway going about 70 to 75 MPH. All of a sudden the car stopped accelerating and the engine just stopped working. I costed somehow to the side of the freeway until a tow truck could arrive. There was no warning, until this happened. Car was running perfect up to this point. By the grace of God, I wasn't hit and no one was hurt. I honestly thought I was going to die and or take others with me. There was quite a bit of traffic and everyone had to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting me. This is a 2014 Kia Sorento that has been well cared for with 140K miles. Now I have no car. Being told I need a new engine that could cost up to $ 10K. This car is not worth that much.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2023
Pearl white paint is chipping off in large sizes for over 2 years. Just found out this is a common problem with Kia certain years and this exact paint color