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.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Feb 20, 2023
Vehicle engine shut down while I was driving on the highway situation was very dangerous other vehicles had to take evasive maneuvers in order not to collide with me I was very scared as I had my grand children with me the vehicle is currently at auto nation in keennesses Georgia it is available for inspection there were no warnings or other indications
Engine, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown fractured part failed; however, the contact stated that the diagnoses was incomplete. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle would hesitate while accelerating with the lights on the instrument panel flickering. The contact also stated that the side mirrors would erroneously move before the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel would forcefully turn in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was serviced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2023, crash, fire
During a moderate T-bone collision at the driver rear side quarter panel, the back seat of the vehicle almost immediately was in flame, injuring all three occupants, not fatally, fire originated underneath the rear seat near the refueling port, which had the cap in place.
Engine, Feb 9, 2023
The oil light started to turn on and I still had 2000 miles to go to my next oil change. When we checked, we had no oil in the pan and had to add our own oil. I went to Kia Willowbrook dealership to file a complaint and get my oil changed. I was told that Kia will not do anything for oil consumption or engine replacement unless the engine seizes or stops working. This is telling me that I need to wait until my family is injured in a car accident when my car fails or my car starts on fire in order for Kia to do anything. I was also told, that I will need to get oil changes more frequently. That is the workaround. When I asked if an oil consumption test can be done, I was told that it will not help. This car is a safety risk to myself, my family and the public on the road if this is the advice I am getting from Kia.
Engine, Feb 8, 2023
I'm still having problems with the engine after replacing it. Have had 1 fender bender, which cost me a lot of money. When it was replaced, I don't believe Kia paid for towing or car rental nor fix the other recall with the brakes. I also get a shock nearly every time I get out of the vehicle. Now facing the problem again after the engine replaced will now be the 3rd time my car needs repair due to engine. HELP!!!
Engine, Feb 4, 2023
On Saturday, January 21st my Sorento started to make a strange noise. On Sunday, January 22 my check engine light came on. I took my vehicle to my normal mechanic first thing Monday, January 23rd morning. He said the check engine light was on because I needed an oil change. My most recent oil change was just over 3,000 miles ago using synthetic oil. When they performed the oil change they found that there was only a half a quart of oil in the vehicle. My mechanic made me aware of issues that Kia has been having with over consumption of oil and told me to contact the Kia dealership. My Kia ran normally the duration of Monday. Tuesday, January 24th when i went to take my kids to school the vehicle went into limp mode and would not go over 20mph. The Kia dealership is taking no ownership of the issue regarding the over consumption of oil due to the GDI engines. Something needs to be done for all of the people suffering financial hardship due to engine failure not To mention being without a vehicle for an undetermined amount of time.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2023
Paint peeling on hood. Does not look like it came from a stone chip.
Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2023
The paint (Snow White Pearl) on my Kia Sorento (2014) is peeling off of the drivers side door above window. Mileage of vehicle is 116000. Started on 2/1/23
Other or unspecified, Structure, Jan 31, 2023
The Snow white pearl paint on my 2014 Kia Sorento has started de-laminating and peeling. It became noticeable on the driver's side door post, which has peeled and grown to a substantial area since I first noticed it. Smaller areas can also be identified on the back bumper, the hood, and several other panels of the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by a certified body shop (Caliber Collision in Happy Valley Arizona). Please contact for additional details if needed. Attached photos are of the damage as of 1/30/2023. Paint condition continues to deteriorate and more photos will be available tracking the progression of the de-lamination.
Power train, Jan 30, 2023
While driving down the road, I heard a loud bang and then the car felt like the wheels were falling off as I was driving. The car's handling was very poor and there was very loud clunking while driving straight or turning. The car was only drivable at very slow speeds due to the sound and poor handling. I have had no other previous issues with the car. I had the car taken to a KIA dealership for evaluation. The dealership told me that the differential had broken in half. The dealership quoted me ~$4500 for the repairs and it was not covered under warranty. I have since bought a new car and the KIA has not been repaired and is available for inspection.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced twice; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to TSB: SC147. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle temporarily lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the cause of the failure could not be determined since there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH uphill with her daughter in a car seat in the rear seats, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the front of his residence with the assistance of her husband. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. The contact stated that other 2014 Kia Sorento vehicles are included in the recall for faulty engines but for some reason their vehicle does not apply.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 25, 2023
Constant issue with the 3 doors staying locked. Must manually push on the plastic mechanism to unlock the door from the inside. Using the inside door knob will not unlock the doors which is a major safety hazard. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they can not duplicate the issue. It started out happening intermittingly, but now it is constant. The only door that works is the driver side. I took it to a local repair shop and he said it "could" be every door needs a new actuator. Very expensive repair. This should be a recall item ASAP. Low quality product failure. There are no warning lights.
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
As I was driving vehicle suddenly started knocking and came to a hault. Battery was completely dead and I was no longer able to restart. Repair shop has confirmed engine is no good. My vehicle only has 81,000 miles no understanding how my engine has seized when I have had frequently oil changes. I'm am very frustated.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
I dropped my daughter off school, upon leaving and heading toward the freeway, I was unable to accelerate past 20mph, had a vehicle behind me almost hit me and my child because I lost forward acceleration and was unaware and could only use my hazards to signify that something was wrong and I wouldn't be able to make it up the hill. I then turned the vehicle off when I reached a safe place to pull over. Let it sit for 5 min, as this happened last year and was informed it was the throttle body, which was replaced. Upon turning vehicle back on, all seemed well, I drove toward the freeway again amd within 3 minutes the check engine light turned on and I lost power again. Was unable to drive more than 20mph We recently dealt with this exact issue with our 2013 kia Optima and it was due to a recall and they replaced the engine as it was malfunctioning.
Structure, Jan 19, 2023
I have the Pearl White color and it is peeling off everywhere! My hood is almost completely gone and it’s now starting to chip on the side near the drivers door. It started off as little chips but now it is in clumps. Somebody told me it was delaminating and a ton of other pearl white kia drivers are reporting this.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,461.
Engine, Jan 16, 2023
Car has around 90,000 miles and is consuming excessive oil. Original Mechanic ran diagnostics and notes that the gaskets are deteriorating and metal shavings are present in the engine, which could cause it to seize. Check engine light has been on, and an error message from the auto diagnostic system came on saying there might be an engine problem. Car is now at the dealer.
Exterior lighting, Jan 15, 2023
Headlight Dim setting are so weak the vehicle over runs the lighting at speeds over 40 mph. Unsafe to drive vehicle on major highways, and on secondary roads where street lighting is sparse, or non existent.
Engine, Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast off the nearest exit onto the side of the roadway. The vehicle failed to accelerate and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2023
The paint is peeling super bad bad it to several dealerships & Maaco and was told this is a defect and to report the problem
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Seats, Jan 6, 2023
Headlights continually need replacing. We must replace headlights every few months. We have tried several brands of lights and regardless they go out. We have had all the lights go out at once while driving at night. Cruise control no longer works. I had the clock spring replaced but this did not fix the cruise. Seat warmer Driver side seat warmer no longer engages. When the button is pressed, the indicator light flashes as if it will come on but never does.
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started stalling with the check engine warning light flashing. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The check engine warning light was reset; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2023
I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento 2014 SX for about two years a bit more, with acceleration problems and sometimes shut off itself when still I'm in D drive and the scary part still on the road with my family, brought theToronto and because isn't codes sometimes they don't know what the problem is, different mechanics also tried and change: high pressure fuel pump, some injectors, spark plugs, starter and nothing of those parts fix my problem, I lived so scare anything come and happen in the highway, in October star showing some codes: P0506, P0087 and in November shows: P2096, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0137 and again P0087, all this codes are gone and never coming back to the dashboard, please I really need and advise with this apparently mysterious problem, please if you can leave a message to [XXX], [XXX] Thanks and happy new year 2023. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).