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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2022
Paint is delaminating on both passenger and driver side columns , around windshield, and hood. Paint is peeling after heavy rain and rock impact on freeway. Color:Pearl White. Inspected by autobody shop, state delaminatiom and entire car needs repainting to prevent future issues.
Engine, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact stated that he was left on hold. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Engine, Power train, Dec 15, 2022
I have had a lot of issues with my engine. Took it to different shops had crankshaft position sensor changed, coil packs and spark plugs changed several times in consecutive intervals trying to sort out the issues. Multiple diagnosis fees, and am still having issues. Kia said the can’t help me until the code P1326 comes up.
Engine, Firerelated, Dec 15, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while parking the vehicle in a driveway, black smoke was coming out of the vents of the vehicle. Once the contact exited the vehicle, flames started coming from under the hood of the vehicle causing the vehicle to burst into flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and a report was filed. No one was injured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Firerelated, Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle accelerated to 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and then flames came from underneath the hood. The parking brake was applied, and the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact safely exited the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed; however, the fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
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?
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2022
The cabin of the vehicle filled with gas fumes whilst driving the vehicle on 12/7/2022 through 12/10/2022. The fumes got so bad that myself the driver and passengers all got light headed and had to lower all windows and pull over to the side of the road to exit the vehicle and get some fresh air. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic or associated Kia service department. The dash board ABS light and several other lights came on in the vehicle just before the incidents with the gas fumes started.
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.
Engine, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while pulling out a gas station, the vehicle was making a loud clicking sound and the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and noticed there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 153,007.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2022
White pearl paint chipping off a garage kept car that was purchased new in 2014
Engine, Nov 30, 2022
While over taking a tractor the engine looses power with most dash lights going on, I pull over and turn the car off, and finally the car would not start.
Structure, Nov 28, 2022
2014 KIA Sorento; at 80775 miles the passenger side pillar by the front windshield the Pearl White Paint has peeled off. There was no impact. The paint code is SWP. I see that this is a wide-seen condition of this paint color; Pearl White with the KIA vehicles. I can see other spots on the car that appear to be weak and ready to peel.
Engine, Nov 26, 2022
Car infotainment center reported a possible engine condition, the next day we brought into dealership fir a full diagnostic of engine, they said it was just low on fluids, after filling up with fluids we left. The next morning, engine seized in middle of road.
Engine, Nov 21, 2022
My check engine light is still on after having my thermostat and gasket replaced for the engine cooling system. My mechanic looked up the information online and saw that there is a recall for this issue for 2014 Kia Sorentos. When I called my local dealership they said the recall does not cover my VIN number. It would seem that recall reference # 17V224000 needs to be extended. Thank you.
Engine, Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated 35 MPH the contact heard knocking noising from the vehicle, the contact felt an explosion coming from under the vehicle and a black cloud came from under the vehicle and no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and examined the vehicle and saw apart of piston coming out the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and they stated that the vehicle needed a new engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that the vehicle was not under the recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The failure mileage 111,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low; however, no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and diagnosed that the engine rod bearing, and cylinders were faulty causing permanent damage to the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Structure, Nov 5, 2022
Paint chipping Delamination On the pillar of the suv! I painted once on the driver side now the passenger side is peeling. Defective
Structure, Oct 30, 2022
Began in august as a minor paint chip to rain. Has continued to progress and flake off more, to now triple the size within three months on the drive side door panel. Chipping has now began on the hood as well. Was informed that this is paint delamination due to poor adhesion of paint.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2022
I started experiencing miscellaneous electrical issues and occasional poor acceleration. Engine/ABS/tire pressure/etc. warning lights would come and go indicating random problems; transmission solenoid was a common code but I did not initially have transmission problems. Radio/backup camera had intermittent problems with not powering on. Normal headlights stopped working and only high beams would function even after replacing bulbs and checking fuses. Problems got worse and the car would sometimes lurch strongly with a clunking sound and be stuck in 3rd gear "limp mode", but would randomly drive normally when restarted. I brought it to the dealership when I was experiencing sudden loss of acceleration and couldn't match the flow of traffic. The dealership said a new transmission was required. On replacing the transmission they found that there was a problem with the wiring harness and it would also need to be replaced, doubling the cost of an already expensive repair.
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2022
Pearl white Paint defect, paint peeling off entire vehicle.
Structure, Sep 22, 2022
The paint is delaminating . It is peeling off down to the primer. This is a know problem with Kia. The Kia service manager stated Kia would not make good for the repair stating it has been more the 36 months and the warranty has expired. A heavy rain furthers the peeling. Under the right circumstance in the rain with the peeling sticking to the windshield could cause limited vision during driving and could be hazardous.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2022
It was apparent on 9/17/22 that paint on our 2014 Kia Sorento was peeling off. We thought a piece of paper flew onto the roof. It was actually sheets of paint peeling off the top, back roof. The sheets were so large they could of imparted my vision if they fell into the front or back window. We plan to contact Kia Customer service next.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2022
I HAVE A 2014 KIA SORENTO THE PAINT IS PEALING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CLOSE TO WINDSHIELD I SAW WHERE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IT NEEDS REPAINTING BEFORE IT GETS ANY WORSE WHICH EVERTIME I WASH IT NOW IT GETS BIGGER PLEASE CHECK ON THIS AND SEE IF THERE IS ANYWAY KIA CAN FIX MY CAR IT ONLY HAS 61,345 MILES ON IT AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING I JUST BOUGHT IT 3 MONTHS AGO WITH NO PAINT PROBLEMS
Engine, Sep 10, 2022
On 2/4/2022 a member of my family was driving the vehicle and the vehicle started making knocking sounds without any warming lights so the car was immediately pulled over. The car was then towed to Homestead auto in Eagan, MN and they told us that the oil pressure switch failed and all of the oil drained out of the car and the engine needed to be replaced. The Kia dealership in Bloomington MN was contacted via phone and they did not have an engine and would not be able to get one for 2-3 months. I then called other auto part and repair places to find an engine and a reasonable bid for the service to replace the engine. The engine was replaced on 2/25/22 by ATR Repair. In April we received a letter from Kia stating that Kia was extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2014-2018 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles. We then submitted all of the invoices, inspection notes form the Kia dealership in Inver Grove Heights, and credit card statements proving payment to Kia with a claim request for reimbursement for the engine replacement in the amount of $8,519. The request was denied in August. Not only is the situation of the oil draining out of the car without warning extremely dangerous, the financial impact to our family is also significant and unjust.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2022
My 2014 KIA Sorento has paint peeling off in sheets. It started in 2017 when the car was only 4 years old. The dealership admitted that they knew it was a defect in the paint but refused to fix it because it was past the warranty date. I've heard that many other KIA owners are having the same issue, particularly with the Pearl White paint. I believe KIA should issue a recall and fix this known defect.