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, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that 3 quarts of oil needed to be added every 500 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Structure, Jul 25, 2022
Purchased 2014 Pearl White KIA Sorento LX 4/2014. 4/2017 - paint bubbled and chipped on left A pillar. Dealer repaired paint under warranty. 12/2018 - paint continued to bubble and chip on hood and roof. Took to dealer but told would not cover under warranty. Complaint not noted on invoice 7/2020 - paint repaired on left A pillar in 2017 started chipping again. 1/2022 - 13"x3.5" paint section on right A pillar came off. Paint chipping on roof racks. 6/2022 - right front fender bubble and chip. Dealer/Service center - Southwest KIA Round Rock has repaired and looked a paint issue as noted above. The areas where the paint has chipped and not repaired by KIA is rusting due to metal exposure to environmental elements. The rust will weaken the body of the vehicle if not repaired immediately. No warning or messages for this problem.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2022
I have a 2014 white/pearl Kia Sorento and the paint is peeling off. I took it to a shop and was told that it is delamination and that's why the paint is peeling off. It started off looking like a rock chip but it is steadily peeling off.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 24, 2022
Multiple electrical issues throughout the car that come and go. The door locks will stop operating when using the key FOB and lock/unlock switch on the driver and passenger doors, the only way to unlock them is manually. Window operating switch at all four doors stops working. The control buttons on the steering wheel are malfunctioning (volume up button decreases volume, volume down button activates voice control). Car stereo will call phone contacts via bluetooth without prompting. Had front and rear brakes replaced in April. There was shaking from the passenger side when brakes were depressed. Had brakes rechecked and it was determined the rotors need to be turned. Had the mechanic complete the repair. Now, in July, the brakes sound as though they need to be replaced (again) and the shaking has gotten worse. Will be taking to another mechanic. I have not had the electrical problems reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center yet. Vehicle and components have not been inspected. There have been no warning indications prior to or during electrical problems.
Engine, Jul 22, 2022
Total engine failed at 105000 miles. Rod Bearing Failure is what was the diagnosis. We were complaining since 38000 miles of the engine not sounding right and each time a technician certified by Kia told us that nothing was wrong. It seized up while after a brief stop on the side of a road. Kid and wife were in the car and were able to coast it back to the side of the road out of traffic. Total engine replacement is required and this same type of issue is on the 4 cylinder model of this engine that has been recalled, but not 6 cylinder model.
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
wasnt notified about recall of hecu til 3 days ago.had Engine replaced due to recall.now my catalytic converters are shot and they want me to pay for them .with all the recalls on parts it was there stuff that caused problems
Structure, Jul 15, 2022
Paint peeling
Engine, Jul 15, 2022
This vehicle has a GDI motor which causes the oil to burn.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2022
The pearl white paint is peeling off the vehicle on the hood and all around the windsheild.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2022
Paint peeling left and right sides of front windshield. Front of car.peeling in spots where rocks have hit and left back passenger side large piece paint peeling Started with a very small spec. Continuing to peel
Structure, Jul 1, 2022
The paint has chipped off in spots all over the vehicle.
Engine, Jun 28, 2022
1.engine top end knock worn components , oil consumption , loss of power , dies at idle , it is available for inspection the issue is being inspected by an independent service center. no warning icons were present at failure or prior to failure, all fluids were at operating levels. unit had to be retrieved and towed 90 miles to repair facility. 2. brake lights intermittent bulbs have been replaced multiple times sockets are scorched unit has been to dealer multiple times for this issue without lasting resolution.
Structure, Jun 25, 2022
Paint is chipped and peeling. Snow white pearl.
Engine, Jun 20, 2022
My wife started to drive the car to lunch and it began to hesitate, jump and lurch. Inspection by a licensed mechanic revealed that the connecting rod in cylinder four came apart and the piston cracked the engine block. This is the same 3.3L V6 engine that Kia has numerous recalls on, affecting over 600,000 vehicles. Although our particular VIN is not listed, I feel this is related to the problems associated with this engine.
Engine, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Service brakes, Jun 11, 2022
I had 2 HECU repairs done on the vehicle per the recalls. A year after the ABS, Anti Skid and Low tire warning light indicator came on suddenly and there was a "burning odor" noted. I went to the dealership immediately and they were unable to take a look at it for almost 1 week. I took the vehicle to a brake shop and they identified the ABS was on even when the vehicle was turned off. They stated this could cause a fire, but they weren't able to repair as KIA vehicles have require programming when the system is installed/modified. The brake shop strongly encouraged me to remove the fuse for the ABS to decrease the risk of fire, part away from other vehicles and structures--which I agreed to. I made an appointment with the KIA dealer for their next available date...which was 10 days out. At the service desk I explained everything and told them the fuse was not in due to the risk of fire. 1 1/2 hours later they called to tell me the issue was that the fuse was not installed!! I restated what I told them originally...they said they needed the fuse to troubleshoot the issue. They then informed me they did not have any fuses---which seems to be an issue. I called the brake shop and they gave me 2 fuses and I took to the dealer. The dealership evaluated and said the ABS module was defective and since the car was out of warranty, I would need to pay for the repair. I asked about the recall, but was told that KIA would not pay for it. I paid for the part, they ordered it...and the first new ABS was installed and was defective, they ordered a second ABS and it can in defective as well. The 3rd ABS arrived almost 1 week later and fortunately this was good. Since most of our travel is on I-95 or turnpike the ABS could have locked up and caused the vehicle to stop instantly as I have been told. This could have causes a severe accident. Given that 2 new ABS Modules were delivered...this indicates that KIA has a further issue with their brake systems.
Structure, Jun 9, 2022
ON MY 2014 KIA SORENTO , THE PAINT HAS PEELED, IS PEELING SO BAD, THAT IT IS EMBARASSING TO EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THIS STARTED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO . AT THAT TIME, IT STARTED ON THE HOOD, OVER THE DRIVERS SIDE. TOOK IT TO THE KIA PLACE, AND THEY TRIED TO SAY IT WAS BECAUSE THE VANITY LIGHT MIRROR HAD BEEN LEFT ON OVER NIGHT. THE NEXT VISIT WAS WHEN IT WAS PEELING ALL OVER THE CAR. THEY OF COURSE SAID, IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES ON IT.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2022
Paint Delamination. Based on my research, a lot of Kia Sorento White Pearl color owners are experiencing paint delamination in a specific location on both sides of the front glass, we are no exception.
Structure, Jun 7, 2022
I have a Pearl White 2014 Kia Sorrento that I bought used with approximately 50,000 miles from Rick Case Kia in Sunrise, Florida. It has 117,000 miles on it today and multiple parts of the paint that is peeling on the hood and roof. I noticed the first paint defect when I bought it, which was on the roof (This is where to largest peel is now). I didn't think too much about it because it was small. I have had lots of trouble with this vehicle like engine failure and wheel hub failure. Then at around 65,000 miles, I noticed that the roof paint had peeled more to be 2 to 3 inches in size. I then called Wallace Kia in Stuart, FL to request a covered repair and they told me that my paint warranty had expired. Since then the paint has continued to peel with exposed rusted metal with some paint defects to be the size of my hand.
Structure, Jun 6, 2022
Paint is sliding off vehicle Pearle White drivers side, side window frame & top above window. I see many others have made complaints on those issues. Yes this vehicle is 8 years old, but is kept in a garage in the winter, I have never had a problem with other vehicles like this & have them beyond 10 years.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 2, 2022
Multiple electrical issues throughout the car that come and go. The door locks will stop operating when using the key FOB and lock/unlock switch on the driver and passenger doors, the only way to unlock them is manually. Window operating switch at all four doors stops working. The control buttons on the steering wheel are malfunctioning (volume up button decreases volume, volume down button activates voice control). The digital fuel range number does not match up analog indicator (digital will read ~150miles range, analog will indicate 1/8 full tank). Low-beam headlight bulbs individually burn out well before expected lifetime, I have replaced each one twice in the last six months. All of these issues are available for inspection. Safety is at risk because multiple fluctuating electrical issues could mean a fire risk. I have not had these problems reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center yet. Vehicle and components have not been inspected. There have been no warning indications prior to or during electrical problems.
Structure, Jun 2, 2022
Vehicle is experiencing paint adhesion failure
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022
Feb 27, 2022 is when it was observed by this writer. Now questioning what was stated when the SUV was purchased as a CPO in regards to paint. The paint on the car is delaminating. I piece came off and got stuck on the diver side window. Concerned that a piece could come off the SUV and get stuck on the windshield obstructing the drivers visibility.
Structure, May 27, 2022
Paint chipping/flaking off driver side pillar...over 4-5 inches in length
Service brakes, May 26, 2022
ABS warning light & Traction Control warning light illuminated. Next time vehicle was used, it was found that the ABS hydraulic pump was running continuously and would not turn off even after key was removed from ignition. Pump motor was warm & due to fear of overheating & possibly starting a fire, power was disconnected. After power was restored, ABS pump motor turned on again & would not turn off. Due to unsafe feeling of possible accident, vehicle is being park until repair parts can be obtained & replaced.