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, May 24, 2022
Paint is rapidly delaminating and is causing visibility issues for my wife when paint chunks fly off the hood and onto the windshield while driving.
Engine, May 20, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a fuel odor was present inside the cabin. Days later while the vehicle was parked with the engine idling smoke and flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact indicated the vehicle was previously serviced under a recall in which the engine was replaced. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Engine, May 17, 2022
Driving around 55mph motor locked up pulled over to side of road motor would not turn over
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Tires, May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Engine, May 13, 2022
We purchased the 2014 kia sorento from a private party on May 12, 2022 and had driven it less than an hour on the highway with the cruise control set when a chirping sound came from the engine, followed by a sound like that of a tiny machine gun and then a big BOOM that shook the entire car. The person following me lost sight of the car because of the huge cloud of amoke making visibility impossible and we almost caused an accident. I do not know if the engine had been replaced as part of the recall but we paid $7500 for the vehicle we drove less than an hour and narrowly missed causing an accident.
Engine, May 12, 2022
Kia Sorento SX Limited 2014 All maintenance done on time/early at Kia dealerships throughout history of ownership. Engine light came on with odd sounds. Took in immediately for repair to the Kia dealership. We have been informed that oil is leaking throughout engine system and cooling system which has also put wear and damage on the transmission. This causes a safety issue because it could cause a fire when driving. Upon further review many of the 2014 Sorentos have had this same issue with low mileage and have ended up catching fire. There was no warning or signs of anything going wrong it just happened. The light and sounds started the next day it was taken in and there was nothing we could do. We are having to sell the vehicle for parts so we can get a new vehicle. Service report is available.
Exterior lighting, May 5, 2022
No matter what bulbs you put in the headlights they do not shine bright enough or far enough for you to drive safely at night. We have stopped driving the suv at night because the only way to have enough light to see the road is if they are on bright then they bright light oncoming traffic.
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed him of an unknown module that needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Engine, May 1, 2022
Although no warning light, we heard a slight knock with the engine over the course of a couple days, intermittently. Called the dealer to schedule appointment. Very next day knocking significantly louder and undriveable, so had towed. Engine now needs to be replaced at 135,000 miles. Not covering because oil changes done outside of dealership.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 26, 2022, fire
On 2/15/22, I accelerated to pass another car while driving home from work. As soon as I accelerated, my car stopped running. I coasted to the next turnoff from a busy street (about 1 block) and stopped at the curb in a residential area. The control panel/dashboard was completely dark, then suddenly lit up again. I tried to start the car but couldn't because I was unable to depress the brake. I waited a few minutes and tried again and a small amount of smoke came out from under the hood. In a minute that went away. At this time, I was very near my house and walked home. When I got there I called the Kia dealership (local) and described what happened. They asked if there had been a 'check engine' or other warning message before this happened and I told them there had not been. I said I guess I would have to have the car towed in to them to see what was wrong. I was told they would call back. While waiting for someone to call back, I walked back to my car. (All of this took less than 10 - 12 minutes.) As I turned the corner I saw police cars and a firetruck where my car was parked. The fire had been put out and there was only a shell of the car left; the entire motor and everything inside was destroyed. Later, my insurance company declared it a total loss. A neighbor saw flames and had called the fire department. There was some damage to the neighbor's yard - grass and shrubbery. The police called a wrecking service to tow the car. It was later picked up by my insurance co. No one was injured, thankfully; but I can only imagine what would have happened if I had made it home and parked in my garage. The local Kia dealership never called back. I called a week or so after this happened and was told they would have someone call me and no one called (again).
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2022
I was informed to report the incidence of paint chipping on this form, although it is not a safety risk. From the images I upload you can see 2 years ago (4/23/2020)there were a couple of small areas of paint chipping where the windshield meets the roof of the car. These areas to my knowledge had no previous damage to them. There are/were a couple areas where there were minor dents (not pictured) which over the years began to peel as well. However just in the last few months (mainly over the winter) those small areas and new areas of peeling have started and grown at an enormously fast rate. I'm afraid to bring my car to a car wash now as it may chip more paint away. When doing research about this model and year trying to find out how to fix this problem I found a forum called Kia-forums.com as well as a facebook group all about the snow white pearl peeling and chipping delimitation problem. While not a safety risk, this is a risk of rust becoming a problem and something I'm very concerned about not only because I plan to keep this car for a long while but if I decided to sell it or trade it in my car is now going to sell for less. As an 8 year old car I understand wear and tear is natural but this is not a natural occurrence and I hope Kia will find a way to recall these cars and fix the paint delamination problem.
Structure, Apr 23, 2022
The paint on my pearl white Sorento began delaminating or peeling off in sheets on the A bars on both sides of my windshield October 2020. Lots of rust beginning as a result. Auto body shop had never seen anything like it. I did not attempt repair bc of expense and uncertainty that a spot repair would be insufficient if it were to continue in other areas. Out of warranty due to age of vehicle.
Engine, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and had come to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. His wife was able to restart the vehicle and pull off to the side of the roadway. The contact was called to the scene, where he was unable to restart the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed; the claim was later denied. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Visibility, Apr 12, 2022
While driving on the road , sliding sunroof glass just cracked and shattered with loud sound. There was no prior damage to the sunroof nor any debris from the road that hit the car or the sunroof at the time of incident. My daughter was driving the car and was lucky that no she did not get any injuries as the sunroof shade was closed and all the shattered glass fall on the shade and not inside the car and on her face and the body.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2022
I received notice mid August 2021 about recall and warranty repairs that needed to be made to my car. Brought it to the dealer on 8/30/21. On 8/31/21 I was given the car back and told, yes, it needed the repairs but I needed to wait for parts and they'd be in touch. I have heard nothing from KIA, despite complaining to them several times.
Engine, Apr 10, 2022, fire
I purchased a 2014 Kia Sorento on March 15, 2022. On April 1, 2022, after 2 weeks of normal driving, I was driving the car to the Kia dealership for them to inspect the smell of gasoline fumes, and suddenly, the oil light and engine light turned on, so I pulled over. I saw smoke coming out of the engine so I ran out. Then flames appeared and engulfed the vehicle while I waited for firefighters to arrive. Luckily, no one was hurt. Insurance is currently investigating the cause.
Engine, Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2022
104K miles and motor seized up. Engine oil is fine, all fluids and proper maintenance done. Motor begins ticking as soon as the car is put in drive. Per mechanic the motor is getting ready to blow. I expected more from this vehicle as it has been very properly maintained. No fluids leaked, just lost power and started the moaning and clicking noise.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2022
uncontrolled acceleration
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2022
My 2014 Kia Sorento needs immediate attention to the following issues. The issues are associated with “open campaigns”. Yet, my specific Kia Sorento isn’t included. I have a bearing wear issue which has made the vehicle unsafe to operate. The car frequently overheats and has a major coolant leak. (17v22400). Also, the high pressure fuel pipe has appeared numerous times on my Mobius Kia Nav system. (18v907000). In addition, my vehicle now has many electronics which are inoperable. For instance, the back up camera, the power windows and steering wheel controls. This could be a result of a hydraulic leak near the electronic controls.(20V51900) There’s an issue with the powertrain. In addition, the right front axle is loose. As a result there’s a considerable loss of power to the wheels. (13V35600).
Engine, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine bearing needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. Consumer was unable to find a dealership to evaluate my engine and determine the source of failure. They have so many KIAs to assess and they have all said they are taking no more vehicles. Consumer did receive a limited warranty extension letter (on 7April22) to 150,000 miles for the oil pressure switch leaking. Vehicle has been losing oil for quite a while now.
Structure, Apr 3, 2022
2014 pearl white Kia sorrento is peeling paint everywhere. It shouldn’t be doing that and it’s an inferior paint that seems to be a major problem.
Engine, Apr 2, 2022
Engine issues like all the others reported but they state no issues per my vin which the issue so am having is the same as all those other engine issues of same make and years
Structure, Mar 31, 2022
Pearl white paint is peeling on the hood, roof just above windshield and side molding next to the windshield. Small chips quickly turn into large areas from rain. All areas were small when I purchased the vehicle in Summer of 2021.
Structure, Mar 29, 2022
Paint is peeling off of door.
Engine, Mar 23, 2022
03/23/2022 11:06:18 3/23 Yes, I still have concerns and I have told Kia numerous times to email or text me but instead they conveniently call while I'm at work 7am-4pm so I can't answer the phone. Due to the continuous oil burning issue that Kia refuses to fix or address eventhough I have agreed to pay, the mechanic now says there's a knock sensor issue which makes it unsafe to drive. I have reached out to Kia for months now, with still no resolution in sight.. If this case is above your pay grade or administrative power, please direct my case to someone who can assist in a speedy and competent manner. A very disappointed customer. 03/15/2022 12:24:02 3/14, 5th message- car needed to be taken to Goodyear due the following:This is the recall (see attachment) that hasn't been fixed on my Kia Sorento yet which can cause other issues - knock sensor such as the ones (stalling) 3/13. 03/13/2022 18:03:52 4th message 3/13/2022 Interesting never received a Thursday or second call from rep Ronee as promised in a previous email. My senior citizen 2 time cancer survivor mom attempted to drive my car to return it to me in Vegas when an hour out of Tucson it stalled as oil light came on. Previously Royal Kia had promised to put extra oil in car so if this happened again, oil could be put in, no oil was in car. Everyone associated with Kia in this case has consistently been inconsistent not fulfilling promises made, plus me and my family just continued to be in convenience by Kia. Demanding a 1000 mileage a month oil consumption test during a pandemic when I work in North Vegas before service is ridulous, unrealistic, and unsafe. Transparency and assistance would be appreciated, but due to Kia's prior action and incompetence, I'm not hopeful. When calling, usually businesses leave a voice-mail, I have no such record from you. Not a satisfied customer. Pics of docs at https://photos.app.goo.gl/YauPabwvPoXzs7z87