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 25, 2021
While driving car at normal speeds under normal conditions, ball bearing and connecting rod blew through engine creating a large hole in bottom of engine block, thus,causing entire engine to be blown. There is only 139k miles on vehicle. There is a safety recall for this very reaon on CERTAIN 2014 Kia Sorrentos. That recall is 17V224000. Upon calling Kia customer service, they claimed my vehicle was exempt frim this recall, however, this very issue happened to my well-maintained vehicle.
Engine, Aug 18, 2021
Engine locked up while driving on expressway. Car would not accelerate and became very difficult to control. One of the recalls stated that "bearings could slip and cause engine to seize up." Driver was able to safely get the car back, but car is disabled. Airport Kia, in Naples, FL where the car was purchased, was notified of the problem and the recall for this specific problem, but have been unwilling to help. If she was unable to control the car, could have killed herself or other drivers. Car has not been inspected because Kia dealership said she must have the car towed to dealership. On a recall problem, dealership should be responsible for the tow, but I feel they are bullying her because she is a 16 year old girl. This happened with no warning.
Exterior lighting, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated she received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V519000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle did not need a recall repair. The contact received a second recall notification from the manufacturer and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the headlights failed to work after the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the headlights would work in low light conditions. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,918.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2021
While driving alone at night a on dark two lane highway, both low beam headlights went out at the same time leaving me in the frightful and dangerous situation of not being able to see where I was headed. I was however able to safely stop on the side of the road and do some troubleshooting. All the other lights (high beam, turn, parking, fog, etc.) worked perfectly. The instrument panel showed that the low beams were still on. No warning of any type of malfunction was indicated or shown. I have not contacted KIA about the problem yet, but I am sure they are aware of the problem. I have read multiple blogs online and this appears to be a common problem, and has been for a long time, with multiple KIA models and generations. My suspicions are the problem may be in either the multi-position switch, airbag clock spring, or cable harness, or any combination of the three. It is my understanding the fuses and relays for the lights are side related ( all either on LH or RH). I checked fuses and relays even though I find it hard to believe both sides would go bad at the same time, and all were good. There is a long history of this electrical problem in these vehicles that needs to be found and fixed before someone needlessly loses their life. Who knows, maybe someone has already been killed. Lights go out, they go off the road and hit a tree. The instruments would show the headlights are on, but they were not. Now its hard to prove with the head lights totally destroyed.
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Tires, Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control, ABS and the tire pressure warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the power steering inadvertently deactivated and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering, battery, and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failures was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were both notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2021
Approximately 8 months ago noticed while driving that the headlights didn’t appear to be on while driving with normal low beam lights. High beams worked fine. Replaced both low beam light bulbs with Sylvania standard Kia recommended replacement. 1-2 months later after driving at night, lights still dim. Replaced with $90 Halogen set, still not illuminating road. Took to Kia dealership (where purchased) to have them check lights, said that entire headlight assembly for both lights need replacement for $2,489.00. Aftermarket priced at $335/ea!!! Service manager confirmed apparent problems with burned out headlight assemblies.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jul 27, 2021
Recall notices have been sent to us regarding possible airbag deployment, electrical issues, and now HECU controls and the ABS system. Each time we get a notice, we contact the Kia dealerships in our area for repairs. Every time we have tried to bring in our vehicle for safety recall repairs, the dealership has made it impossible to do so. For example, when we called to make an appointment for one recall notice, we were told that no action was needed unless we heard a loud banging noise coming from the engine. We stated that we heard weird noises but not a loud banging. We were told that the dealership cannot do repairs unless we show evidence of the banging. Also, there have been electrical problems with the car since we bought it – the buttons malfunction, the airbag light is always on, etc. This was not regarded as evidence of need for repairs. For another recall notice, we were told that the repairs could not be completed because they didn't have the parts. We received the Safety Recall Number 21V331 on Friday July 17 and have tried repeatedly to contact Kia of Cerritos in order to make an appointment for repairs. The dealership does not answer their phones in the service department. At 2:30 July 19, I got through to someone in the service department. He said he would make an appointment to complete recall repairs but instead put us on hold and transferred us to a full voicemail box. We are very worried about the safety of our Kia Sorrento. This is our family car. Given the ongoing recalls and history of Kia failing to provide safety repairs, I think this may qualify for the Lemon Law. This recall notice indicates that an engine fire may occur. The airbag light is continuously on. I am concerned for the safety of my family. We do not feel safe. I have contacted KIA Consumer Assistance Center and opened a Case #14271977 but they have failed to reply.
Structure, Jul 26, 2021
Pealing paint on roof at windshield and along passenger pillar. Reported same to Kia dealership at which they confirmed the paint pealing is an issue, but they would not repair due to vehicle being outside paint warranty period. There is currently no safety concern, however if the roof at the windshield rusts through, the structural integrity of the vehicle will be compromised.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking, and a loud knocking sound was coming from the engine. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that there was rod bearing wear and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 123,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 25, 2021
2014 KIA SORENTO EX was manufactured w/ poor to very low headlights. The required bulb for the standard headlights is the H7 bulb on this vehicle... It is NOT ACCEPTABLE and the driver cannot see with any distance at all and turning is a complete hazard and accident waiting to happen as the lightning is so poor you can't see anything when turning. I have studied, reviewed, read and worked to try and ensure we got the best possible light and there simply is a poor electrical wiring design for this specific vehicle. I adjusted the Headlights UP as far as I could and it still made no difference at all in my viewing field. How could the NHSTA allow KIA to get away with coming to market w/ these POOR Headlights? We have to drive around at night now w/ the High Beams On at all times in order to see properly. That is unacceptable! The Driver should not have to purchase an LED Bright Light Kit and have to Re-Wire the vehicle because of being provided a lightning system that doesn't work and is an extreme danger. KIA should have to recall every single one of these vehicles and provide " sufficient " lighting that meets SAFETY protocols for headlights and the field that is to be illuminated. How is nobody aware of this and why hasn't it been addressed? It's outrageous and I've never heard of any vehicle having to use High Beams to see driving down a straight road let alone in heavy traffic and or or on a winding road. Is anyone listening and or are Safety Standards now a thing of the past. Shame on KIA, they know of the problem and have done NOTHING to correct it. KIA Brake Speed Sensors fail routinely and should also be a RECALLED Item. We've had all of the Brake Speed Sensors fail on the vehicle and now we've had to pay out of our pocket to replace these faulty items. It's ridiculous....they were covered under warranty until 60k but that is NOT sufficient! There has been about three (3) separate recalls for this vehicle relating to brake issues.
Structure, Jul 23, 2021
During the spring of 2019 the paint above my passenger side window began chipping and peeling. As of 07/23/21 there are now addition spots above the windshield, frame of windshield, and hood that have began to chip and peel. The first area is now rusting and I am unable to get a carwash without having big chunks from the roof peel. I did get a quote from a Kia dealership for the paint repair since it is beginning to rust. I will upload that quote.
Exterior lighting, Jul 22, 2021
Low beam head lights stop working . Bulb needs replacement every few months.
Exterior lighting, Jul 22, 2021
The headlights are so dim that it is extremely dangerous to drive at night. I went and bought the $50 bulbs and it still looked like I didn’t turn my lights on. It looks like I drive with candlelight. Also the bulbs burn out about 3-4 months.
Power train, Engine, Jul 22, 2021
Kia refused to issue a recall for a known problem & refuses to fix vehicle & reimburse for unnecessary repair costs--have contacted their consumer center many times but they will not address problem--below is initial complaint I made on 06-09-2021, the first of many & all ignored to date: 06/09/2021 06:45:06 I have unnecessarily spent about $1000 replacing original factory equipment that was not faulty/not the problem all because you knew about the problems on the 2014-15 Sorentos but chose not to issue a recall to correct (as told by Master Tech at the local dealership)! Labor & parts bought/replaced: alternator, starter, relays. A few mths ago vehicle would start up fine on 1st drive of the day but after 1st stop of the day (as little as 5 mins!)vehicle would not even attempt to start up again! This happened multiple times & I found myself stranded in an essentially still new vehicle (note low miles for a 7 yr old vehicle)! All in all I replaced the above mentioned parts but problem continued so finally took it in to dealership for diagnosis, which they found no codes or problems! A service mgr mentioned that Nissan had similar problems (but they issued recalls unlike Kia!) where the frequencies would interact/interfere with those of neon stop lights??? Cars would simply shut down on the road/busy intersections--danger!!! I noticed that this happened most when I am at my mail center which is close to a medical clinic & at the bank--both of which have high frequency medical equipment/security systems??? I am a disabled vet on a fixed income & to have spent money unnecessarily when YOU KNEW OF THE PROBLEM & REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL you are liable to reimburse me in full for all the money I am out & the emotional/physical distress caused by your product & decisions! FIX MY CAR!
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle needed a jumpstart for the vehicle to start-up on several occasions. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Jul 15, 2021
The pearl white paint is peeling severely off the body. It is falling off in huge pieces.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2021
A few months ago I noticed a chip in the white pearl paint of my 2014 KIA Sorrento. Since then, the paint has continued to chip and there is now a big spot on my drivers side panel by the windshield that does not have paint. In addition, I have noticed chips on my hood that will probably do the same thing. I tool my car into a body shop to see if they can repaint it and I was told that this has happened to many KIA's that have the white pearl paint. In addition, I called my local KIA dealer's shop and was told the same thing. He even guessed the color before I could tell him.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the while driving at unknown speeds the brake pedal was applied but, it depressed to the floorboard happened several times and crashed into an oak tree on his property. The contact engaged the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Additionally, while driving he crashed into a yellow pole post on another occasion. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, fire, or police report filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where diagnosed the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,463. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V331000(air bags). The contact stated he was concerned about his safety about driving the vehicle. Consumer stated happened again on Oct 3rd when car was started, illumination of malfunction indicator light (MIL) came on as well as Anti Braking System indicator light came on. Brake fluid could leak internally so consumer turned off the car engine. Consumer spoke to manufacture on Oct 4, 2021 regarding case number [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2021, fire
Upon driving home from a family road trip, I was flagged down on the highway by a fellow driver saying my car was on fire from under the passenger backseat. There were no warning lights or alarms from the inside of the car, or on the dash. I pulled over and the fire engulfed the engine and soon the whole car. It burnt down to the frame, with absolutely nothing left inside but twisted metal. It was deemed a total loss. The fire inspector and police on the scene believe there was an issue with the electrical system that caused the fire. There is a report available with the Florida Highway Patrol. There are NO active recalls for the vehicle, but I was told by Kia there have been several fires in their 2014 models, including some when the vehicles weren't even on. The car was deemed a total loss and has been released to the insurance inspector and has over $14000 in damages to repair. It will not be repaired. My mother was in the front passenger seat, and my 6 year old son was in the passenger backseat, above where the fire began. Thankfully, we are all uninjured, but there is lasting mental trauma on all three of us.
Structure, Jul 8, 2021
Color: Pearl white Paint is peeling
Structure, Jul 3, 2021
Pearl White paint peeling rapidly. Started in a few minor spots (roof) within last two years, now is rapidly peeling around windshield and hood. Although it is garage kept, now rusting in original spots. The quality of paint is horrible.
Structure, Jun 27, 2021
The paint is chipping all over the vehicle. There has been no damage to the vehicle to warrant the paint peeling
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 23, 2021
The contact's fiancé owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the vehicle engine had been misfiring and the brake fluid had been leaking onto the fuse block. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where they had replaced the spark plugs however, the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the fuse box and power relay control was needing to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance as a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired due to the fact that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2021
Big paint chip
Structure, Jun 7, 2021
Kia Sorento 2014 is peeling ridiculously! The car is been well kept and maintenance up to date, almost all services at Kia dealership.