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 9, 2025
Out of no where engine light starts flashing and had it checked code P1326 Knock Sensor Detection System. Now need a new engine. This is a common issue for this make and model but somehow my vin isn’t on the recall. This isn’t right
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2025
Severe paint delamination has occurred on the vehicle, causing the clear coat and base coat (Snow White Pearl color) to come off on the hood, pillars, roof, and rear sides of the vehicle. Not only does the peeling paint create an airborne/debris hazard, it also risks exposing the vehicle to premature rust/corrosion. This issue slowly began in 2019 and has only become much worse. From the information I have gathered online, this is a widespread issue affecting this particular model/year/color of Kia.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Structure, Jul 25, 2025
First off, we love the KIA Brand of vehicles. This is our fourth Kia. We also presently own a 2010 Optima with white paint and no peeling issues. Our Sorrento is currently showing (as of today) 133418 Miles. Sad to say that this is the only KIA we have ever owned with this very defective paint issue. Several months ago, I started to see several other 2014 Sorrento with the same peeling paint issues, so it wasn't just our vehicle. Your company is in the business of producing sophisticated and desirable vehicles designed by engineers who can cover all the bases in the manufacturing process. With the exception of this faulty paint issue, KIA has achieved this goal. I can only hope that KIA recognized this paint failure early and will go on to the next design phase. 1n my humble opinion, if KIA wants to keep growing the company brand they need to work like crazy to get to the next level in the paint process. Buyers want to have confidence that things as simple as a paint job will have a long life. Interesting when you look at very old vehicles for sale and the owners say this is the original paint. Thus, my question is how will KIA remedy this issue with both current and future model owners? l await your reply. I hope KIA will share a disclosure that is fundamental and not try to hide or mislead.
Engine, Jul 20, 2025, fire
Unknown
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to open the doors, the remote failed to unlock the doors. The contact used the key and opened the door manually. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery terminal cables were tightened by the contact’s boyfriend. While the contact’s boyfriend was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled, and the RPM increased to 2,000 RPM. The contact stated that the engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
kia motor sized up after an oil change at a little over 80,000 miles.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 19, 2025
I have had nothing but issues with my Kia since I purchased it May 30th, 2023. It's continually stalling, completely looses power, sometimes won't operate at all. My Kia is very unsafe and completely unreliable. I had to have it towed to the dealership before my first payment was even due. My Kia has has to be taken to the dealership a total of 5 times and still nothing has been resolved, other than oil change, diagnostic testing, spark plugs replacement, "fuel system service", HECU fuse installed. As of today's date (June 19th, 2025) I still owe close to $12,000 on it. This is utterly ridiculous and needs to be resolved asap. It has been continual issues from May 30th, 2023 through current date (June 19th, 2025). In 15 months I have only been able to drive it 4,876 miles. That's how unreliable it is. I need help getting these issues resolved asap.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that days later there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that due to an unknown software update that was not performed, the repair was not covered under recall. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had seized. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal bearing failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously in a crash and declined the warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 103,274.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle. Later, on the same day, while pulling into a friend’s driveway, the engine began making a knocking sound. The contact decided to drive to the residence nearby, and the engine started knocking again, eventually causing the engine to fail and the vehicle to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the rods had failed due to excessive rust, causing the rods to knock. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not yet fully inspected or diagnosed. The contact informed the dealer that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and asked that the recall repair be completed; however, the dealer had not confirmed completion of the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 147,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal clicking sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that there was no engine oil in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,145.
Engine, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to drive later in the evening, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Peacock Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall, and that a diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to Kia Campaign Number: WTY039. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Mar 14, 2025
All of it. Car randomly shuts off and lose power steering. No. Dealership has inspected. ALL the lights in the dash light up, screen says battery discharge warning, car shuts off and lose power steering while driving down the road.
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
I purchased my 2014 kia sorrento 3.3 SX in February of 2016. I was not informed at all about any issues with the engine or that there were any recalls concerning my vehicle. I have email correspondence from the dealership where years following my purchase of any safety recall notices. I had regular oil changes and normal maintenance. In March of 2024 my engine was stalling out and it smelled like burning plastic and wasn't turning over appropriately. I took it to the kia dealership and was told that the recalls had expired and that my vehicle had no oil, the engine was going to seize and I needed a new engine. Again I wasn't told at that time of any safety recall information that could lead to engine failure and or fire. I then took it to another local mechanic and had it diagnosed. I was told that I needed a nee engine that my hand gasket had blown due to premature bearing wear and severe leaks. I brought it home and I was too afraid to drive it. Then in 2025 I received another recall notice. I contacted Kia customer care and was advised that I might ne eligible for a engine rebuild, that I should have it towed to the local dealership for diagnostics to be ran yet again. The kia adviser in the service department said she was filing a claim with kia engineers and that she needed my registration and drivers license. After a week she contacted me saying my claim was denied and that my choices were to pay $13, 000 for an engine replacement or accept a trade in of $500. Again information was withheld from me concerning this vehicles recalls. At this point I am completely dumbfounded as to what to do next. My sorrento was paid off and only had 118,000 miles on it and they refused to cover anything under the 10temr or 150,000 miles extended warranty.
Engine, Mar 4, 2025, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH the check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power and reduced speeds. Smoke and flames were also present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road before it stalled. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was later towed to the home. Fire report information was unavailable. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Engine, Mar 1, 2025
Engine stopped working at a red light. I was told the timing chain shattered inside the engine. This vehicle only has 150k miles on it and has been well maintained.
Engine, Feb 18, 2025
Catalytic converter . Check engine light stays on
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2025
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected, we discovered that the motor/engine had completely failed. This failure also impacted the electrical system, leaving the car completely immobile. It has been confirmed by a mechanic that the engine is at fault. However, local dealers and mechanics were unable to inspect it further due to a lack of necessary equipment. As of now, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other authority. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure, and the vehicle showed no signs of issues leading up to the incident. We purchased this car in 2023, only to find out later that Kia had issued a recall for this issue in 2021. This recall was never disclosed by the dealership, nor was it listed on the Carfax report. Due to the recall predating our purchase, Kia has refused to provide any assistance or compensation, leaving us with an inoperable vehicle and significant financial strain. As a low-income family on a fixed budget, this situation has been extremely challenging. We kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and helping us find a resolution. Thank you for your attention and support.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 13, 2025
I have a problem with the electrical, and I found that they already have a recall, but the Van Nuys dealer refused to fix it on the car.
Structure, Feb 13, 2025
I have a problem with the paint on the car; it keeps falling off by itself, and I tried to contact the Kia dealer for this issue, but they said to report here to you.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and the ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Engine, Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine oil was a quart low. There was no indication of an oil leak or low pressure. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was informed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Kia of Irvine (45 Oldfield Building B, Irvine, CA 92618); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2025
The check engine light keeps going on and off and I took it to go get looked at and they said I had a faulty Cadillac converter. I looked it up and it said that they had recalls on 2014 Kia sorentos for that but when I check on the website it says I have no open recalls and I'm trying to figure out why my car is not on that list because this has been an ongoing problem and now it's so bad I'm starting to smell exhaust in the car. I'm really not sure on the date that it started I just know it's been awhile. Can you please help me.
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
Burning Oil