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, Nov 27, 2023
The engine randomly around 45,000 miles started using large amount of oil. The engine started ticking. It is available for inspection, upon request. The safety of myself and others is put at risk as the engine is a ticking time bomb to blow up. When it first starts happening, you do not notice, as you get regular oil changes at the dealership and they never once say that your oil was dangerously low when you brought it in. The problem has been expressed to me by independent service shops as a gdi issue. I called the dealership and they said the only thing they can do is an oil consumption test for $600. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. There are no warnings lamps that come up at all, not for low oil or anything.
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2023
Concerned about interim notice. Would like to get issue fixed immediately to keep passengers and others safe. HECU replaced
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Air, Nov 20, 2023
Informed Nov 19 of HECU leak resulting in fire even when parked and to park vehicle away from structures. KIA DOES NOT HAVE A REMEDY YET. Spoke with Lupient dealer and they have no idea when available. While I appreciate the notice I find it very disappointing and disturbing that a remedy is not in place especially with holiday traveling in this vehicle.
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
Car timing failed on the 3.3 and stalled car in the road. This is a very common problem and these need to be fixed. These cars randomly jump timing with no warning what so ever. Kia knew these were an issue and should replace the engine in my car along with everyone else that has this issue. Car is at a shop now with a confirmed jumped timing.
Engine, Nov 10, 2023
I have a 2014 Kia Sorento with a 3.3l engine. There was a catastrophic blow of the head gasket that resulted in engine temperatures spiking while driving on the interstate. This led to excessive deceleration and stopping on the side of the interstate. After researching, this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle. It even has a nickname, "Soft Block", from KIA using substandard materials to build their engines. I submitted a complaint against Kia through the NHTSA website on November 10th. Since that time, I have come to realize that Kia has issued a warranty extension for 2016-2017 Kia Sorento's with the 3.3l Lambda engine for cooling leaking and head gasket issues. What would be the process for expanding your open investigation (NHTSA Action Number: PE23019) to include the 2014 and 2015 model years of the Kia Sorento with the 3.3l engine? This is the exact same engine, and these exact same issues are prevalent in these years as well.
Engine, Nov 10, 2023
Engine seized again after the last recall and engine replacement leaving me stranded in an intersection and $416 in towing expenses transported to the mechanic and back home when told engine is seized
Structure, Nov 6, 2023
paint is pealing on car this is third time kia gave 1,800.00 dollars to have previous pealing paint repaired then pealed again on rear of roof now on drivers side pillar about 1 ft strip blew off cant locate date kia reimbursed me 1st time 2nd time 2022 3rd time 11 5 23
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 5, 2023, crash
Replaced engine 1/31/23 had open recall per 21v331was not repaired even though they wasn’t suppose to return vehicle according to recall. They said It would be safe to drive.Said they had no remedy to fix they would call me. Few days car stalls alternator was hanging had to replace. They didn’t replace properly. With in a month cars brakes were acting weird took in for diagnostic back brakes no remedy. Call Kia still no parts for recall. Sept 11,23 was pulling off expressway during 5 o'clock traffic my brakes locked up I had no control. Towed to Kia they wanted 75. to look at it then 2700. to fix the brakes. And stated I had no brake fluid. Which was just checked. They said recall did not cover the repairs Neither the engine recall nor the brake, hecu, abs, stability control recall. I contacted Kia they told me they would get back to me. As of Oct.31,23 they had not done any repairs or response from Kia. So I traded my car back to Kia so I would have a vehicle for school and work. I’ve tried to get reimbursement from Kia. For rental car etc. And keep getting the run around. I have towing, rental, and repairs that they are refusing to reimburse me. I drove the recalled vehicle for 9 months and could have been killed myself, my daughter, as well as others. Kia could care less! I traded vehicle 10/31 the recall was cleared on my 2014 Sorento on 11/4 according to Nhtsa.gov 3 days they clear it so they could sell it. I m really disgusted with Kia. I’m out thousands of dollars for their neglect. They couldn’t repair the recall for longer than 9 months for me . But as soon as I trade it to them it’s repaired or they are lying just so they can sell it. Just like when they sold it to me with 2 open recalls without telling me it had them. What do I need to do? Suggestions? I do have more receipts and documents
Engine, Oct 12, 2023, fire
ENGINE FIRE, NO WARNING, VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND OFF WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE
Structure, Oct 6, 2023
It appears there are numerous people with the same issue with the pearl white paint on the 2014 Kia Sorento, paint bubbling and coming off in chunks. Kia should be ashamed of themselves for doing this to consumers. This is a DEFECT and needs to be rectified immediately. I received quotes for the car to be completely painted and it was from $9,000 to over $12,000. This is more than outrageous. I bought my car BRAND NEW. Cars are very expensive and now my resale value has diminished tremendously. Kia dealership could care less as well as corporate. If it was within the 36,000 miles you might get help, but anything over that, TOO BAD!!! I will NEVER purchase another vehicle from Kia. I wish someone would start a class action lawsuit against Kia because this is immoral to say the least. FINALLY: The car is even worse than the pictures I uploaded for this complaint, and I filed a complaint with Kia and they won't address the problem with the paint. I have all my e-mails with them. I was able to upload some current pictures as well.
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and making a turn, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an internal engine failure, connecting rod damage, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
Engine continues to leak oil. Cannot be driven. 2014 Kia Sorento SUV which is under recall for engine fires yet they state her particular vin is not under the recall.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
The engine on my 2014 Kia Sorento has failed. I brought the vehicle in to Bob Sight Kia to have them diagnose the problem. They claimed that when they drained the oil, they only found 3/4 of a quart of oil and for that reason, Kia was denying the claim for a new engine. I find it hard to believe that there was only 3/4 of a quart of oil in the car as we conducted regular maintenance on the vehicle and provided all service records. When I contacted Kia, they stated that they had not received any documentation from Bob Sight Kia, and specifically no technical details why the engine had failed, or provide an estimate for repair costs. In the last three weeks that our Sorento has been at Bob Sight Kia (brought to dealer on 9-9-23), when I call to speak with the service center point of contact, I get his voicemail or someone says he is away from his desk or on leave and nobody responds to my voicemails or emails, even though I have volunteered to provide more information if necessary. There is a Facebook page with 976 followers stating why Kia has denied their claims for replacement of failed defective engines. Fortunately, in my case, I was able to drive the car to the dealership before the engine stopped working but in many cases the engines failed while people were in busy traffic, exposing them to dangerous situations. In my case specifically the engine light started flashing and the vehicle was being very sluggish, struggled to make it up hills and would occasionally stall.
Power train, Lane departure, Sep 27, 2023
Had been getting “BSD” disabled messages while driving on expressway for several months, dealer inspected twice and found nothing. On May 30, 2023 while driving on street rear differential locked not allowing rear wheel rotation for short period ( 2 street blocks ), then resumed operation but with a high pitch squealing. On May 31, 2023 l took vehicle to dealer requesting a full inspection of the differential, mileage at 133367. I was immediately told that the differential is a sealed unit and could not be inspected, but they recommended a transmission force flush, a complete fuel system flush, plus an oil and filter change. I agreed to service, but insisted they needed to test drive vehicle. Dealer called me back same day indicating vehicle ready. We picked up vehicle, $600.93 cost. We were told everything checked out fine. On way home upon entering expressway just a mile away from dealer, rear differential locked up again!! We immediately pulled over to shoulder, Had we been on expressway, our vehicle would have been rear ended ! I called dealer to come pick up vehicle, they sent a tow truck & vehicle was brought back to dealer. Dealer confirmed rear differential was seazed and would have to be replaced. A week later they called to inform us that the front differential/transfer case had also failed and also needed to be replaced. Two weeks later, on June 17, 2023 vehicle repairs were finally completed at cost this time of $7292.60, totaling $7893.53 including initial repair costs. Mileage is now at 138320, and vehicle has once again begun to display “BSD” disabled messages. Differential has been making engagement/disengagement clicking sounds as if their is a lot of backlash/slop between gears.
Structure, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the engine hood was opened and raised, the hydraulic hood lift struts failed causing the hood to close down onto the contact's right hand. The contact's hand was trapped under the hood for approximately 30 minutes before help arrived. During the incident, the contact sustained a bruised right hand which did not require medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2023
The pearl white paint is coming off the car from just driving the car. It started at 75k miles and now the car is rusting because of it. This white paint is discontinued now but what about the car they used the paint on. It's like this on the hood, sides of the window and the top of the car.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 23, 2023
Car was traveling from Atlanta and the speed odometer on the car showed it was dropping then knock noise pull over then I made to exit and check oil Guage the sensor lights never showed when I had picked up the person house I took to said it was crank sensor and started it heard knocking sound and I call NHTSA reported incident and was giving a claim number haven't heard anything since I no its recall on engine cause I had received paperwork that it was and also saw report on news
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2023
Catalytic Converter is out and is needing replacement. Dealership offered me $600 off which I accepted, so total repair cost will be $2650 out the door. Problem is the part is on back order until "TBD". Dealership and Kia Consumer Complaints can not give an ETA on when part is supposed to come in. Apparently there is a long list of backorders in Florida and Georgia. Kia is unwilling to work with consumers to cover either a loaner car or the part. If the part was in stock, I would have no issue. Issue is Kia requires this part to be repaired, but not only do they not have in stock, they can't even give me an estimate of when I could possibly get my car back. Their resolution is to have the consumer pay for their own rental car at $45/day until further notice, or I should explore my options for a trade in. If they're doing business this way and not valuing their customer, why would I want to start over? Kia has conducted a recall on Kia Souls for the same issue on 4/15/2022, looks like they need to go ahead and recall the Sorento's as well as there are many consumers in my same situation. So sad that Kia will not work with their customers, they should have parts in stock or readily available to be shipped. And especially if there are many people on backorder, it seems like a growing problem and Kia should be prepared for the influx. As of today, 9/19/2023, Kia Consumer Complaints has stated they have escalated my part, but still can't give me an ETA or will not offer assistance for their short comings.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2023
On 06/23/2023 i went to team Nissan located at 70 Keller st . took it in while purchasing new tires from tire warehouse told me about repairs that needed done that was still under warranty with team Nissan. when i took it to team Nissan they refused my warranty by telling me my car issuer was not any issue that they repaired back in July of 2022 for the amount of over 2thousand dollars. team Nissan lied to me let me leave their shop knowing the dangers just because they did not want to grant my warranty which where brakes outta tie Rodes and rear light INOP charged me 45 for en inspection to deny my warranty. I still can't drive my car because team Nissan wanted me to repay for pairs that was still covered under their own warranty my vehicle only has 120 thousand miles i was still in my year frame and way less than the miles. i prefer to bring in my documents if not i must downmload at another time cant take pic ith desktop
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2023
1. Kia sold me the car with open recalls. And did not disclose this. 2. I’m still paying on it and they had to replace the motor on 01/31/23 recall. 3. They again sent the car home with an open recall sc212 because they didn’t have the part to remedy the recall. (Brakes) 4. My brakes went out luckily in the parking lot. 5. Called Kia Customer Service they gave me the run around hung up on me left me on hold 27 minutes first. But I finally spoke to a supervisor and they agreed to have it towed to Mike Shaw Kia were I had purchased the car and who had done all maintenance and recall work. 6. Mile Shaw called me and now wants 75.00 to even look at my car. I have a11 yr old daughter and myself I have to take to school and work. This is a major recall I refuse to jeopardize my child’s life in this vehicle but I cannot afford to pay them anything plus the car payment insurance. And now I’m walking on top of all this.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Engine was replaced in 2021 due to oil consumption issues. After copays and having a rental car for 2 months while waiting for repairs I shelled out about 7k. Now catalytic converter has failed, about one week after last oil change. Extended coverage is just over by mileage according to dealership and unsure if Kia will cover, awaiting response. After researching this issue with my vehicle, I found other owners who had the same issue and suggested it should have been replaced with engine as there was a past recall for this. Others stated that Kia is not covering even though there was a recall. Even if they covered the parts that would help substantially. Car currently at service center at Kia dealership awaiting to see if Kia will assist at good will or cover under the recall.
Structure, Sep 7, 2023
I have a Kia 2014. Sorento, Snow White mother-of-pearl. In the summer of 2019, I first noticed paint peeling (or what bodyshops call delamination) on the windshield frame. My paint started peeling off in a tiny spot, it looked like a tiny chip of paint the size of a piece of rice, but quickly started flakes all over the body. The dealership says that this is not cover a warranty, since I am not the first owner
Structure, Aug 21, 2023
At first, I thought it was due to normal wear on the vehicle. And would need a touch of paint job. I started seeing other vehicle with the same areas of paint issues on the road as mines. 2014 Kia Sorento LX - Pearl White paint peeling around windshield and off hood. Bubbles started forming form under paint and paint blisters and peels away quickly in large chunks from vehicle. Went to dealership and they told me paint is only under warranty for 36k miles, but after seeing all the complaints online with white Sorento, I realized there is a problem with KIA paint. However, they suggested calling Kia directly. When calling them they have no recall for this paint issue that has been caused by a defect in the paint that for some reason happens after their 36k miles warranty.Kia neeed to fix this issue.
Seat belts, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 18, 2023
We bought the car 6 months ago from a dealership and since then the breaks are bad the engine makes this strange noise it always smells like oil is burning. The seat belts don't stay latch and I hr suspension is all over the place.