2014 Kia Sorento
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 986
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 8
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2014
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2014: 986 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
39% · 388 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Engine fire, no warning, vehicle was parked outside and off when it caught fire
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-12
We bought our car in October 2016. During our transition from New York to Georgia our engine failed on us. My husband and I took it to a Kia autobody shop in greenville South Carolina.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-12
Structure
16% · 161 reportsMost commonly citing body and support device/strut.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-27
my 2014 Kia Sorento is having a paint issue and I know their is a class action law suite to get repaired. The only complaint I have is the white pearl paint is chipping off the front of the roof and on the left and right sides of the windshield .
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Electrical system
16% · 153 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving down the interstate as I heard a loud pop so pulled over on the side of the road thinking it was my tires, as I looked at all the tires I didn't see anything so I got back in.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-25
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, a strong burning odor emitted inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the driver exited the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-04
This is a follow up of NHTSA case# 1840444.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23
Also filed under Service brakes
Exterior lighting
9% · 87 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and brake lights.
Service brakes
9% · 84 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
Replaced engine 1/31/23 had open recall per 21v331was not repaired even though they wasnât 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-05
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2013-07-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-09-20 Front Axle Shaft Failure
-
R
2013-09-09Power train13V356000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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▮
2014Complaint volume 986 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
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R
2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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I
2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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R
2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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)...
Remedy: 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.
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I
2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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R
2020-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic20V519000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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R
2021-07-02Service brakes, hydraulic21V331000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519.
Remedy: 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.
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I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
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I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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R
2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2014 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 388 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 161 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 153 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V356000 · Power train
- Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V519000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 21V331000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2014 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Kia Sorento is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.