About average for the Sorento
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Sorento year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 101,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sorento years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 988 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Sorento. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (407, 41% of complaints), followed by the body, doors and structure and the electrical system. That ranks 2nd of 13 Sorento years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 6 recalls.
7 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2014 Kia Sorento before you buy.
Engine and cooling
407 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 101,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and the engine seized, causing a crackling sound and a fuel leak. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 184,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. A local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle until the engine was blown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 204,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
164 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 72,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (153).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 . I would like to see if my car qualifies to get these areas repaintedOwner complaint, filed 2026
My 2014 Kia Sorento EX was purchased brand new, one owner, and started losing paint in several areas on the outside of the car and is horrible. So many 2014 Kias have this issue. It is a BAD PAINT job. This should never happen and I’ll never buy another Kia. Kia should fix these issues immediately. My Kia is in great shape except for the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
153 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Push to Start button failed to function as intended, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact called the Lien holder and was informed that the key was not connecting. The Lien holder replaced the key. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the key fob failed…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 114,000 miles
The Kia one morning were I were at stop just turned off power completely disconnected/dead . I turn the key before I moved the stick to park and turn off the car than waited 3seconds and started the car. It turned on were I pulled to the side to park five foot to the left side and turn off the car to check what happ. It would’nt click or…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 105,698 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
113 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles. Parts named most: Sun / moon roof assembly (15).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she became aware that the headlights were blown, and that the connector to the headlights had detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the HECU fuse needed to be…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The headlights and taillights are constantly going out on their own. Took car to dealership and they say it's fixed, but you don't leave the lot & the light is out again. Same issue has been happening since 2022. Driving on dark road and the lights just go out. This is definitely a safety issue that several people have complained about…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Brakes and stability control
95 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 78,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled further than normal intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 103,000 miles
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, smoke emanated from the vehicle's hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted to a driveway and attempted to open the hood when the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. There was no injury…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 157,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
72 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 70,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorrento. The contact stated that while driving, the engine suddenly seized in the middle of traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. The vehicle was then…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Engine bearings failed at 69000 miles only .excessive metal shavings in oil filter. Oil warning light flashing on and off even though the oil is full. Burning oil and gas. Mechanic checks it up and said crank shaft bearings failure. Common issue with this car model and year. He informed me that there are open recalls engine on this…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Air bags
51 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 80,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact's wife owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 33-35 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact's passenger side fender hit a pole, the vehicle continued to a hill, and the vehicle's front passenger side crashed into a utility pole where the vehicle came to a stop. The…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 140,000 miles
Airbag System is not functioning. KIA Motors America has extended the warranty coverage for the front passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Pad to 15 years with unlimited milage. My local KIA dealership, Prestige KIA in Eau Claire, WI, has refused to repair it. When called they informed me, that I am no longer welcome at the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Fuel system
50 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 77,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
During a moderate T-bone collision at the driver rear side quarter panel, the back seat of the vehicle almost immediately was in flame, injuring all three occupants, not fatally, fire originated underneath the rear seat near the refueling port, which had the cap in place.Owner complaint, filed 2023
I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento 2014 SX for about two years a bit more, with acceleration problems and sometimes shut off itself when still I'm in D drive and the scary part still on the road with my family, brought theToronto and because isn't codes sometimes they don't know what the problem is, different mechanics also tried and…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Steering
35 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and steering left or right, the steering wheel would seize. The contact would have to maneuver the steering wheel back and forth for it to unlock and continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 132,538 miles
Steering column vibrates when on uneven surfaces. Also makes noise when turning wheel. Shakes when braking. I believe it is a problem with the steering column coupling. The MDPS Steering Coupling is probably worn. This is an ongoing problem with kia vehicles such as this.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Cruise control and acceleration
31 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The white pearl paint is rapidly chipping off from the roof above the drivers seat. This is a very common and know issue on all Kia Sorento's beginning in 2011 into the latest models with White Pearl paint. There are multiple forum postings and Facebook groups discussing this issue. Separately, all steering wheel control buttons have…Owner complaint, filed 2021
My engine was replaced at 118,119 and equipped with knock sensor saftey software to avoid another engine failure. At 139,505 my knock sensor software activated with. No advance warning as I was making an [VIN] left turn in front of 3 lanes of traffic. I was in a stationary position with my left blinker on judging when to turn left in…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 139,505 miles
Suspension
16 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Was driving to the store for groceries with my 2 young children, when my car just stopped accelerating and the engine seized up on a local road. Had noticed a ticking and knocking sound when accelerating a few prior and a weird sound coming from the suspension but it was dismissed by the dealer. Had the vehicle towed to my home and had…Owner complaint, filed 2024
My sorento has started burning oil. It makes a terrible noise when running. Sometimes the lights for my backup camera doesn't work nor my radio. Sometimes the radio if on, station can't be changed. It is like it is in a frozen mode.Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 110,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
15 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 67,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The skirting around my seat has been broken since about 2015. This was not covered by the warranty according to the dealership. Now the seat is not adjusting correctly causing it to be hard to reach the pedals sometimes.Owner complaint, filed 2020
This a serious safety issue. Please take this seriously before someone burns alive.the third row seat is a deathtrap. It is immpossible to exit the third row seat when the second row seat is occupied. In case of an accodent or emergency the people in the third row cannot exit the vehicle- they are trapped. It would also be almost…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 20 miles
Wheels and tires
11 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 69,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
While traveling 70 MPH, I suffered a front tire failure. A narrow strip 1" wide by 6" long separated from the tire. I wrote twice to kumho with no response. I have driven 50+ years and I have never had such a tire malfunction. I did not drive over anything as there was no other damage. This kumho tire should be reviewed for safety…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 28,254 miles
The contact owns a 2014 kia sedona. The contact stated that once the factory spare tire was installed on the vehicle, the instrument panel failed. Additionally, the low tire pressure sensor would not operate with the spare tire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the tire. The [VIN] was not notified. The VIN was not…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 6,000 miles
Driver assist systems
9 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
My key fob doesn’t register even while in car, my battery drains daily has to recieve jump off every Otha day if not daily, door open indicator shows open on all doors even when closed, car locks won’t disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls something’s wrong with itOwner complaint, filed 2026
While driving at night, the instrument panel gauges and lights behind it faded away and all gauges went to 0, RPM, Gas, speedometer, temp, mileage all stopped working all at once. The headlights dimmed to almost nothing. After stopping, it was discovered that a rear sensor was basically melted off after being on fire from the inside. It…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Kia Sorento complaints by year
Compare the 2014 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2014 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Sorento | About average | 6 |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 5 |
| 2014 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | About average | 7 |
2014 Kia Sorento recalls
Brakes Control unit / modulePark outside until fixed
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Control unit / modulePark outside until fixed
- Risk
- An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Control unit / modulePark outside until fixed
- Risk
- If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Fuel system
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling
- Risk
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Axle shaft
- Risk
- A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2014 Kia Sorento questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Sorento?
The most reported problem areas on the 2014 Kia Sorento are the engine and cooling (407 complaints), the body, doors and structure (164 complaints) and the electrical system (153 complaints).
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento a good year to buy?
About average for the Sorento. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Sorento year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 101,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sorento years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2014 Kia Sorento. The most recent, from Sep 2023, covers the control unit / module. 3 of them tell owners to park outside or not drive the car until it is fixed. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Sorento problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 101,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the body, doors and structure gave a mileage of about 72,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Kia Sorento years should I avoid?
The Sorento years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2014 Kia Sorento?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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