2014 Kia SORENTO: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
983 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
80,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 model year. Data snapshot: . 497 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 386 of 983 complaints (39.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 127 | 12.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 85 | 8.6% |
| Engine operation | 76 | 7.7% |
| Steering behavior | 59 | 6.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 24 | 2.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 19 | 1.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 386 |
| Structure:Body | 153 |
| Unknown Or Other | 146 |
| Electrical System | 144 |
| Exterior Lighting | 79 |
| Power Train | 67 |
| Air Bags | 51 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 46 |
Engine: 386; Structure:Body: 153; Unknown Or Other: 146; Electrical System: 144; Exterior Lighting: 79; Power Train: 67; Air Bags: 51; Fuel/Propulsion System: 46
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 70 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 52 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 100 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 104 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 142 |
| 150,000 and above | 29 |
Under 25,000: 70; 25,000 to 49,999: 52; 50,000 to 74,999: 100; 75,000 to 99,999: 104; 100,000 to 149,999: 142; 150,000 and above: 29
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (142). 486 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2019 | 116 |
| 2020 | 136 |
| 2021 | 123 |
| 2022 | 119 |
| 2023 | 112 |
| 2024 | 109 |
| 2025 | 43 |
| 2026 | 32 |
2013: 15; 2014: 27; 2015: 19; 2016: 17; 2017: 46; 2018: 69; 2019: 116; 2020: 136; 2021: 123; 2022: 119; 2023: 112; 2024: 109; 2025: 43; 2026: 32
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 127 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 85 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 76 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10533467 · 2013-08-04 (August 4, 2013)
THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN WE HIT A CAR BROADSIDE AS THE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF US. THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT NONE OF OUR AIRBAGS DID. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 825 miles reported. Look up ODI 10533467 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10538186 · 2013-08-31 (August 31, 2013)
WHEN DRIVING THE SORENTO SX WEARING SUNGLASSES, THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE IS VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE. YOU CAN'T READILY CONFIRM THE VEHICLE'S SPEED. YOU HAVE TO TILT YOUR HEAD AND PEER UNDER OR OVER THE SUNGLASSES TO SEE THE NEEDLE WHICH IS TOO DARK AGAINST THE BLACK BACKGROUND. THIS MEANS YOUR EYES ARE OFF THE ROAD FAR LONGER THAN THE TYPICAL GLANCE NEEDED WITH TRADITIONAL SPEEDOMETERS. THIS DESIGN FLAW WILL UNDOUBTEDLY LEAD TO UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS, INJURY AND DEATH. *JS
Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10538186 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10542699 · 2013-09-09 (September 9, 2013)
CPSC:X1380106A. 2014 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATED THE CONCERN IS NOT BEING ABLE TO READ THE ELECTROLUMINESCENT SPEEDOMETER IN THE DAYLIGHT. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW FAST HE WAS GOING. THE SUNLIGHT GLARE MADE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AND IT REQUIRED HIM TO TAKE HIS EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR UP TO FIVE SECONDS.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10542699 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10543233 · 2013-09-12 (September 12, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE LIFT GATE BY PRESSING THE CLOSE BUTTON, BUT WHEN IT CLOSED IT OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE IT MANUALLY BUT THE LIFT GATE WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 525.
Owner-reported narrative. 525 miles reported. Look up ODI 10543233 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10545551 · 2013-09-26 (September 26, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD SEE THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NEEDLE WAS THE WRONG COLOR AND IT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THE SPEED BEING TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180.
Owner-reported narrative. 180 miles reported. Look up ODI 10545551 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10547081 · 2013-10-07 (October 7, 2013)
AFFECTED PART IS THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFT. A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM, AS I WAS EXITING MY VEHICLE (WHICH WAS TURNED OFF AND IN PARK), IT STARTED ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN AS I WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A LARGE BUSH AT THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS 09 LEFT T-BONE. THIS RESULTED IN $3510.21 IN REPAIR FEES. WE INCURRED AN OUT OF POCKET COST OF $1000 FOR OUR DEDUCTIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,869 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547081 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10549790 · 2013-10-28 (October 28, 2013)
CAME OUT TO FIND THAT OVERNIGHT THE PIECE OF GLASS ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND BETWEEN THE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED ENTIRE WIDTH OF WINDSHIELD. THERE ARE NO ROCK CHIPS AND CAR WAS NOT MOVING. CAR IS KEPT IN THE GARAGE. READING ON THE INTERNET, I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A TENSION FRACTURE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CASES OF THIS REPORTED FOR THE KIA SORENTO WITH THE SUNROOF ITSELF SHATTERING. (THIS WAS NOT THE SUNROOF, BUT THE GLASS PIECE IN FRONT OF IT.) *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10549790 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10549946 · 2013-10-29 (October 29, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V356000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE PART NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE REMEDY PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10549946 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V356000 · Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
Reported: 2013-08-13 (August 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V224000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Reported: 2017-03-31 (March 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.
Consequence: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V907000 · Engine | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2018-12-19 (December 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V519000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2020-08-27 (August 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.
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2021-05-10 (May 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.
Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2023-09-25 (September 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗