High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2014-kia-sorento

2014 Kia Sorento Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
988
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
6
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
69
23 Crashes • 46 Fires
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2014 Kia Sorento Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Engine & Cooling 28.3%
280 reported failures
Body & Structure 15.2%
150 reported failures
Electrical System 13.6%
134 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 9.5%
94 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 6.8%
67 reported failures
Exterior Lighting 6.4%
63 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2014 Kia Sorento (6)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #18V907000 Component: Fuel System

Defect 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.

Safety Hazard: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Free 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 #20V519000 Component: Braking System

Defect 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.

Safety Hazard: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Free 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 #21V331000 Component: Braking System

Defect 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.

Safety Hazard: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Free 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 #17V224000 Component: Engine & Cooling

Defect 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.

Safety Hazard: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free 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 #13V356000 Component: Powertrain & Transmission

Defect 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.

Safety Hazard: 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.

Free 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 #23V652000 Component: Braking System

Defect 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.

Safety Hazard: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Free 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.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11769048 • Engine & Cooling 10/05/2026

"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 an independe..."

ODI #11767088 • Powertrain & Transmission 09/26/2026

"Driving down the road and all of a sudden the red oil pressure light appeared then the engine light appeared. The car engine power then reduced and ultimately ended up stopping, turning the car off. The car now has a loud ticking and knock coming from engine. From previous recalls i see that this is a common problem on these cars. This was without ..."

ODI #11764804 • Engine & Cooling 09/16/2026

"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 mileage was ..."

ODI #11764245 • Unknown Or Other 09/14/2026

"Took car in to get recalls fixed and they did not repair the vehicle and my car caught on fire"

ODI #11762716 • Powertrain & Transmission 09/08/2026

"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 towed to a d..."