Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Sorento, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine388
- Structure160
- Electrical system153
- Unknown or other147
- Exterior lighting86
- Power train72
- Air bags51
- Fuel/propulsion system46
- Service brakes44
- Service brakes, hydraulic37
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 24 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 53 2014 Sorento vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 17 people died inside them, and 8 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2014 Kia Sorento failed the safety check 3.17% of the time — 38% more often than the average 2014 passenger car (2.30%). Median odometer at inspection: 108,991 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2014
8,903 new Kia Sorento cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2014; the largest markets were the United Kingdom (3,102), Germany (2,856), Sweden (616).
- Average mass
- 1,915 kg
- Average power
- 140 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 99% · Petrol 1.4%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2014 Kia Sorento cars on Dutch roads are the 2.4 petrol (141 kW, 189 hp) and 2.2 diesel (145 kW, 194 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 petrol | 141 kW 189 hp | 62 |
| 2.2 diesel | 145 kW 194 hp | 23 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
90 first registered in 2014 are on Dutch roads; 31% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €51,090.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde69
- Band onvoldoende profiel45
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld33
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm19
- Stuurkogel te veel speling17
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm17
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt16
- Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft14
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
2,738 cars built in 2014 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 72 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 2,941 of these cars first registered in 2014 took their annual MOT test. 70% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2014 the figure was 72%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 11.9% | 1.9% |
| Brakes | 7.7% | 6.0% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7.0% | 10.0% |
| Suspension | 6.7% | 8.2% |
| Tyres | 6.3% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.9% | 4.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
155 of these cars first registered in 2014 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 238,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
390 2014 cars are on the New Zealand register; 5% arrived as used imports, 94% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 15.5 % |
| 2014 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 16.4 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 10.3–11.8 L/100 km (about 20–23 mpg US), CO₂ 237–271 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 8.5 | 10.3 |
| Sorento 4WD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 12.3 | 9.3 | 11.0 |
| Sorento · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 12.9 | 9.5 | 11.4 |
| Sorento 4WD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 13.4 | 9.9 | 11.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2014 Kia Sorento.
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2023529 26 Sept 2023 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire ris… |
| 2021278 12 May 2021 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, brake fluid can enter the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and cause a short circuit. Note: This recall replaces R… |
| 2020405 31 Aug 2020 | Brakes This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2021-278. Issue: On certain vehicles, brake fluid can enter the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control… |
| 2019153 21 Mar 2019 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2018742 28 Dec 2018 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, when repairs were completed under recall campaign 2017-199 (Kia RC109), the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on… |
| 2017199 7 Apr 2017 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.4L engines, the engine may contain residual metallic debris from factory machining operations. If debris is present… |
| 2013277 9 Aug 2013 | Powertrain On certain FWD vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine, the passenger side axle shaft could fail. This could result in a loss of vehicle propulsion which, in conj… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2014 Kia Sorento: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010129 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to th |
| 11006581 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty covera |
| 11001839 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento (3.3L GDI Lambda), 2014-2017 MY Cadenza (3.3L GDI Lambda), 2015-2016 MY Sedona (3.3L GDI Lambda) vehicles. |
| 11001595 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 11000540 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY039) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch. |
| 11000358 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY039) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicles engine in 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 Engines from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. Under certain severe operating conditions and over time, the engine in the vehicle may develop a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area. |
| 11000307 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY039. |
| 11000306 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY039) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicles engine in the following vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 engines: 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 17, 2012 through December 11, 2014, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza vehicles, manufactured from February 1, 2013 through July 12, 2017, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, manufactured from July 21, 2014 through Ma |
| 11000305 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY039) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicles engine in the following vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 engines: 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 17, 2012 through December 11, 2014, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza vehicles, manufactured from February 1, 2013 through July 12, 2017, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, manufactured from July 21, 2014 through March 17, 2016. This will extend t |
| 10252086 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the su |
| 10243924 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10242913 | PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause. |
| 10240558 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10239724 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to |
| 10239714 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10236650 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined o |
| 10236078 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined |
| 10233638 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on |
| 10233314 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2304) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM), or Intelligent Integrated Platform Module (IPM) system on certain 20132015MY Sorento (XMa), 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa), and 2021-2023MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation. |
| 10233308 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10220349 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever c |
| 10219692 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated to ensure that the tool provides accurate readings when testing the engine rod bearing wear. The calibration and BCT measuring point maintenance is included in this bulletin. |
| 10216912 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address the Oil Pressure Switch leaking condition |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Engine Fires
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Scope and Timeliness
Front Axle Shaft Failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation