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Model year record

2014 Kia Sorento recalls & problems

The 2014 Kia Sorento has 6 safety recalls and 988 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (388 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints988filed by owners
Crashes · fires23 · 46reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2014 Kia Sorento in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

3 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 25, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6520001,730,192 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
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. 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.
Service brakes, hydraulicMay 10, 2021

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 21V331000440,370 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
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. 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.
Service brakes, hydraulicAug 27, 2020

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 20V519000440,370 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
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. 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.
EngineDec 19, 2018

Engine

Recall 18V90700071,653 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
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. 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.

Components: Engine; Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Engine and engine coolingMar 31, 2017

Engine

Recall 17V224000618,160 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
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. 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.
Power trainAug 13, 2013

Axle assembly › Axle shaft

Recall 13V3560009,345 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.5%

2014 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.4%
2014 Kia Sorento NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2014 Kia Sorento NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sorento 2WD

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Sorento 2WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Sorento 2WD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Sorento 4WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Sorento 4WD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine3882293100,000 mi
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate16102172,000 mi
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel; Alternator/generator/regulator15359366,000 mi
Unknown or other147310579,800 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Brake lights8701073,918 mi
Power trainDriveline › Differential unit; Driveline › Driveshaft7221070,000 mi
Air bags5190880,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system4626379,670 mi
Service brakes4421257,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Wheel speed sensor/tone ring; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light3711093,000 mi
Steering3521140,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control3121166,380 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations