Total Complaints
1345 filings
KIA SORENTO · model year
1345 NHTSA complaints, 34 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2014KIASORENTO carries 1345 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 34 crashes, 67 fires, 30 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 SORENTO is engine with 376 filings, followed by structure:body (149) and electrical system (141). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 8 investigation files overlapping the 2014 SORENTO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1345 filings
Crashes Reported
34 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 376 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 149 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 141 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 141 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 79 |
| POWER TRAIN | 64 |
| AIR BAGS | 51 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 45 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 41 |
| STEERING | 34 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 31 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 30 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 20 |
| SUSPENSION | 16 |
| VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | 15 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 pi
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
1. The engine consumed its own oil and a rod bearing failed and destroyed the engine 2. This happened while my wife was traveling on I20 at 70mph and almost resulted in a wreck when the engine died and she lost power to the wheels 3. Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA has confirmed that the engine consumed its own oil which cause a rod bearing to fail and ultimately led to the engine failure 4. No warning lights prior to this happening, just a knocking sound as she merged onto I20
Re: Formal Complaint â Repeated Engine Failures and Unacceptable Service Delays Vehicle: Kia Sorento 2014 VIN: [XXX] Purchased: Fall of 2021 Current Issue: Vehicle in service at Kia of Lincolnwood since January 9, 2026 Dear Kia Consumer Affairs and Legal Department, I am writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete lack of communication and urgency from both Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) and Kia's consumer support channels. This has caused significant financial hardship, disruption to my family and work, and eroded any trust in the brand. I purchased this vehicle approximately 5 years ago through CarMax. Within that time, the engine has died or stalled three times: The first failure occurred about one year after purchase, stranding me at 11:00 p.m. in rural Wisconsin during winter with my three young children in the vehicle. The second incident happened in downtown Chicag
Re: Formal Complaint â Repeated Engine Failures and Unacceptable Service Delays Vehicle: Kia Sorento 2014 VIN: [XXX] Purchased: Fall of 2021 Current Issue: Vehicle in service at Kia of Lincolnwood since January 9, 2026 Dear Kia Consumer Affairs and Legal Department, I am writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete lack of communication and urgency from both Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) and Kia's consumer support channels. This has caused significant financial hardship, disruption to my family and work, and eroded any trust in the brand. I purchased this vehicle approximately 5 years ago through CarMax. Within that time, the engine has died or stalled three times: The first failure occurred about one year after purchase, stranding me at 11:00 p.m. in rural Wisconsin during winter with my three young children in the vehicle. The second incident happened in downtown Chicag
2014 Kia Sorento sxl Pearl White paint just peeling off the vehicle in large pieces. Seems to be a common issue that Kia does not want to fix. Paint is peeling from both left and right pillars, the hood and the top towards the fin. Started about a year ago and is getting progressively worse. The paint needs to be recalled and effected vehicles repainted.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Mileage: 180,000
We do our oil changes routinely. We had one done not too long ago. We were driving to the store and all of a sudden the oil light came on, but the engine light never came on. And then about 30 seconds later, we heard almost like a thump sound like we had hit something but we didnât. We pulled into the grocery store parking lot about a minute after that, and there was oil leaking out of my car. We tried to put more oil in, but it just kept coming out. We have tried to see whatâs going on. We canât tell. We plan to get it towed and looked at. I donât know if it will turn back on because I didnât want to risk it and my engine locking up, but this seems to be an issue as I have read some of the other complaints.
While driving at low speed and turning, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by engine knocking. The engine stalled and would no longer operate normally. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, who found metal fragments/shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal engine damage. The engine is now inoperable and has effectively failed. There were no warning signs prior to the failure other than the knocking noise immediately before the loss of power. This failure occurred suddenly and without driver input. The sudden engine failure caused a loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in use, creating a potential safety hazard for occupants and surrounding traffic. The vehicle required towing due to engine failure. Kia Consumer Assistance was contacted regarding the engine failure. I was informed that no recalls apply to this VIN and that the vehicle is out of warranty. Kia Consumer Assistance stated they would not inspect or document the engine failure unless
While driving at low speed and turning, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by engine knocking. The engine stalled and would no longer operate normally. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, who found metal fragments/shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal engine damage. The engine is now inoperable and has effectively failed. There were no warning signs prior to the failure other than the knocking noise immediately before the loss of power. This failure occurred suddenly and without driver input. The sudden engine failure caused a loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in use, creating a potential safety hazard for occupants and surrounding traffic. The vehicle required towing due to engine failure. Kia Consumer Assistance was contacted regarding the engine failure. I was informed that no recalls apply to this VIN and that the vehicle is out of warranty. Kia Consumer Assistance stated they would not inspect or document the engine failure unless
My key fob doesnât 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 wonât disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls somethingâs wrong with it
My key fob doesnât 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 wonât disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls somethingâs wrong with it
My key fob doesnât 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 wonât disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls somethingâs wrong with it
paint delamination and peeling on multiple panels
My car having gas leak under hood. Strong gas smell comes from ac vent.its a safety hazard
Paint peeled off
I got my car fixed and Iâm still having the same issue. Seems like they just turned off the lights on my car and itâs still giving me issues..
I got my car fixed and Iâm still having the same issue. Seems like they just turned off the lights on my car and itâs still giving me issues..
The car engine started on fire while I was driving after all the recalls were fixed and new engine installed. The car was completely destroyed the whole engine compartment was completely burned. Kia says it was an oil leak but thatâs not true the car oil change was done regularly and was serviced within 3 months of the engine fire. I also had this vehicle parked inside my garage for 5 years and not a single drop of oil in the garage floor. Kia is also refusing to send me a full report of their findings from the fire inspection. Kia adjuster is acting in bad faith by not providing the fire report. The car engine was replaced new due to an earlier recall and within 10,000 miles the new engine caught fire. They donât want to be liable for this engine fire but cars donât just burn without any reason. The refusal of KIA adjuster to release the findings in the fire inspection is very concerning to other people driving this vehicle in the public. Where engine fire can cause their death
The car engine started on fire while I was driving after all the recalls were fixed and new engine installed. The car was completely destroyed the whole engine compartment was completely burned. Kia says it was an oil leak but thatâs not true the car oil change was done regularly and was serviced within 3 months of the engine fire. I also had this vehicle parked inside my garage for 5 years and not a single drop of oil in the garage floor. Kia is also refusing to send me a full report of their findings from the fire inspection. Kia adjuster is acting in bad faith by not providing the fire report. The car engine was replaced new due to an earlier recall and within 10,000 miles the new engine caught fire. They donât want to be liable for this engine fire but cars donât just burn without any reason. The refusal of KIA adjuster to release the findings in the fire inspection is very concerning to other people driving this vehicle in the public. Where engine fire can cause their death
The car engine started on fire while I was driving after all the recalls were fixed and new engine installed. The car was completely destroyed the whole engine compartment was completely burned. Kia says it was an oil leak but thatâs not true the car oil change was done regularly and was serviced within 3 months of the engine fire. I also had this vehicle parked inside my garage for 5 years and not a single drop of oil in the garage floor. Kia is also refusing to send me a full report of their findings from the fire inspection. Kia adjuster is acting in bad faith by not providing the fire report. The car engine was replaced new due to an earlier recall and within 10,000 miles the new engine caught fire. They donât want to be liable for this engine fire but cars donât just burn without any reason. The refusal of KIA adjuster to release the findings in the fire inspection is very concerning to other people driving this vehicle in the public. Where engine fire can cause their death
When start up thereâs a clacking sound then it goes away, while the vehicle is warm you hear the clacking while driving vehicle
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.