2014 Kia Sorento Problems
What owners have reported about the 2014 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 988 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, body and structure and electrical system.
988 complaints 6 recalls, 2 park outside 3rd worst of 17 Sorento years
Top 2014 Kia Sorento problems
Engine problems
407 complaints (41%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor.
Body problems
160 complaints (16%) name the body and structure, most often the body and hatchback / liftgate.
Electrical problems
153 complaints (16%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and alternator / generator / regulator.
Lighting problems
86 complaints (9%) name the lights, most often the headlights and brake lights.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (489 of 988). The amber line is the middle value, about 80,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2014 Kia Sorento recalls
Electrical short can start engine fire
Fire riskAn electrical short in the brake system's control unit (HECU) can cause a fire in the engine compartment, either while the car is parked or while driving. Such a fire can lead to injury.
Fix: Until the repair is done, park outside and away from buildings, and the dealer will replace the HECU fuse free of charge.
Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023Control unit / module
Park outsideBrake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. 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.
Recall 21V331000 · May 2021Control unit / module
Park outsideBrake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. 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.
Recall 20V519000 · Aug 2020Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk
Fire riskDuring an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018Engine
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. 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.
Recall 17V224000 · Mar 2017Axle shaft
4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture. 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. Kia's recall number is SC099.
Recall 13V356000 · Aug 2013Get an email when your 2014 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2014 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Sorento years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2014 Kia Sorento problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 988 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, body and structure and electrical system.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, body and structure, electrical system and lights. 407 complaints (41%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Sorento engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 75,000–128,000 miles, with a middle value near 102,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
6. Electrical short can start engine fire (23V652000); Control unit / module (21V331000); Control unit / module (20V519000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2014 Kia Sorento?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.