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ProblemsByVin File / 2014-KIA-SORENTO NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Kia

2014 Kia Sorento problems

The 2014 Kia Sorento has 979 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 1 active recall campaign.

The 2014 Kia Sorento has 979 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 278 complaints, typically surfacing around 105,417 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Kia Sorento owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2011 Sorento 1,516 4
2012 Sorento 875 0
2013 Sorento 978 1
2014 Sorento (this page) 979 1
2015 Sorento 746 0
2016 Sorento 1,240 4
2017 Sorento 788 2
2014 Kia Sorento
Photo: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Kia Sorento
0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2014 Sorento?
Avoid — the engine

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall

Overall 5/5
Frontal crash 5/5
Side crash 5/5
Rollover 4/5

Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.

Buying a used 2014 Kia Sorento? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 105,417 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2014 Kia Sorento

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2014-kia-sorento/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2014 Kia Sorento reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2014-kia-sorento/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2014 Kia Sorento reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
278 reports · fails ~105,417 mi · avg $3,100
severe
body
150 reports · fails ~77,331 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
electrical
133 reports · fails ~72,982 mi · avg $850
severe
lighting
63 reports · fails ~78,379 mi · avg $250
moderate
powertrain
63 reports · fails ~75,462 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
56 reports · fails ~90,218 mi · avg $450
severe
steering
35 reports · fails ~59,877 mi · avg $700
severe
airbags
33 reports · fails ~87,151 mi · avg $1,100
critical

Your road ahead on this 2014 Kia Sorento

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~17,500 mivisibility~$350
  2. ~41,000 misteering~$700
  3. ~70,000 micruise control~$600
  4. ~72,250 milighting~$250
  5. ~75,000 mibody~$1,500
  6. ~75,000 mielectrical~$850
  7. ~79,250 mipowertrain~$2,500
  8. ~80,000 misuspension~$900
  9. ~81,330 miairbags~$1,100
  10. ~93,000 mibrakes~$450

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2014 Sorento's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2014 Sorento?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2014 Sorento · brakes
On nov. 11, 2020 I took this 2014 Kia sorento into the local Kia dealer for a follow up on a recall notice I received in the mail. The recall was for an inspection on the hecu unit which controls the ABS system, ESC system, and the TCS system. The dash board indicator lights for…
12/30/2020 · at 73,220 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385623.0 · see brakes pattern →
2014 Sorento · body
Multiple areas where pain is chipping off. One large area on driver's side front post with de lamination of white pearl paint. Noticed it more than a year ago. Just took in for body work and it was ercomended I research for other issues that people have reported.
12/30/2020 · at 110,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385649.0 · see body pattern →
2014 Sorento · engine
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated without warning. The contact added coolant. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be…
12/29/2021 · at 115,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11445470.0 · see engine pattern →
2014 Sorento · engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia sorento. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to wagner Kia of shrewsbury (730 boston turnpike, shrewsbury, ma 01545, (508) 581-5700) however, the vehicle was…
12/29/2020 · at 130,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385407.0 · see engine pattern →
View all 979 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2014 Kia Sorento? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 13V356000 August 13, 2013

Kia Motors Corp

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.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

AQ Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Sorento reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 979 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Kia Sorento has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2014 Kia Sorento?

On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Kia Sorento is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 21 fire-related complaints on the engine; Electrical system: 133 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 35,000–108,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2014 Kia Sorento?

Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 278 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 105,417 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2014 Kia Sorento a good used car to buy?

It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 979 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 105,417 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2014 Kia Sorento?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 278 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 105,417 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 87,151 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Sorento has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Kia Sorento?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 979 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Kia/Sorento. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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