PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Kia Sorento brakes problems
severe 56 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
56
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 56 brakes complaints filed for the 2014 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 56 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HOUSING COVER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC148) - VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to inspect, clean and seal or, if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor (WSS) housing covers on certain 2011-2015MY 2WD Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from October 24, 2009 through April 30, 2014, originally retailed and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. If the rear wheel hub comes into contact with a significant amount of seawater, the water can enter the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers and may interrupt t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SC148OWNER - OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER -Notifying owners that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011-2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SC148DP - DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011 - 2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SC148DPSM - DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER NOTIFICATION LETTER - Notifies dealer principals of a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect, clean, and seal, or if necessary, replace the rear wheel speed sensor housing covers on certain 2011 - 2015 MY Sorento 2-Wheel Drive vehicles originally purchased and/or currently registered in the coastal states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The brake systems in 2014 Sorento models are plagued by cascading failures. ABS wheel speed sensors fail repeatedly—often multiple sensors on the same vehicle within months—starting as early as 28,000 miles. Owners pay $500–$650 per sensor replacement once warranty expires at 60,000 miles. Kia refuses reimbursement, citing policy, even when contacted by frustrated owners.
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) that manages ABS, traction control, and stability functions develops internal brake fluid leaks. Electrical shorts from this leak create a genuine fire risk in the engine compartment. Kia issued two recalls (20V519000 and 23V652000) for this, but replacement parts have remained unavailable for over a year in many cases. When parts finally arrive, dealers report receiving defective units—one owner had two successive replacement HECUs fail before a third worked.
Brake pedal failures are serious. Owners report the pedal sinking to the floorboard with little to no stopping force, forcing them to apply extreme pressure or fail to stop at all. These failures occur at highway speeds and have led to crashes. Multiple owners report brakes failing completely while driving, unable to stop the vehicle, with the steering wheel seizing or turning involuntarily. Engine stall accompanies some of these events.
Rotors fail prematurely even at low mileage. One owner reported rotor replacement at 3,000 miles; the failure recurred afterward.
Throughout, delayed and unavailable recall parts leave owners driving unsafe vehicles for months or years, unable to get repairs completed despite multiple recalls on file.
Same Kia Sorento brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Sensor Failure
ABS wheel speed sensors fail prematurely, triggering the ABS warning light. Multiple sensors on the same vehicle fail in succession. Owners report replacing left rear, right rear, and driver-side sensors within short timeframes.
When: 28,000 to 94,463 miles; failures reported as early as 2020
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle unable to stop in timely manner when brakes applied; Traction control light illuminated
Codes mentioned: ABS sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Left rear ABS sensor replacement: $657.35 (includes oil change); right rear ABS sensor replacement: $513.32; driver-side speed sensor replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under 60,000-mile warranty only; owners out of pocket after expiration; KIA Consumer Affairs refuses reimbursement after warranty lapse
HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) Failure
The HECU assembly that controls ABS, ESC, and TCS develops internal brake fluid leaks leading to electrical shorts. A short circuit in the HECU can cause engine compartment fire. Multiple recalls issued (20V519000, 23V652000) but parts remain unavailable for months to over a year past recall notification.
When: Various mileages; recalls issued 2020-2023 with parts unavailable as of complaint submission dates
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Traction control light illuminated; Electronic stability control light illuminated; Burning odor from engine compartment; ABS hydraulic pump runs continuously even with engine off; Brake fluid leak into HECU unit
Codes mentioned: HECU electrical short, 20V519000, 23V652000
Repairs/costs cited: HECU module replacement; defective units delivered multiple times; first replacement defective, second replacement defective, third unit functional; cost approximately $2,700 for brake system repair when combined with other failures; parts unavailable or delayed 10+ days to 12+ months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 20V519000 and 23V652000 issued; parts not available for extended periods; Kia refuses to cover repair costs outside warranty; inspection only (no replacement) offered under some recalls
Brake Pedal Failure / Booster Malfunction
Brake pedal sinks to floorboard with reduced or no braking force. Booster fails to provide hydraulic assist. Owners lose ability to stop vehicle or must apply extreme force to brake.
When: 94,463 miles and below; failures reported at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depresses to floorboard; Reduced braking force requiring excessive pedal pressure; Vehicle unable to stop in timely manner; Brake fluid internally leaking (suspected); Brake and ABS warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: Brake booster failure
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement required; repair cost $75 diagnostic + $2,700 for full brake system repair cited in one case; brake fluid loss occurring internally
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 21V331000 and 23V652000 address brake hydraulic issues; manufacturer refuses to cover repair if vehicle out of warranty or if recall status disputed
Brake System Failure with Stall Event
Vehicle loses braking capability while driving, sometimes accompanied by loss of steering control and engine stall. Steering wheel turns independently. Brakes fail to respond or require excessive force to operate. Vehicle unable to be restarted or stalls immediately after restart.
When: 25 to 93,000 miles; failures occur at highway speeds (25 MPH to 75+ MPH)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail to operate when applied; Vehicle cannot be stopped in timely manner; Steering wheel turns independently to left; Engine stalls while driving or upon restart; No brake fluid present in reservoir (unexplained loss); Check engine light and ABS light illuminated; Vehicle rolls to shoulder unable to restart
Codes mentioned: 23V652000
Repairs/costs cited: Brake system diagnosis unclear due to delayed recalls and unavailable parts; engine replacement needed in some cases; recall repair parts not available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V652000 (Service Brakes Hydraulic) issued but parts unavailable for 10+ days to 12+ months; manufacturer states no remedy available; refuses to cover repairs outside warranty
Rotor and Brake Pad Wear / Vibration
Brake rotors wear prematurely or warp, causing vibration and reduced braking performance. Rotors replaced but failure recurs shortly after repair. Brake and steering wheel vibration occurs during braking.
When: 3,000 miles (early failure); recurrence after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal vibrates when applied; Steering wheel vibrates during braking; Brakes fail to stop vehicle in timely manner; Reduced braking feel
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor replacement performed; failure recurred after repair
ABS Pump Running Continuously
ABS hydraulic pump runs continuously and will not shut off, even with ignition key removed. Pump motor runs warm creating fire hazard. Owner disables power to prevent potential fire.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Traction control warning light illuminated; ABS hydraulic pump motor runs continuously; Pump motor runs warm; Pump will not turn off even with key removed
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement required; owner disconnected power due to fire risk
Synthesized from 56 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 the ABS, TCS, and brakes are visible on the dash while driving this vehicle. The mechanic at the dealership performed a…
The engine problems I started experiencing 1.car hesitates when accelerating, 2. Knocking noise from engine, lack of power low oil pressure, when I put oil in the car, seems like the next days its low again,(empty)I spent many dollars on oil, I had the oil changed every 3 months sometimes at (Kia) because I get free oil change, and most at jiffy lube, here lately, the oil seems to be burning…
Had brakes trouble with your 2014 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2014 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 56 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 73,220 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 93,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 73,220; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.