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2014 Kia Sorento problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
52% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2014 Kia Sorento are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Worse than 69% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 118 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 46%).
Does the 2014 Kia Sorento have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 453 of 869 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Sorento concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (52%), and the largest group is filed under engine (388). For comparison, the 2013 scores 65% and the 2015 scores 62%. On a test drive, check for stalling, loss of power, rough idle, oil consumption or a check-engine light. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2014 compares with other Kia Sorento years
Of the 12 Kia Sorento years with enough complaints to score, the 2014 is the 3rd-best on engine and transmission share (52%). The worst is the 2012 (68%), the best the 2011 (43%). By volume, the 2014 drew 987 complaints (453 drivetrain), against 981 for the 2013 and 750 for the 2015.
Kia Sorento years to avoid and best years →
2011 Sorento problems · 2012 Sorento problems · 2013 Sorento problems · 2014 · 2015 Sorento problems · 2016 Sorento problems · 2017 Sorento problems · 2018 Sorento problems · 2019 Sorento problems · 2020 Sorento problems · 2022 Sorento problems · 2023 Sorento problems
The rest of the picture on the 2014 Kia Sorento
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2014 Kia Sorento said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical engine repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 453 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2014 Kia Sorento engine recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns on the 2014 Kia Sorento involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 6 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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…
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…
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 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.
3 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2014 Kia Sorento? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
Get a history report from EpicVIN Before you pay: EpicVIN’s $1 offer is a 3-day trial (up to 5 reports) that renews at $49.99 a month unless you cancel. Other plans are listed under “View all our packages” at checkout. We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It does not change what this page reports.Questions people ask about the 2014 Kia Sorento
Does the 2014 Kia Sorento have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 453 of 869 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Sorento concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (52%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the engine and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Kia Sorento?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2014 Kia Sorento is engine: 388 of 987 complaints (39%) name it, followed by structure (160) and electrical system (153). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap.
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento reliable?
On the engine and transmission, owner complaints point to a weak spot: 52% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain (high signal). That is worse than 69% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 12 Kia Sorento years we score, it ranks 3rd-best. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2014 Kia Sorento?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns on the 2014 Kia Sorento involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 6 in total: 18V907000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings), 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling: engine), 13V356000 (power train: axle assembly: axle shaft). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Kia Sorento years are better?
Among the Kia Sorento years we track, the 2011 (43%) and the 2023 (44%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2014 (52%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/kia-sorento
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.