2014 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 964 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2014 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2014 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2014 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Kia Sorento has 964 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 964
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Structural Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Kia Sorento?
The 2014 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components such as engine, structure, and electrical system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components such as engine, structure, and electrical system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Kia Sorento are concentrated in engine problems, structural issues, and electrical faults, with a moderate number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential concerns with the engine, body integrity, and electrical systems, though the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Structural problems and electrical faults are the next most frequently reported issues.
- There are 23 crash-related complaints out of 964 total complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Structural Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2014 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 399 | 2 | 30 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 157 | β | 2 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 150 | 5 | 9 | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 141 | 3 | 9 | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 86 | β | 1 | β | |
| Brake System | 79 | 3 | 1 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 68 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 51 | 9 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 45 | 2 | 6 | β | |
| Hydraulic | 35 | 1 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Visibility | 18 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 16 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 11 | β | 1 | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 10 | β | 1 | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Gasoline | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Air | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Firerelated | 3 | β | 3 | β | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk. The check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent dealer, where it was diagnosed with an unknown engine failure. The vehicβ¦
Car burns oil to the point it requires 1 qt/500 mile. Had oil consumption test when issue first started in 2024 by kia, was told there was no problem. Car has continued to have this issue and has now broke connecting rod due to engine starvation even through the oil is to the fulβ¦
My 2014 Kia Sorento EX was purchased brand new, one owner, and started losing paint in several areas on the outside of the car and is horrible. So many 2014 Kias have this issue. It is a BAD PAINT job. This should never happen and Iβll never buy another Kia. Kia should fix thβ¦
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 β¦
Re: Formal Complaint β 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 writinβ¦
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 progressβ¦
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 repaiβ¦
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 didnβ¦
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, indicatiβ¦
My key fob doesnβt 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 wonβt disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls somethingβs wrong witβ¦
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 Iβm still having the same issue. Seems like they just turned off the lights on my car and itβs 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 thatβs not true the car oil change was done regularlyβ¦
When start up thereβs a clacking sound then it goes away, while the vehicle is warm you hear the clacking while driving vehicle
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there was condensatiβ¦
We financed this 2014 Kia Sorento LX AWD from a used car dealer, and there has been nothing but problems with this vehicle. From the water pump, to insanely high oil consumption. I have verified that it is not leaking. Gaskets have been replaced, filters have been replaced, O2 seβ¦
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the Push to Start button failed to function as intended, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact called the Lien holder and was informed that the key was not connecting. The Lien holder replaced the key. The contacβ¦
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that there was oil leaking out of the exhaust, accompanied by an abnorβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Kia Sorento.
2014 Kia Sorento Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Sorento. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 964 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Sorento?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (399 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (157 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (150 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Sorento?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Kia Sorento?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 44 fire reports out of 964 total complaints. 24 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Kia Sorento have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Kia Sorento?βΎ
The 2014 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.