2014 Kia Sportage: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Kia Sportage? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 121 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2014 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2014 Kia Sportage 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. 4 trims analysed.
2014 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2014 Kia Sportage SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% 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 Sportage has 121 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sportage
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 121
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 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 Sportage Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Hydraulic. 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 Sportage?
The 2014 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Check brake and hydraulic system condition.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Check brake and hydraulic system condition.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Kia Sportage, 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 Sportage are heavily concentrated in engine-related issues, with a smaller but notable number of brake and hydraulic system reports. The data suggests a recurring theme of engine problems, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Engine Problems account for the majority of complaints (72 out of 121).
- Brake System and Hydraulic issues together represent 45 complaints.
- Only 2 crash-related complaints were reported, which is low relative to total complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Hydraulic issues
All 2014 Kia Sportage Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Sportage. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 72 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
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 Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Engine went out , starter went out got it replaced been having issues since I purchased it . Makes a noise my engine oil and gasoline was mixing my engine is locked now
Motor is knocking
My Kia engine was replaced under recall. The replacement engine triggered P1326 KSDS failure while I was traveling overseas, placing the vehicle in limp mode. Kia USA refuses to assist or authorize diagnosis, leaving me stranded. This is a repeat recall-related safety failure, ev…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and failed to exc…
My truck consumes excessive engine oil.
My 2014 Kia Sportage experienced sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving on the highway at 75 mph. The engine locked up instantly, with no warning lights or alerts of any kind. The only prior issue was that the vehicle constantly burned oil and needed to be topped …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway,…
I own a 2014 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) that qualifies under Recall SC147 for engine seizure. The vehicle’s engine has seized randomly with no check engine lights. Was running and driving perfectly and shut off. However, Kia and the local dealership are refusing to repair the veh…
While driving on an interstate, our vehicle experienced complete engine failure. It was towed to auto garage and examined. We were advised the timing chain had stretched and there were metal shavings in the oil (only roughly 100,000 miles on vehicle). Auto garage advised this was…
The rear hatch door no longer opens. This could pose a safety risk in an emergency situation. Upon research it appears to be very common issue among Kias from this year.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went in LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact…
Engine has failed. Mechanic at home has found aluminum shavings in the cam shaft area. This model doesn’t have a recall, but should for engine failure. I have 70,000 miles and it’s on year 10. Should be lasting longer with no engine issues. Never had prior warnings for the engin…
Engine failure which was ran through a diagnostic test a the Kia dealership 2 years ago after my car cut off on the interstate. Nothing was found however I have been having problems since
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25–35 MPH, the engine seized. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was det…
Brakes keep squealing and as of a result of previous recall service my engine drink oil fast and not to mention the oil pan gasket is leaking oil. The engine smoke and have a burning smell that seep inside the car vents.
The driver side door has issues with opening from outside.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was serviced; however, the f…
The engine stopped working. And although there was a recall on this issue the dealership is demanding i pay for the repair
On Sunday May 7th 2023, while traveling on the thruway, the car started to slow down and was no longer accelerating as I was pressing on the accelerator. There was a burning smell coming from the engine, causing me to cough for a week. I could not stop for a mile because there …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, added pressure and pumping of the brake pedal was needed to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Kia Sportage.
2014 Kia Sportage Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Sportage. 3 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 Sportage Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 121 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage?▾
#1: Engine Problems (72 complaints). #2: Brake System (24 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (21 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Sportage?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Kia Sportage?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Kia Sportage, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 121 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Kia Sportage. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 3 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 Sportage?▾
The 2014 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Kia Sportage 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.