2014 Kia Sorento: common problems and reliability

The 2014 Kia Sorento has 975 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and structure. Owners most often flag transmission failures — multiple reports of complete transmission replacements, with one owner citing three new transmissions in a 2024 model within 14 months. clunky shifting and concerns over dual clutch transmission (dct) reliability are mentioned. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2014 model year

975
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
23
Crash reports
45
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2014 Kia Sorento vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
383
structure
159
electrical system
150
exterior lighting
86
service brakes
81

Recalls affecting the 2014 Sorento

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 18V907000

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 …

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 20V519000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 21V331000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly r…

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 17V224000

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 engin…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and owner expectations. For newer models (2023-2026), feedback is often positive regarding value, interior comfort, ride quality, feature content, and hybrid fuel economy. Many owner

  • Transmission failures — Multiple reports of complete transmission replacements, with one owner citing three new transmissions in a 2024 model within 14 months. Clunky shifting and concerns over Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) reliability are mentioned. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine failures — Reports of engines (including non-recalled engines) failing and requiring replacement, sometimes under 100,000 miles, with repair costs around $6,000. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Infotainment and climate control interface — The shared touch-sensitive strip for media and climate controls is universally panned. Owners report it requires taking eyes off the road, lacks tactile feedback, is difficult to see in daylight, and is prone to accidental activation. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Long-term reliability concerns — A strong, recurring theme that vehicles may be designed to have significant issues after the warranty expires (~100,000 miles), with advice to sell before 70-80,000 miles. Perceived as less durable than Toyota/Honda counterparts. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Real-world fuel economy discrepancy — While hybrids are praised, one owner report for a related model indicates real-world MPG can be significantly lower (28 MPG vs. 38 MPG estimate) than advertised. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sorento.

Typical used price

Used Sorento listings typically run $29,848–$34,610 across 2014 to 2026 model years.

Other Sorento model years

2024 Sorento2021 Sorento2020 Sorento2018 Sorento2012 Sorento2009 Sorento2006 Sorento
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