2014 Kia Sorento electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

84 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2014 Kia Sorento, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 90,660 mi.

Electrical System complaints
84
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
90,660 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system82
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1

Electrical System complaints across Kia Sorento years

220052520071682009755420124484201440902016822820186320202047302022371120242212026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k530k–60k1360k–100k8100k–150k4150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 28, 2026HIBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    I am filing an official safety complaint against the manufacturer for refusing to perform federally mandated safety recall repairs on my vehicle. My vehicle is impacted by critical safety recalls involving high-severity fire risks, specifically the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) electrical short circuit risk. Corporate Customer Care and my local authorized dealership have officially refused to schedule or perform these safety recall repairs. The representatives…
    NHTSA complaint #11760502 · source
  2. Filed Jul 23, 2026GABrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    This is a follow up of NHTSA case# 1840444. Complaint Description: Vehicle exhibited active CAN-bus communication timeout code DTC C1642 targeting the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Following the official technical safety guidelines established under NHTSA Campaign 20V519000 (Kia SC197), an isolated parasitic current draw test was performed between the engine junction box positive power post and the ABS2 circuit terminal. Testing across three independent…
    NHTSA complaint #11752517 · source
  3. Filed Jul 11, 2026GABrakesElectrical System
    This is a follow up submission to NHTSA case #XXX. Organization Under Complaint: Hutchinson Kia, [XXX] Complaint Summary: The dealership is utilizing unfair and deceptive financial gating practices to avoid its legal obligations under a federal safety recall. The dealership refuses to look at or evaluate a vehicle subject to an urgent fire-risk HECU safety recall unless the consumer first authorizes a $189.00 diagnostic fee. The dealership refuses to give a firm, legally…
    NHTSA complaint #11749751 · source
  4. Filed Feb 16, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngine
    Re: Formal Complaint – 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 writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete lack of communication and urgency from both Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 N Lincoln Ave,…
    NHTSA complaint #11718328 · source
  5. Filed Jan 27, 2026GADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    My key fob doesn’t 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 won’t disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls something’s wrong with it
    NHTSA complaint #11713715 · source
  6. Filed Oct 30, 2025114,000 miCAElectrical System
    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 contact stated that the failure persisted, and the key fob failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer swapped the key fobs with another set of key fobs to diagnose the…
    NHTSA complaint #11696682 · source
  7. Filed Oct 27, 2025UTElectrical SystemEngine
    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 abnormal sound and odor. The contact stated that the front driver’s side air bag was intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was…
    NHTSA complaint #11695807 · source
  8. Filed Feb 15, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected, we discovered that the motor/engine had completely failed. This failure also…
    NHTSA complaint #11642874 · source
  9. Filed Feb 13, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine
    I have a problem with the electrical, and I found that they already have a recall, but the Van Nuys dealer refused to fix it on the car.
    NHTSA complaint #11642573 · source
  10. Filed Jan 20, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    Had the engine replaced before and it blew up again and the Kia dealer said the ignition wasn’t recalled after they said it was a fire hazzard
    NHTSA complaint #11637196 · source
  11. Filed Jul 12, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I was driving on the freeway in traffic with my 3 children returning home from a holiday weekend vacation, it was high 90's so the A/C was running and I had devices charging on the ports. We were 1.5 hrs into our drive and the vehicle failure came out of nowhere. Car has been in good condition and normal operation previously. Suddenly the entire dash flashed, flickered off then came back on with check engine light illuminated and battery symbol also on (very faintly), felt a…
    NHTSA complaint #11601613 · source
  12. Filed Jun 27, 2024FLAirbagsBrakesElectrical System
    Every light is on in the dash compartment. Power steering goes in and out. Brake lights not working even after being replaced. Car stuck in park unable to put into reverse. ABS/ Airbag light showing- ABS Sensor replaced and still not working Recall in 2022. Kia repaired vehicle and now that same issues are occurring Kia refuses to even look at vehicle without payment of 180.00 to just LOOK!
    NHTSA complaint #11597299 · source

Other 2014 Kia Sorento problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology