2014 Kia Sorento engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

291 owners have reported engine problems with the 2014 Kia Sorento, 43% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 115,000 mi.

Engine complaints
291
Crashes
1
Fires
17
Injuries
3
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
115,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine272
Engine and engine cooling21
Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor1

Engine complaints across Kia Sorento years

22005122007102200914317920122132912014264664201636610620181586820206953202232620241912026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

3Under 10k410k–30k530k–60k2960k–100k68100k–150k18150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
    ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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 replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: 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 for this recall is SC172.

  • Recall 17V224000Mar 31, 2017618,160 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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.

    Remedy: 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's number for this recall is SC147.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 5, 2026184,000 miSCEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and the engine seized, causing a crackling sound and a fuel leak. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and…
    NHTSA complaint #11769048 · source
  2. Filed Sep 26, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Driving down the road and all of a sudden the red oil pressure light appeared then the engine light appeared. The car engine power then reduced and ultimately ended up stopping, turning the car off. The car now has a loud ticking and knock coming from engine. From previous recalls i see that this is a common problem on these cars. This was without warning and occured a couple of days after a oil change. Oil was in good condition and full. The car is drivable but not safe to…
    NHTSA complaint #11767088 · source
  3. Filed Sep 16, 2026204,000 miOHEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. A local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle until the engine was blown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11764804 · source
  4. 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
  5. Filed Aug 11, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    2015 KIA Sorento v6 engine failed and seized. VIN was not included in KIA extended warranty offered for this year and engine.
    NHTSA complaint #11756222 · source
  6. Filed Jul 6, 2026SCEngine
    On XXX, the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine on our 2014 Kia Sorento (current mileage: 160,000) catastrophically seized without warning while my [XXX] was driving at interstate speeds at night. This caused an immediate and sudden loss of power, power steering, and braking assist, creating an extreme traffic hazard. No one was injured and the driver was able to safely coast to the shoulder, but it created a highly dangerous situation on a busy interstate. We had the vehicle towed to…
    NHTSA complaint #11748521 · source
  7. Filed Jun 29, 2026FLEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to the dealer for an inoperable air conditioning system, the vehicle failed to start unless the hood was opened. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…
    NHTSA complaint #11747153 · source
  8. Filed Jun 14, 2026GAEngine
    For 1 week the check engine light came on today 6/13/26 the oil light came on at 55 mph when pulling up to a stop sign the oil light went off when back up to speed the light came back on at 55 then the car engine shut off completely costed to drive way and turned in
    NHTSA complaint #11744071 · source
  9. Filed Jun 7, 2026IAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My high pressure fuel pump is spraying fuel in my engine. This is a new engine replacement as of October 2024. This is a huge fire risk and we cannot operate this vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11742574 · source
  10. Filed Jun 2, 2026TXEngine
    The vehicle's original engine suffered severe oil consumption and a blown head gasket, which contaminated the exhaust system. The Kia dealership replaced the engine under warranty but refused to replace the damaged catalytic converter claiming it wasn’t a part of the warranty even though it was consequently damaged. The dealership explicitly stated the vehicle should not be started or driven due to the blocked exhaust, but then did repair and release after I pushed for the…
    NHTSA complaint #11741622 · source
  11. Filed May 10, 2026TNEngine
    To whom this may concern: This is what I sent to KIA which I was informed to contact KIA customer care via phone. Which I will do but I know of several people that have had the same issue as me with a Sorento. I am writing this in regards to my 2014 KIA Sorento VIN: [XXX] I purchased in November 2021. At time of purchase it had 89199 miles, I kept up routine maintenance as usual then May 2022 while my husband was driving down the interstate the KIA shut completely down. He…
    NHTSA complaint #11736910 · source
  12. Filed Apr 24, 2026160,000 miMIFireTowedEngine
    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 vehicle was not repaired due to cost. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, black smoke was seen coming from under the hood, and the contact managed to pull over to…
    NHTSA complaint #11733577 · 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