NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
This page covers 9 recalls, 966 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Kia Sorento.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine and structure complaints dominate what owners report for the 2014 Kia Sorento. On the engine side, owners frequently describe excessive oil consumption, often requiring a quart or more every few hundred miles, that in some cases progresses to connecting rod failure and sudden loss of power while driving. The check engine light illuminating alongside engine jerking or stalling is also a recurring theme. The structure complaints center heavily on paint delamination: owners across a range of exterior colors report paint peeling and lifting from the roof, hood, and body panels, with bare metal and rust appearing as the condition worsens over time. White-colored vehicles appear particularly represented in these reports, though the pattern isn't limited to one color.
966
Total Complaints
23
Crash-Related
44
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Kia Sorento has 9 recalls, with multiple issues that can cause an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven.
The fire risk appears across several related recalls involving the brake system's hydraulic electronic control unit. Brake fluid can seep into this unit, cause a short circuit, and start a fire. Prior repair attempts under earlier recalls did not fully resolve the issue for some vehicles, so owners who had prior brake system work done may still be affected.
On the engine side, certain vehicles that previously received a replacement engine under an earlier recall may have a fuel leak that raises the fire risk further. Separately, a manufacturing defect in the original engine can cause premature bearing wear that leads to the engine seizing while driving. There is also a recall covering front-wheel-drive models with a 2.4-liter engine, where the right front axle shaft can fracture, cutting drive power to the wheels and, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, allowing it to roll away.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can seep into the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect and replace the HECU if needed, and replace the ABS multi-fuse.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealer will install a new multi-fuse and inspect the control unit for leaks, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak into the brake electronic control unit and create a short circuit, which may turn on the ABS warning light.
What the fix does
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealer. The dealer will inspect the unit and replace it if brake fluid is leaking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), potentially causing an electrical short that may affect braking function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the HECU for brake fluid leaks and replace the unit if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front axle shaft may fracture due to a manufacturing issue in certain 2014 Sorentos with 2.4 liter engines built between January 7 and March 12, 2013.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side axle shaft may fail, causing loss of power to that wheel. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and unintended rollaway on slopes even when parked.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right front axle shaft assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
