The Lemon Index2014 Kia Sorento.
The 2014 Kia Sorento is about average by owner complaints: 124 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 108, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 20 to 22 mpg combined. The best Kia Sorento year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 988 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Sorento year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 112K miles on the car (499 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 70K–126K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 51K–89K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 20K–94K miles
Recalls 6
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- brakes 2021
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- brakes 2020
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Show all 6 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
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.
- engine 2017
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 261 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Chatter/rattle noise from engine after cold soak - this bulletin provides information about…
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty008 - 2012-2014 my sorento 2.4l gdi engine -…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While reverising into a driveway the vehicle experienced low power, when the gas pedal was pressed for addition power there a clunking noise which resulted from a broken axle and engine mounting point on the engine itself.
2014 Kia Sorento owner · NHTSA complaint 11056335
More owner reports
Unable to quickly read speedometer needle during daylight, due to lack of contrast between needle and background, resulting in dangerous period of eyes off roadway to determine one's speed.
NHTSA complaint 10897329
I just bought a new Kia 2014 Sorento. The engine roars and now I am getting a burning smell.
NHTSA complaint 10564396
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 108; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Sorento year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Sorento problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (30%), engine (25%) and visibility (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
6 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Sorento get?
20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Sorento problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 112,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 499 complaints.
Does the 2014 Kia Sorento have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 Kia Sorento cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl.
What Kia Sorento year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works