High risk of engine failure
The 2014 Sorento drew about 70% more complaints than the model's already high average. Engine failure is the main complaint, often announced by a flashing check engine light and knock sensor code. White paint peeling is common too.
Updated November 2026 · based on 988 owner complaints and 6 recalls
990 1.7x the Sorento average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sorento year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2014 Sorento
Top problems and what they cost
Engine failure
Connecting rod bearings can wear and seize, causing knocking, power loss and sometimes fire. Kia recalled engines (17V224) and added a knock sensor update with an extended warranty on many cars.
Fix: Recall or warranty may cover it; otherwise an engine is $5,000 to $8,000.
Engine
Peeling white paint
Snow White Pearl paint bubbles and peels.
Fix: Repainting $1,000 to $3,000.
Body
Door locks failing
Doors that will not lock from the fob.
Fix: Lock actuator $250 to $450.
Electrical
Recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2014 Kia Sorento
- Confirm every recall shows as repaired, especially the engine recall (17V224) and fuel line recall (18V907).A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2014 Sorento has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask a Kia dealer whether the knock sensor update was done and how much engine warranty remains.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 177 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2014 Sorento.
- Listen for knocking at cold start and under load.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 177 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2014 Sorento.
- Inspect white paint for bubbling.Some factory paint, especially white, can peel or bubble. It is cosmetic but expensive to repaint properly, so it should lower the price.160 of the 988 owner complaints about the 2014 Sorento involve doors and latches (16%).
Questions
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento reliable?
High risk of engine failure. The 2014 Sorento drew about 70% more complaints than the model's already high average. Engine failure is the main complaint, often announced by a flashing check engine light and knock sensor code. White paint peeling is common too.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Sorento problems?
Engine failure; Peeling white paint; Door locks failing.
Crash rating shown for the 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.