2014 Kia Sorento Owner Complaints

2015 KIA Sorento v6 engine failed and seized. VIN was not included in KIA extended warranty offered for this year and engine.

NHTSA ID

11756222

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding what I believe is a premature paint defect on my Kia vehicle that has resulted in exposed bare metal and the development of rust on my vehicle. The factory paint has begun peeling and chipping away without any collision, misuse, or abnormal wear. As the paint has separated from the metal surface, it has exposed multiple areas of bare metal that are now actively rusting. I have attached photographs documenting the condition. While paint deterioration may initially appear cosmetic, I believe this issue presents potential safety concerns because the failed paint no longer protects the vehicle's metal body from corrosion. Continued exposure to moisture and environmental elements can allow rust to spread, which may: Accelerate corrosion of the vehicle's body panels. Weaken the structural integrity of affected components over time. Increase the likelihood of water intrusion into the vehicle, potentially damaging electrical components. Reduce the effectiveness of corrosion protection designed into the vehicle. Negatively impact the vehicle's resale value and long-term reliability. This condition appears to be the result of a failure in the factory paint system rather than normal wear and tear. The paint is peeling prematurely, exposing metal that should remain protected throughout the expected life of the vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether this paint failure represents a broader manufacturing defect affecting other Kia vehicles and determine whether an investigation is warranted if similar complaints exist. Additionally, I respectfully request that Kia acknowledge this premature paint failure as a manufacturing defect and cover the cost of restoring the affected panels, including proper rust remediation, surface preparation, priming, and repainting. Simply touching up the exposed areas would not adequately address the underlying defect or prevent continued corrosion. Owners should not be responsible for r

NHTSA ID

11753358

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11752597

Incident

May 4, 2025

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 iterations utilizing a digital multimeter confirmed a continuous localized parasitic draw of 218.6 uA. This dramatically exceeds the manufacturer's maximum safety engineering threshold of 70.0 uA by over 312%. This quantified excessive amperage draw conclusively isolates an internal circuit board short-circuit condition caused by a failure of the internal HECU brake fluid seals. The vehicle presents an immediate network communication failure, brake malfunction, and thermal/fire risk. Kia Corporate must be compelled to immediately authorize an expedited, zero-cost component replacement under the active safety recall mandate.

NHTSA ID

11752517

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

my 2014 Kia Sorento is having a paint issue and I know their is a class action law suite to get repaired. The only complaint I have is the white pearl paint is chipping off the front of the roof and on the left and right sides of the windshield . I would like to see if my car qualifies to get these areas repainted

NHTSA ID

11750396

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

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 binding commitment that this fee will be waived for a confirmed recall component. Instead, they require the consumer to assume all financial risk upfront, stating the fee will only "likely" be waived based on their own internal, unverified findings. This creates a high-pressure trap where the consumer is forced to sign away financial rights to access a free, federally mandated safety remedy. The dealership is weaponizing a acute shortage of independent import and specialized repair facilities in the Macon, GA market. They are aware consumers have almost no local alternative venues to get an independent, affordable cross-check scan, and are using this regional monopoly to coerce consumers into signing open-ended diagnostic authorizations. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749751

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

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 an independent mechanic who pulled the starter and confirmed a total mechanical engine seizure. The vehicle was then towed to a Kia dealership. This vehicle has suffered from the well-documented Theta II factory manufacturing flaw where debris destroys the connecting rod bearings, leading to high oil consumption and sudden highway seizure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11748521

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

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 was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11747153

Incident

May 1, 2025

Severe paint delamination has occurred on my vehicle, causing the clear coat and base coat (Snow White Pearl color) to come off on the side of the hood, pillars, the doors, and the hood of the car. Not only does the peeling paint create an airborne/debris hazard, it also risks exposing the vehicle to premature rust/corrosion. This issue slowly began not to long after I bought the car in November 2024, and has only gotten much worse. From the information I have gathered online, this is a widespread issue affecting this particular model/year/color of Kia. We need something done about it asap!

NHTSA ID

11745576

Incident

Mar 8, 2025

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 ID

11744071

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled further than normal intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the HECU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

NHTSA ID

11743313

Incident

Mar 18, 2025

Mileage

103,000 mi

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 ID

11742574

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, smoke emanated from the vehicle's hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted to a driveway and attempted to open the hood when the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. There was no injury sustained. The local Fire Department was contacted and extinguished the fire, and a fire report was filed. The fire report was provided. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot and deemed a total loss. The contact stated that the dealer was not contacted. The contact was provided notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); by the Fire Department. The contact notified the manufacturer about the failure stated in the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer sent a technician to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11742183

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

Mileage

157,000 mi

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 catalytic converter replacement. They said I would have to follow up with Kia corporate. They released the unsafe vehicle anyway and I have been following up with Kia customer service for 2 months to request a CAT replacement. While driving, the blocked exhaust caused a severe rattling noise, immediate engine overheating, and complete mechanical engine seizure. The engine completely cut power and locked up while in motion, creating an immediate crash hazard on the roadway. The vehicle is now completely inoperable and will not turn over. This is a severe safety defect where a known blocked exhaust system directly caused catastrophic engine failure while operating.

NHTSA ID

11741622

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The pearl white paint on the 2014 Kia Sorento has delaminated and is coming off in large sections all over the car.

NHTSA ID

11741120

Incident

May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and steering left or right, the steering wheel would seize. The contact would have to maneuver the steering wheel back and forth for it to unlock and continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed a notch in the lower steering shaft as the cause of the steering failure. The steering joint assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,538.

NHTSA ID

11739208

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

Mileage

132,538 mi

The paint on my 2014 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl) is peeling and delaminating across multiple areas of the vehicle, including the roof and side panels. In several areas the paint has detached completely, exposing bare metal, and rust has begun forming on the roof. The condition appears to be progressively worsening and does not appear consistent with normal wear or isolated paint damage. The affected areas are available for inspection. The peeling paint may create a road or visibility hazard if pieces detach while the vehicle is in motion. In addition, the exposed metal and developing rust on the roof and upper body areas may affect long-term structural integrity over time. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting similar Kia Sorento vehicles with Snow White Pearl paint.

NHTSA ID

11737163

Incident

Jun 10, 2023

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 tried to start it back and seen a warning display on screen. We then had it towed to KIA in Morristown,TN for them to inform us that the motor needed to be replaced. That this was an ongoing issue with this make /model of vehicle. Luckily I had extended warranty that I purchased through Farris auto when I financed the KIA. They covered the replacement of the motor with 65000 miles along with a couple other things at that time. So the replacement motor was installed by July 2022 I haven’t had any issues with it until September 2025 I had the exact same thing happen to the second motor that happened to the first while my husband was pulling into driveway. I tried contacting the warranty company and of course there was nothing they can do. I contacted KIA in Morristown TN and Knoxville TN spoke with someone in the service department and nothing they can do. For this to be a known issue with Kia Sorento why can I not get the motor fixed? I don’t know where or how to find out if the motor that was replaced is in the recall list but it seems to me that KIA as a company would stand by their product. I am still paying on a vehicle that I can’t even drive, just so it doesn’t hurt my credit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11736910

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

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 the shoulder of the road, safely exit the vehicle, right before the engine caught on fire. The local fire department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The contact sustained PTSD; however, no medical attention was sought. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11733577

Incident

Oct 3, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

Car burns oil to the point it requires 1 qt/500 mile. Had oil consumption test when issue first started in 2024 by kia, was told there was no problem. Car has continued to have this issue and has now broke connecting rod due to engine starvation even through the oil is to the full mark. I lost all power while driving with no warning before hand. Kia has admitted these engines have oil consumption issues that can lead to this exact problem and many other consumers have complained of the same situation in which Kia will not replace the flawed engine.

NHTSA ID

11723722

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

My 2014 Kia Sorento EX was purchased brand new, one owner, and started losing paint in several areas on the outside of the car and is horrible. So many 2014 Kias have this issue. It is a BAD PAINT job. This should never happen and I’ll never buy another Kia. Kia should fix these issues immediately. My Kia is in great shape except for the horrible paint.

NHTSA ID

11722527

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

1. The engine consumed its own oil and a rod bearing failed and destroyed the engine 2. This happened while my wife was traveling on I20 at 70mph and almost resulted in a wreck when the engine died and she lost power to the wheels 3. Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA has confirmed that the engine consumed its own oil which cause a rod bearing to fail and ultimately led to the engine failure 4. No warning lights prior to this happening, just a knocking sound as she merged onto I20

NHTSA ID

11718774

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

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, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) and Kia's consumer support channels. This has caused significant financial hardship, disruption to my family and work, and eroded any trust in the brand. I purchased this vehicle approximately 5 years ago through CarMax. Within that time, the engine has died or stalled three times: The first failure occurred about one year after purchase, stranding me at 11:00 p.m. in rural Wisconsin during winter with my three young children in the vehicle. The second incident happened in downtown Chicago (River North), just one hour before I needed to depart for a work event in Champaign, IL, requiring a tow and last-minute rental arrangements. The most recent failure occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. after leaving my music studio, necessitating another tow and a $50 Uber ride home. Eleven months ago, Kia of Lincolnwood replaced the knock sensor under a one-year recall warranty. Despite this, the engine issues persisted. On January 9, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Kia of Lincolnwood for the third major engine-related failure. It has now been in the shop for nearly six weeks with no meaningful updates on diagnosis, repair timeline, or resolution. I have called the dealership at least ten times seeking callbacks from my assigned service advisor (Max) or any team member. In each instance, I was either hung up on, placed on hold for over an hour, or promised a return call that never came. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11718328

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

2014 Kia Sorento sxl Pearl White paint just peeling off the vehicle in large pieces. Seems to be a common issue that Kia does not want to fix. Paint is peeling from both left and right pillars, the hood and the top towards the fin. Started about a year ago and is getting progressively worse. The paint needs to be recalled and effected vehicles repainted.

NHTSA ID

11718157

Incident

Oct 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11715315

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

Mileage

180,000 mi