2014 Kia Sorento Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 384 2 crash 29 fire 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ANOTHER DRIVER WAS HONKING TO INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER OPENED THE DOOR AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE. THE CONTACT WHO WAS THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO COME TO A STOP AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURN TO THE ARM AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO THE SMOKE INHALATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN BUT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11326730, 2020 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“Replaced engine 1/31/23 had open recall per 21v331was not repaired even though they wasn’t suppose to return vehicle according to recall. They said It would be safe to drive.Said they had no remedy to fix they would call me. Few days car stalls alternator was hanging had to replace. They didn’t replace properly. With in a month cars brakes were acting weird took in for diagnostic back brakes no remedy. Call Kia still no parts for recall. Sept 11,23 was pulling off expressway during 5 o'clock traffic my brakes locked up I had no control. Towed to Kia they wanted 75. to look at it then 2700. to…”
NHTSA complaint #11553665, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 arriv…”
NHTSA complaint #11733577, 2025 · fire

Structure 160 2 fire 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the engine hood was opened and raised, the hydraulic hood lift struts failed causing the hood to close down onto the contact's right hand. The contact's hand was trapped under the hood for approximately 30 minutes before help arrived. During the incident, the contact sustained a bruised right hand which did not require medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11546876, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“ENGINE FIRE!! WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN HIGHWAY PASSENGER NOTICED SPARKS LEFT REAR OF CAR. PULLED OVER TO CHECK CAR, LIFTED HOOD ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. DRIVING NORMAL RATE OF SPEED IN NORMAL CONDITIONS. NO COLLISION OR ACCIDENT INVOLVED. TRAVELLING US-71 SOUTH IN VERNON COUNTY MISSOURI INCIDENT NUMBER 190140035. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT FIRE OUT. CAR TOWED TO TCB TOWING AND AUTO SERVICE 205 N BARRETT ST NEVADA MO 64772”
NHTSA complaint #11187068, 2019 · fire

“COMPLAINT NO.WHILE TRAVELING DOWN HWY 377 TOWARD GRANBURY, TEXAS. THE UNDERSIDE OF MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. FORTUNATELY I WAS TRAVELING AT 70MPH AND THE PERSON WHO WITNESSED THE FLAMES BEHIND ME, RAN UP TO MY CAR WHEN I STOPPED AT A RAIL CROSSING TO TELL ME WHAT HAPPEN. I WAS LUCKY I WAS DRIVING 70MPH AND IF I HAD STOPPED WHILE IT WAS BURNING THE CAR WOULD HAVE BURNED UP. IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLASTIC PANELS WERE IGNITED BY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.. COMPLAINT NO.2 WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT, NEAR THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, A CRACK APPEARED FROM THE TOP EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD DOWNWARD ABOUT 2.5" LO…”
NHTSA complaint #11141323, 2018 · fire

Electrical System 152 5 crash 9 fire 3 injury

“Well my boyfriend and I where getting the car straightened up swept out wiped down and cleaned up and drove it from one part of our yard to the other and we had to finish what we where doing before that so and hour or so later when my. Boy friend went to go finish the car he realized there was smoke coming from the driver's side and opened the front door and the whole front driver seat was on fire so we got it put out and then we realized we needed to get the car as far away from the house as we could as soon as we got the fire out so I found a lid to it on I had to push a release button under…”
NHTSA complaint #11536733, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE ENGINE REVVED WHEN THE CONTACT LIGHTLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BACKED INTO A STEEL POST. THE FRONT PASSENGER HAD TO HELP THE CONTACT SHIFT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO A FIELD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PRESS THE IGNITION START BUTTON IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ANKLE INJURIES, WHICH…”
NHTSA complaint #10643560, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“LEFT 2014 SORENTO SXL AT AIRPORT PARKING AND FLEW TO ANOTHER CITY FOR ONE WEEK. CAME BACK TO FIND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. BATTERY WAS DEAD. I SPRAINED MY BACK TRYING TO OPEN THE SUV TRUNK FROM INSIDE AS THERE WAS NO POWER AVAILABLE TO RELEASE THE TRUNK LOCK. FIVE (5) SIMILAR EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED TO ME, ONE OF THEM AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. IN RESEARCHING THE WEB, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT KIA HAS NOT RESOLVED AND MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED WITH BATTERY DRAIN WITHIN 3 TO 5 DAYS OF LEAVING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10694347, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 146 3 crash 9 fire 5 injury

“Side impact collision on driver side rear quarter panel; vehicle consumed by fire; all three passengers received burns; serious burns to passenger in rear seat on driver side, and driver .”
NHTSA complaint #11452101, 2020 · crash · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“Well my boyfriend and I where getting the car straightened up swept out wiped down and cleaned up and drove it from one part of our yard to the other and we had to finish what we where doing before that so and hour or so later when my. Boy friend went to go finish the car he realized there was smoke coming from the driver's side and opened the front door and the whole front driver seat was on fire so we got it put out and then we realized we needed to get the car as far away from the house as we could as soon as we got the fire out so I found a lid to it on I had to push a release button under…”
NHTSA complaint #11536733, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“UPON OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR, IT HIT MY LEFY EYBROW DUE TO THE UNFINSIHED AND SHARP UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE DOOR; I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAD 9 STECHES”
NHTSA complaint #10663905, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 86 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE. THE CONTACT'S SON NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A KIA AND HYUNDAI DEALER AT 601-914-4200 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BURNED OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT FAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11004359, 2017 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she became aware that the headlights were blown, and that the connector to the headlights had detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the HECU fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11620700, 2024

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the headlights failed to function properly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11613869, 2024

Service Brakes 83 3 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“Replaced engine 1/31/23 had open recall per 21v331was not repaired even though they wasn’t suppose to return vehicle according to recall. They said It would be safe to drive.Said they had no remedy to fix they would call me. Few days car stalls alternator was hanging had to replace. They didn’t replace properly. With in a month cars brakes were acting weird took in for diagnostic back brakes no remedy. Call Kia still no parts for recall. Sept 11,23 was pulling off expressway during 5 o'clock traffic my brakes locked up I had no control. Towed to Kia they wanted 75. to look at it then 2700. to…”
NHTSA complaint #11553665, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR VEERED LEFT AND STARTED TO SWERVE. IT STARTED SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #10746169, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11742183, 2026 · fire

Power Train 69 2 crash 1 fire

“DRIVING ON 2014 KIA SORENTO WITH ONLY 84,000 MILES. DOING OIL CHANGE ON TIME I KEEP THE RECEIPTS FOR RECORDS. LAST FRIDAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. SOUNDED LIKE CRANKING ENGINE RATTLING. HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THE ENGINE BROKE DOWN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND KIA HAD FEW UNANNOUNCED ENGINE RECALLS ON MY MODEL. WHEN I CALL KIA THEY DON'T WANT TO HELP AT ALL. THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11327468, 2020 · fire

“I BOUGHT A 2014 KIA SORENTO IN NOV. 2013. 2MONTHS I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND THE BLUE TOOTH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND TOLD THEM ABOUT IT AFTER 3-4 TRIPS AND BEING TOLD EACH TIME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG THEY FOUND THAT THE RADIO SYSTEM WAS BAD. STILL NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DOOR LOCKS NOT UNLOCKING. THEN A FEW WEEKS LATER I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT STARTING, AGAIN 3-4 TRIPS OF BEING TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG THEY SAID YOU HAVE A BAD BATTERY! I STARTED GETTING A WARNING FROM THE UVO SYSTEM IN NOVEMBER 2014 THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION…”
NHTSA complaint #10678653, 2014 · crash

“AFFECTED PART IS THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFT. A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM, AS I WAS EXITING MY VEHICLE (WHICH WAS TURNED OFF AND IN PARK), IT STARTED ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN AS I WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A LARGE BUSH AT THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS 09 LEFT T-BONE. THIS RESULTED IN $3510.21 IN REPAIR FEES. WE INCURRED AN OUT OF POCKET COST OF $1000 FOR OUR DEDUCTIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND READY FOR PICK UP UNTIL THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 3R…”
NHTSA complaint #10547081, 2013 · crash

Air Bags 51 9 crash 8 injury 1 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN SHE BECAME INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH WITH A DUMP TRUCK THAT WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000...UPDATED 07-08-15 *BF UPDATED 08/24/2017*CT”
NHTSA complaint #10615044, 2014 · crash · 1 death(s)

“WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT AND WAS T-BONED ON DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS OR SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ADJUSTER FOR INSURANCE COMPANY SAID IT LOOK LIKE THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE SENSORS.”
NHTSA complaint #10892979, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN WE HIT A CAR BROADSIDE AS THE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF US. THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT NONE OF OUR AIRBAGS DID. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10533467, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 46 2 crash 6 fire 3 injury

“During a moderate T-bone collision at the driver rear side quarter panel, the back seat of the vehicle almost immediately was in flame, injuring all three occupants, not fatally, fire originated underneath the rear seat near the refueling port, which had the cap in place.”
NHTSA complaint #11506953, 2020 · crash · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“The car engine started on fire while I was driving after all the recalls were fixed and new engine installed. The car was completely destroyed the whole engine compartment was completely burned. Kia says it was an oil leak but that’s not true the car oil change was done regularly and was serviced within 3 months of the engine fire. I also had this vehicle parked inside my garage for 5 years and not a single drop of oil in the garage floor. Kia is also refusing to send me a full report of their findings from the fire inspection. Kia adjuster is acting in bad faith by not providing the fire repo…”
NHTSA complaint #11698658, 2025 · fire

“I was driving on the high way and took an exit. I started to smell something from my car so I turned it off at a stop light. I looked briefly at the dash but no lights where on. Then I saw smoke coming from the hood of my car. So I put my emergency flashers on and got out within seconds of getting out the smoke turned to flames so I called 911. Entire front of my car was in flames and a couple small explosions happend I believe the first one was the air bags but the second sent my hood flying upwards. My entire inside of the car was chard by the time the fire rescue showed up. There was a lin…”
NHTSA complaint #11439161, 2021 · fire

Steering 35 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR VEERED LEFT AND STARTED TO SWERVE. IT STARTED SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #10746169, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The car engine started on fire while I was driving after all the recalls were fixed and new engine installed. The car was completely destroyed the whole engine compartment was completely burned. Kia says it was an oil leak but that’s not true the car oil change was done regularly and was serviced within 3 months of the engine fire. I also had this vehicle parked inside my garage for 5 years and not a single drop of oil in the garage floor. Kia is also refusing to send me a full report of their findings from the fire inspection. Kia adjuster is acting in bad faith by not providing the fire repo…”
NHTSA complaint #11698658, 2025 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN CAR SHUTDOWN AND STERLING LOCKED, UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. COME TO FIND OUT NEXT FEW DAYS IT WAS THE ACCELATOR THAT CAUSED IT. I HAD NO CONTROL AND ALMOST GOT KILLED BY A 18 WHEELER DRIVING IN NEXT LANE.”
NHTSA complaint #10874211, 2016 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 31 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE ENGINE REVVED WHEN THE CONTACT LIGHTLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BACKED INTO A STEEL POST. THE FRONT PASSENGER HAD TO HELP THE CONTACT SHIFT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO A FIELD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PRESS THE IGNITION START BUTTON IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ANKLE INJURIES, WHICH…”
NHTSA complaint #10643560, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle accelerated to 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and then flames came from underneath the hood. The parking brake was applied, and the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact safely exited the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. The fire department ar…”
NHTSA complaint #11497440, 2022 · fire

“CAR WAS IN DRIVE IN A PARKING LOT, WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PUSHED IT STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAR SPED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED EVEN WITH BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. I TRIED TAKING CAR OUT OF GEAR AND IT WENT INTO REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. FINALLY I WAS ABLE TO TURN CAR OFF BUT I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11258506, 2019 · crash

Engine And Engine Cooling 21 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it had caught fire causing the entire vehicle to burst into flames, from the front end to the rear end. The fire department was called and extinguish the fire. The fire department determined the fire had started from the engine. A police report was filed. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. The fire caused damage to both vehicles on each side of the vehicle, the parking space, and the building the vehicle was parked in front of. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The dealer wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11631558, 2024 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there was condensation coming out of the exhaust pipes. The contact was stopped by another driver and was informed that the condensation coming out of the exhaust smelled like a bakery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed and was provided w…”
NHTSA complaint #11697940, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left and right turns, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure by wiggling the battery terminals and other engine components. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11691901, 2025

Visibility 18 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. WHEN THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS TO THE RIGHT HAND AND ARM THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A GLASS COMPANY TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. CONSUMER STATED THE SU…”
NHTSA complaint #11244429, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving on the road , sliding sunroof glass just cracked and shattered with loud sound. There was no prior damage to the sunroof nor any debris from the road that hit the car or the sunroof at the time of incident. My daughter was driving the car and was lucky that no she did not get any injuries as the sunroof shade was closed and all the shattered glass fall on the shade and not inside the car and on her face and the body.”
NHTSA complaint #11460604, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT OCCURING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GLASS ENTERED HIS EYES. HE FLUSHED HIS EYES WITH WATER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED WESELOH KIA CARLSBAD (5331 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008, 760-710-0801) WHO STATED THAT GLASS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11288860, 2019

Suspension 16

“Was driving to the store for groceries with my 2 young children, when my car just stopped accelerating and the engine seized up on a local road. Had noticed a ticking and knocking sound when accelerating a few prior and a weird sound coming from the suspension but it was dismissed by the dealer. Had the vehicle towed to my home and had to tow to dealership as it would no longer turn over at all. Received a recall notice but apparently it doesn't apply to my vehicle because I had oil, coolant and no leaks anywhere. Only had 127,000 mold and this is the 4th issue I've had with this vehicle.…”
NHTSA complaint #11600340, 2024

“MY SORENTO HAS STARTED BURNING OIL. IT MAKES A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN RUNNING. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS FOR MY BACKUP CAMERA DOESN'T WORK NOR MY RADIO. SOMETIMES THE RADIO IF ON, STATION CAN'T BE CHANGED. IT IS LIKE IT IS IN A FROZEN MODE.”
NHTSA complaint #11407063, 2021

“MY KIA SORENTO WAS PURCHASED FROM KIA IN 2018 - 1ST - I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO CHECK THE REAR BREAKS DUE TO A SHAKING OF THE CAR THAT HAPPENS WHEN GOING OVER 50MPH. THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT GOES OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS. RECENTLY THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ONE, AFTER THE BATTERY WAS SWAPPED (THE CAR STILL WOULDN'T POWER ON)- THEY RAN A FEW TESTS AND DISCOVERED AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. I HAVE TAN MY VIN FOR THE RECALL BUT MY CAR DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY RECALLS THAT MENTION AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE KIA”
NHTSA complaint #11406543, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 11 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN CAR SHUTDOWN AND STERLING LOCKED, UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE. COME TO FIND OUT NEXT FEW DAYS IT WAS THE ACCELATOR THAT CAUSED IT. I HAD NO CONTROL AND ALMOST GOT KILLED BY A 18 WHEELER DRIVING IN NEXT LANE.”
NHTSA complaint #10874211, 2016 · crash

“MY STABILITY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT FUNCTION, HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON INTERNET AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PROBLEMS OF THE EXACT SAME NATURE. YOU WILL BE REAR ENDED IF YOU HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS. MY VEHICLE HAS 33000 MILES ON IT. I THINK KIA NEEDS TO RECALL THE SORENTOS FOR THIS ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11362821, 2020

“HELLO, I AM WRITING HERE SINCE I DID NOT RECEIVE FOR ONLINE ACCESS. MY SITUATION IS RELATED TO MY 2014 KIA ​​SORENTO VEHICLE,VIN # [XXX] IT IS PRESENTING FAILURE INDICATORS RELATED TO 4 RECALLS REPORTED BY THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CORRECT WHETHER IT IS REPLACED OR REPAIRED. I CONTACTED KIA DE AGUADILLA PUERTO RICO PRESENTING THE SITUATION, THEY INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR 2014 AND THAT AT THAT TIME IT DID NOT PRESENT ANY TYPE OF PROBLEMS AND THAT BY THE VIN #. MY VEHICLE IS OBVIOUSLY ONE OF THE UNITS REFERRED TO BY THE RECALL AND ACCORDI…”
NHTSA complaint #11362659, 2020

Seats 11 1 fire 1 injury

“Well my boyfriend and I where getting the car straightened up swept out wiped down and cleaned up and drove it from one part of our yard to the other and we had to finish what we where doing before that so and hour or so later when my. Boy friend went to go finish the car he realized there was smoke coming from the driver's side and opened the front door and the whole front driver seat was on fire so we got it put out and then we realized we needed to get the car as far away from the house as we could as soon as we got the fire out so I found a lid to it on I had to push a release button under…”
NHTSA complaint #11536733, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“Headlights continually need replacing. We must replace headlights every few months. We have tried several brands of lights and regardless they go out. We have had all the lights go out at once while driving at night. Cruise control no longer works. I had the clock spring replaced but this did not fix the cruise. Seat warmer Driver side seat warmer no longer engages. When the button is pressed, the indicator light flashes as if it will come on but never does.”
NHTSA complaint #11500444, 2023

“I'VE ONLY HAD MY 2014 KIA SORENTO FOR A YEAR, FROM 2020-2021. I'VE NOTICED THESE PROBLEMS IN THE BEGINNING AND ASSUMED THEY WOULD WORK ITSELF OUT BECAUSE THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THE CONDITIONS WERE MINOR BUT THEY ONLY PROGRESSED. I'M PUTTING OIL IN THIS VEHICLE EVERY THREE TO FOUR DAYS BECAUSE THE OIL STICK IS CLEAN ( INDICATING NO OIL). THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON. I'VE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS, INCLUDING THE MECHANIC THAT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH THE DEALERSHIP IN WHICH I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME BACK AND WHENEVER IT STARTED TO BLINK IT WOULD CAUSE MY…”
NHTSA complaint #11412964, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 11 1 fire

“COMPLAINT NO.WHILE TRAVELING DOWN HWY 377 TOWARD GRANBURY, TEXAS. THE UNDERSIDE OF MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. FORTUNATELY I WAS TRAVELING AT 70MPH AND THE PERSON WHO WITNESSED THE FLAMES BEHIND ME, RAN UP TO MY CAR WHEN I STOPPED AT A RAIL CROSSING TO TELL ME WHAT HAPPEN. I WAS LUCKY I WAS DRIVING 70MPH AND IF I HAD STOPPED WHILE IT WAS BURNING THE CAR WOULD HAVE BURNED UP. IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLASTIC PANELS WERE IGNITED BY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.. COMPLAINT NO.2 WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT, NEAR THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, A CRACK APPEARED FROM THE TOP EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD DOWNWARD ABOUT 2.5" LO…”
NHTSA complaint #11141323, 2018 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11737163, 2023

“The low beam headlights are very dim at night time. The inside reflective coating of the projector headlights has deteriorated over time.”
NHTSA complaint #11524930, 2023

Wheels 8

“The component that malfunctioned was the dashboard. The dashboard began flashing and caused the wheels on the KIA Sorento to lock while on the highway. The car also had a burn smell. The car was turned off and then I was able to drive normally. A couple of weeks later the Malfunction Indicator Light has turned of intermittently. The electrical issues are causing the cars blind spot warning system to not work properly and as well as seats to stop moving in the car. I have reached out to KIA Customer care line so that they could tow the vehicle once the MIL came on and they said they I would h…”
NHTSA complaint #11565772, 2024

“Sensor lights came on detecting problems. 5/7/2022”
NHTSA complaint #11511667, 2022

“VEHICLE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN BECAUSE THE AXLE IS BUSTED. WE ARE NOT SURE WHY HIS HAPPENED. WHEN I DRIVE THE SORENTO, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT VERY STRONG. I AM NOT SURE HOW LONG IT TAKES FORT THAT TO HAPPEN, BUT IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE CAR REACHES A FULL STOP. ALSO, WHEN I MANEUVER AND MAKE. TURN TO THE LEFT, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT POPS. IT'S A SCARY FEELING.”
NHTSA complaint #11378503, 2020

Latches/Locks/Linkages 5

“Constant issue with the 3 doors staying locked. Must manually push on the plastic mechanism to unlock the door from the inside. Using the inside door knob will not unlock the doors which is a major safety hazard. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they can not duplicate the issue. It started out happening intermittingly, but now it is constant. The only door that works is the driver side. I took it to a local repair shop and he said it "could" be every door needs a new actuator. Very expensive repair. This should be a recall item ASAP. Low quality product failure. There are no…”
NHTSA complaint #11503593, 2021

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the doors failed to lock securely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the remedy for the antitheft recall issued by the manufacturer was performed. The dealer stated that the remedy would resolve the cause of the failure however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11592779, 2020

“2014 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES. CONSUMER STATES THAT DOOR HANDLES WILL NOT OPEN. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN ON THE INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11366090, 2020

Fuel System 4 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SORENTO. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR FIVE HOURS, THE FUEL TANK CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10726832, 2015 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and became aware that there was gas leaking underneath the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and diagnosed the vehicle with…”
NHTSA complaint #11593155, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STARTED SMELLING FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE, SHE CONTINUED TO SMELL THE FUMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHILE IN USE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS LEAKING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11353706, 2020

Lane Departure 4 1 crash

“Backup camera doesn’t work properly it gives a blank screen”
NHTSA complaint #11693668, 2025 · crash

“My key fob doesn’t register even while in car, my battery drains daily has to recieve jump off every Otha day if not daily, door open indicator shows open on all doors even when closed, car locks won’t disengage automatically but your system shows no recalls something’s wrong with it”
NHTSA complaint #11713715, 2026

“Had been getting “BSD” disabled messages while driving on expressway for several months, dealer inspected twice and found nothing. On May 30, 2023 while driving on street rear differential locked not allowing rear wheel rotation for short period ( 2 street blocks ), then resumed operation but with a high pitch squealing. On May 31, 2023 l took vehicle to dealer requesting a full inspection of the differential, mileage at 133367. I was immediately told that the differential is a sealed unit and could not be inspected, but they recommended a transmission force flush, a complete fuel system flus…”
NHTSA complaint #11546964, 2023

Seat Belts 4

“We bought the car 6 months ago from a dealership and since then the breaks are bad the engine makes this strange noise it always smells like oil is burning. The seat belts don't stay latch and I hr suspension is all over the place.”
NHTSA complaint #11539474, 2023

“PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALARM/WARNING NOT INDICATED WHEN FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IS NOT BUCKLED. ALARM/WARNING GOES ON ONLY WHEN THE DRIVER'S BELT IS NOT BUCKLED. HAD THE CAR CHECKED AT THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS AS A PROBLEM. I EMAILED KIA ON 3/31/18 AND CALLED KIA TODAY AND THEY STATED THAT THIS FEATURE IS NOT A PART OF THE CAR. THE AGENT DID ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY RECEIVED MY EMAIL. I HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE AS OO 4/3/18 WHEN I CALLED TO INQUIRE. NOTE: ALTHOUGH WE'VE HAD THE CAR FOR 4 YEARS, WE'VE NOT NOTICED THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE WE'VE ALWAYS BUCKLED. THE OTHER DAY,…”
NHTSA complaint #11083131, 2018

“WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE UPON COMING TO STOP WHEN YOU STEP ON BRAKE TO STOP CAR THE SHOULDER STRAP OF SEAT BELT WILL NOT ENGAGE UNLESS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PRESSURE IS USED, AND, EVEN THEN IT WILL NOT ENGAGE ALL THE TIME.THE TECHNATION SAID THIS IS THE WAY THE SHOULDER STRAP WORKS.I WORK FOR USPS AND WHEN WE COME TO A STOP I VEHICLES STEAT BELTS LOCK YOU IN PLACE.”
NHTSA complaint #10816485, 2014

Tires 4

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11464781, 2022

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control, ABS and the tire pressure warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the power steering inadvertently deactivated and the steering wheel would become difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering, battery, and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failures was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were both notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11427887, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE FACTORY SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WOULD NOT OPERATE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6000.”
NHTSA complaint #10583866, 2014

Back Over Prevention 3 1 crash 1 fire

“While driving at night, the instrument panel gauges and lights behind it faded away and all gauges went to 0, RPM, Gas, speedometer, temp, mileage all stopped working all at once. The headlights dimmed to almost nothing. After stopping, it was discovered that a rear sensor was basically melted off after being on fire from the inside. It put a hole right through the sensor and exposed the wire. It basically turned the sensor to ash and you can see the melted wires inside slightly poking out of the hole it melted. The radio and clock still work, so it didnt affect everything. The lights that c…”
NHTSA complaint #11569372, 2024 · fire

“Backup camera doesn’t work properly it gives a blank screen”
NHTSA complaint #11693668, 2025 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING GOING ABOUT 45 TO 48 MPH ON A MAIN ROAD WITH TRAFFICE FLOWING FASTER THAN ME AND MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF. THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS ALL LID UP. IT WAS A SCARY MOMENT FOR ME AS WHEN I NOTICED AND TRIED TO BREAK A LITTLE THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED AND I COULDN'T BREAK. I HAD TO LET THE CAR ROLL UNTIL IT CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. WHEN IT CAME TO COMPLETE STOP I TURNED THE KEY AND THEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART IT JUST DID A CLICKING NOISE. THE ENGINE SOUNDED HORRIBLE AS IT SMELLED BURNING AND GRINDING METAL PIECES WERE HEARD. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO THE KIA…”
NHTSA complaint #11407062, 2021

Firerelated 3 3 fire

“On January 8, 2023, my 2014 Kia Sorento burnt up. I was driving down the street when I could see smoke and smell something burning. I stopped the car and got out just in time. It exploded and totally burnt. I have a video but it will not upload.”
NHTSA complaint #11528365, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while parking the vehicle in a driveway, black smoke was coming out of the vents of the vehicle. Once the contact exited the vehicle, flames started coming from under the hood of the vehicle causing the vehicle to burst into flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and a report was filed. No one was injured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 144,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11497558, 2022 · fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle accelerated to 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and then flames came from underneath the hood. The parking brake was applied, and the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact safely exited the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. The fire department ar…”
NHTSA complaint #11497440, 2022 · fire

Forward Collision Avoidance 3 1 crash 1 injury

“Replaced engine 1/31/23 had open recall per 21v331was not repaired even though they wasn’t suppose to return vehicle according to recall. They said It would be safe to drive.Said they had no remedy to fix they would call me. Few days car stalls alternator was hanging had to replace. They didn’t replace properly. With in a month cars brakes were acting weird took in for diagnostic back brakes no remedy. Call Kia still no parts for recall. Sept 11,23 was pulling off expressway during 5 o'clock traffic my brakes locked up I had no control. Towed to Kia they wanted 75. to look at it then 2700. to…”
NHTSA complaint #11553665, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“1. Kia sold me the car with open recalls. And did not disclose this. 2. I’m still paying on it and they had to replace the motor on 01/31/23 recall. 3. They again sent the car home with an open recall sc212 because they didn’t have the part to remedy the recall. (Brakes) 4. My brakes went out luckily in the parking lot. 5. Called Kia Customer Service they gave me the run around hung up on me left me on hold 27 minutes first. But I finally spoke to a supervisor and they agreed to have it towed to Mike Shaw Kia were I had purchased the car and who had done all maintenance and recall work. 6. Mil…”
NHTSA complaint #11544902, 2023

“Bought this vehicle on 10/18/2017 it had 93,675 miles on it. As soon as it reached 100K it began to burn oil extremely quickly!!! It needs a new Engine, which KIA should have to replace!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11476634, 2018

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“AS I WAS DRIVING INTO MY DAUGHTERS DRIVEWAY APPROX. 5-10 MPH I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN GLASS RAINING DOWN FROM THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ONTO THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. ALL THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF WERE CLOSED AT THE TIME OF THE OCCURRENCE. ONLY THE REAR PORTION OF THE GLASS ROOF SHATTERED, THE FRONT GLASS REMAINED IN TACK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10713177, 2015