CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2nd generation Sorento (2011-2014) has just too many engine problems at early mileage, year after year.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,917 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Kia Sorento fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2014 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #39

May 242023

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Kia Corporate Complaint No. [XXX] We bought a used but Kia certified 2014 Kia Sorento with 29K mileage in Jul 2017. Ran great but check engine light came on 3 times. Well before 100K mileage, we took it to dealer service department and we-??re advised it was an -??electrical problem-?? that reported a false code. Each time the check engine light was reset. Car ran great except for the false trouble lights. We were told that if the light did not blink, not really a problem. At 120K mileage, we got a code and took car to local garage. Mechanic changed 6 plugs but advised that No. 6 coil may need to be replaced. At 122K miles, 3 weeks ago, we got a solid check engine light but with a serious female voice and pop up screen advising we get to Kia dealer. This time code was run by our local mechanic for clogged catalytic converter. We drove to Kia dealer and they ran code for fouled fuel injector for cost of $1,000. We left car parked at dealer and called Kia USA Corporate in CA. We got a complaint number with assurance Kia would contact us. Nothing in 3 weeks. Local dealer says no recalls of V6 engine but we see reports on line of a known fire problem. We fear driving car should the catalytic converter catch fire. Help! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Louisa, VA, USA

problem #38

Dec 282022

Sorento

  • miles
Engine overheated with no warning, Heater failed, Coolant wouldn't go through the system, replaced the T-stat, and it still continued to overheat with no warning or indication. I was driving with my 2.5year old in the middle of a busy street during the evening. Took it to a repair shop and was told they found coolant in the combustion chamber, and failed head gasket. They had to R7R both cylinder heads, replace the head gaskets, head bolts, t-stat, crank seal, oil pan gasket, timing cover gaskets and seals, Fuel injector - o - rings, fuel seals, fuel pump. They had to rethread and repair the bolts because they stripped. This was all fixed after i had to pay, $7,000. There was no warning lamps messages except for the 1 time overheating.

- Castro Valley, CA, USA

problem #37

Oct 242020

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
Hi, I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento SX 2014, rpm and acceleration problems, for over two long years, sometimes shut off itself, some times codes shows up but no all the time, already changed spark plugs, High pressure fuel pump and the connector, two injectors, starter, MAP sensor, etc. My mechanic tell me today that I need to change the wiring harness, so everything is just guessing and spending crazy money, also the dealer don't know the exactly is the problem, already two years with this frustration and still don't know what to do, please I really need a very professional advice in this incredible situation, some of the codes that shows up, if I'm lucky are: P0087, P0506, P2096, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0133, P0137 and so... but right now all of these disappeared, I read in the NHTSA web site about the problems with engine and electric components reported with this car in this specific year and I'm really worry about my family and my safety while I'm driving this vehicle, please, please, please... I already went to many different mechanic experts (Including the Kia dealership) and still nobody knows what's producing this lack of acceleration in the engine at the time of starting and its subsequent shutdown. Odometer: 200,000 km Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Brampton, NJ, USA

problem #36

Feb 152023

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I experienced a deceleration when I stepped on the gas pedal to accelerate on the interstate. I was going 65mph at the time. The emission control warning light came on so I pulled off the next exit and called the Kia dealer. I turned around and headed back to take it in for diagnostic service and repair when it started making noises so I pulled off onto an exit and the engine stopped shortly afterwards. I could turn the engine on but it would not go so I called AAA to have it towed to the dealer. The steering was difficult as well. The dealer said the engine needed to be replaced and the clock spring needed to be replaced (air bag warning light was on). This experience was dangerous and I was fortunate not to be in heavy traffic and in an area where there was a safe enough place to pull over. The car had 132,000 mi on it. The engine was replaced with a rebuilt 2014 engine but now the emissions control light just came on - not even a month has passed since replacement. I will take it in tomorrow for a diagnostic.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #35

Feb 172020

Sorento

  • miles
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.

- Columbus, OH, USA

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problem #34

Nov 182020

Sorento 6-cyl

  • miles
I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento 2014 SX for about two years a bit more, with acceleration problems and sometimes shut off itself when still I'm in D drive and the scary part still on the road with my family, brought theToronto and because isn't codes sometimes they don't know what the problem is, different mechanics also tried and change: high pressure fuel pump, some injectors, spark plugs, starter and nothing of those parts fix my problem, I lived so scare anything come and happen in the highway, in October star showing some codes: P0506, P0087 and in November shows: P2096, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0137 and again P0087, all this codes are gone and never coming back to the dashboard, please I really need and advise with this apparently mysterious problem, please if you can leave a message to [XXX], [XXX] Thanks and happy new year 2023. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Brampton, NY, USA

problem #33

Dec 102022

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was taking my daughter to school and the car stalled and died I restarted it but it wouldn-€™t accelerate and I could hear rattling in my engine so it took me a minute but I got it back to my driveway. The Abs and traction control lights where on and low tire. No check engine lights or oil low. I called my friend Jeff who is a mechanic and he came and checked oil and it was a quart low and he said the motor was shot that the blow by when he took the oil cap off he stated it sounded like a wrisp pin loose in my motor I called Kia and they told me I had to have it towed they don-€™t provide that service. Doesn-€™t know if I am covered under warranty or not. Even though they-€™ve done several recalls on my car for things to do with my engine. And yesterday when I looked my car vin # up it said I had a recall. This morning I was gonna print it out and it was gone. Which I found weird. The only people I spoke to was the mechanic where I bought my car and my mechanic friend about there being a recall on my car. So I can-€™t put my vin # in on Kia-€™s website it say it doesn-€™t recognize it. But it recognizes it here on this site. And I-€™m concerned they are trying to get out of fixing it just by the way the mechanic was talking to me. I bought my car there and I-€™m still making payments. But their website doesn-€™t recognize my vin and it-€™s the Kia dealer I bought my vehicle from" Plus I paid $3200 For extended warranty that they state ran out 2 weeks ago. Even though I have two years of payments to go to pay my car off. Isn-€™t an extended warranty suppose to begin when the manufactures warranty runs out? Not run concurrently with the manufacturer-€™s"

- Bayside , TX, USA

problem #32

Dec 072022

Sorento

  • miles
The cabin of the vehicle filled with gas fumes whilst driving the vehicle on 12/7/2022 through 12/10/2022. The fumes got so bad that myself the driver and passengers all got light headed and had to lower all windows and pull over to the side of the road to exit the vehicle and get some fresh air. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic or associated Kia service department. The dash board ABS light and several other lights came on in the vehicle just before the incidents with the gas fumes started.

- Baytown , TX, USA

problem #31

Aug 242022

Sorento

  • miles
I was driving and my car started acting like it was stalling out. I pulled over and put it in park and turned off the engine. I tried to restart, didnt restart. Let it sit a minute, and tried to restart again, it did. I drove straight back home about 2 miles away and didn't drive it further. There were no indicator lights on, so we had no idea what had just happened. My husband checked the oil, everything was ok. Drove it a few days later, was driving around just fine for about 30 minutes, then the same thing happened, I heard a clanking/stalling noise coming from the engine, and it was stalling out. Thankfully, I was able to pull over to a residential street and had to get it towed to my mechanic. Again, NO senor lights were on. My mechanic looked at it, and was baffled, because he said basically my engine is shot. I have always maintained my vehicle with oil changes, and tune-ups, and everything else, there were no indicator lights telling me something was wrong. I am completely upset and baffled at how my motor just stops working for no reason at all!

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #30

Apr 072022

Sorento

  • miles
uncontrolled acceleration

- Lincoln, RI, USA

problem #29

Nov 022021

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 line of traffic behind me that stretched close to a mile since it was during traffic night. I didn-€™t have enough time to pull the car over safely without the risks of being inside the car while it had fully ignited. The fire men had to get people and cars away from my car. I don-€™t know what failed or what happens but the fire started from under the hood. The car is pretty badly burnt so I don-€™t think there-€™s a way to examine anything. It is a total loss. Upon googling I-€™ve noticed a few more reports of Kia 2014 Sorentos catching fire. I don-€™t know which component caused it so I can-€™t say if it had been examined at all. It also happens extremely fast and I didn-€™t have any warning as to a fire breaking out. If I had stayed in the car to drive it to a safe clearing I would have been caught in the blaze. The only light that came on was tier pressure, which had come on a few days prior. No other warning lights came on. Not even during when the smoke appeared. The only thing that warned me was a strange odor right before I saw the smoke.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #28

Oct 042021

Sorento

  • 60,800 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor detected coming from the vents. The contact pulled over and inspected under the hood of the vehicle and saw that there was a leak coming from the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a leak coming from the damaged high-pressure fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had an engine replacement under warranty in May 2021. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The failure mileage was 60,800.

- Janesville, WI, USA

problem #27

Jun 012021

Sorento

  • miles
After recall repairs their were no warning lights showing and diagnostics always came back clear. Car overheated in RED Hot with no engine alarms or anything. Mechanic stated it-€™s blown head gaskets

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #26

Jan 292021

Sorento

  • 104,000 miles
Engine is failing and burning excessive oil, need oil change every 1K miles. Currently complying with oil consumption testing, however sensors are going on and I believe its due to excessive heat emitting from the engine. Service advisor submitted a goodwill claim for the ABS, traction control, tire pressure & E-brake sensors and Kia denied it. I just paid off my car, which is in great condition, and never had these issues. Kia just keeps doing oil changes and telling me to return every 1K miles. Also having ac issues, I recently found out my suction hose was leaking and had to replace it, after paying $160 for ac diagnosis. Broke down and paid $471 (originally $541 before discount) for a plastic hose and was told it would take 2-3 days to get here. About 27 days later, the part finally comes in, while my car happened to be at the dealership for a week unexpectedly. After getting 2 oil changes $140 in one month and driving for the first 1K miles after starting the oil testing, I went in at 8:30am to get an inspection on 3/15/21. I was informed that they would need to keep my car, and had to wound up getting a rental car. Another $239 I don't have. I then had to pay for labor and freon $286. After all the waiting and trouble I went through, suffering with no ac in fl, and spending a total of $1,296; they tell me after installing the part my ac compressor is bad and it would cost $905. So I still don't have ac! at this point, the engine needs to be replaced, I would like to be reimbursed for rental expenses while doing the oil testing, future rental/loaner accommodation because I know they will keep my car again, and assistance with the compressor and sensors. Being I paid for an overpriced hose, and the engine is failing. Now since last oil test, gas gauge does not match electronic range reading. Not sure if gas is full or not. When seatbelt dings speed gauge jumps.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #25

Feb 082021

Sorento

  • 89,500 miles
When driving home I pulled into my neighborhood and started to smell slight gas, when I get to my house a pulled into the driveway smoke started coming from under the hood. In an attempt to open the hood I noticed flames coming from under the car. I called 911 and my friend went to get a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher did not work as the fire grew big and fast. When the fire department arrived the front of the car was completely on fire. No recent work has been done of the car besides regular oil changes. The car was driving perfectly fine and no warning lights or weird noises before it caught fire.

- Arvada, CO, USA

problem #24

Aug 012019

Sorento

  • 75,000 miles
I have been locked out of car due to keyfob not working. I have had trouble ooening the hatch and sunroof. Preset comfort settings ie seat, mirror, door and window locks have reverted to ones previous to what I put in for myself. The gps kept getting stuck on the dealerdship address. I had starting issues. Now I often have stopping (turning off everything) issues so then have to keep turning the car on and off to finally get the electrical things (lights, radio) to turn off. Its scary. I also have the worst gas mileage. I started iff at 12 miles. After servicing, it went down to 8mi per gallon. If it gets to 14mi and I get the car serviced, it immediately drops back down. There are serious electrical issues with these Sorentos. This is a 2014 and I just got a recall. The recall work wss done and I experienced the whoke electrical craziness again with the trunck, lights, and clock. Eventually all the lights except one came on. Dealership swears it is just a coincidence. They akso have no answer for the clock being 2 hours behind ehen thd car was returned. They ssid that checking the hecu had nothing to do with the lights, or the clock. I suspect no recalls on the ekectrical system or poor mileage will come out until the car is 10 yearx old. Vehicle is stationary most of the time. I do not drive that much

- Sun City, AZ, USA

problem #23

May 012018

Sorento

  • 76,556 miles
Car does perfectly fine for two weeks then runs through radiator fluid and oil like it's crazy has not thrown a check engine light has had multiple maintenance is fixes we have literally almost had a severe accident because the car started to smoke and had the radiator cap almost explode off of it. And it literally was driving on a normal speed going about 75 mph-80mph, on the highway when suddenly it goes to a complete and utter 20 mph with her to the floor this car has been nothing but trouble it's been taken care of it's barely driven from our time of purchase.and the amount of certified veteran Kia. Mechanics all having no idea what's wrong because when they think they know what the fixlast but a week or two been paying for a rental car for almost a year now while still paying my payment on a Kia that cuomo has no recall' and almost killed my entire family on the I 40 in eastern North Carolina in the dark as well when it was an icy stormy road that I just been cleared we could've died and god knows what we could've done to others the road was safe take it into multiple Kia certified mechanics that your mechanics mom and pop mechanics two dealerships and nobody can figure out the problem this is the most disgusting thing that has ever happened to my family I have a car that has been sitting at a mechanic shop all over eastern North Carolina forever year now or in my driveway that I just pay on and pay a mechanic bills for because nobody can figure out why it over he eats why the speed why I almost catches on fire and white and black system break or the brake system and speed system is completely haywire. My family's or my wife dream vehicle is been our nightmare. I have plenty of bills I can upload here the date below is the date that I've been paying for to sit in my driveway and for it to be looked at mechanics for them to fix some thing and nothing be resolved.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #22

Oct 022020

Sorento

  • 75,000 miles
While driving and while running but standing still the engine light comes on. While driving at highway speed, the uvo/onboard voice alert came on and alerted to a serious engine issue/or failure. Engine code P0263 (contribution balance) & P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). Dealer diagnosed cylinder 1 internal injector failure & estimated replacement cost of $526 plus tax. Vehicle odometer at time of service was 75485 miles.

- Manteca, CA, USA

problem #21

May 052020

Sorento

  • 60,000 miles
My headlights continue to blow out every 2 months, no matter what kind of bulb I replace them with. Both headlights will go out, brake lights are also blowing out every 1.5 month. I brought it to my dealer: Kia of ventura, ca attention but they keep dismissing it as nothing is wrong. I have been pulled over twice so far this year for both break stop & headlights blowing out and not working during night time road travels across states. I feel this is. Very dangerous. Apparently, this isn't an isolated incident as I have come to know of 50+ Kia Sorento owners facing similar electrical safety issues. Also, ever I bought the car the mile per gallon the car is supposedly to give isn't correct, it only averages about 12-14 mpg. Please look into both of these safety issues as I drive with two under 5yrs kids and elderly mother. What is the NHTSA waiting for? multiple death fatalities before your organization takes action..do it now please. Any resulting fatalities will make you legally liable for failing to take action after soo many complaints.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

problem #20

Jul 182020

Sorento

  • 157,000 miles
My vehicle keeps having issues with oil. I get regular oil changes an I have to put oil in it either every 2weeks even after an oil change. I have had an oil compsumption test an have been told that there is nothing wrong with my car. There are no oil leaks at all. I was on the highway in cruise control when it all of sudden came out of cruise control then I noticed my RPM gauge wasn't working also. I then came to a light an when I started to go I noticed my car being sluggish to reach 60mph. I at one time had my pedal to the floor. It also acted like it wanted to stall on me. I made it home an into my driveway where I turned it off an back on which at that point my rmp gauge started working an the car acted normal. I have asked Kia about this problem numerous of times an I get no where. They say well we see that the consumption test came back in the standard range. I have no leaks an I have to put oil in my car on a regular bases. I can be only 4,000 after an oil change an feel it actiing up an then I ck my oil an my dip stick is clean no oil so then I have to add more oil. I am concerned that I will be on the highway an my car will just shut down. My car is always moving when I have these problems. I keep getting the run around about this issue.

- Englewood, OH, USA

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