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2014 Kia Sorento transmission problems

72 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
72
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
70,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Driveline: differential unit
    2
  • Driveline: driveshaft
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Sorento transmission problems in other years

20032005201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Kia Sorento transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 9Hesitation 7Harsh shifting 6Won't shift 5

Related recalls

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported August 13, 2013 · 9,345 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
Risk
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.

Recall number 13V356000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Front Axle Shaft FailureOpened July 5, 2013, closed September 20, 2013

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai-Kia) submitted two Defect Information Reports (DIR) to the federal safety agency identifying a safety defect related to fracture of the right front axle shaft in MY 2013 front wheel drive Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles built from July 13, 2012 through March 12, 2013 and MY 2014 front wheel drive Kia Sorento vehicles built from January 7 through March 12, 2013 (Recall Nos. 13V‑355 and 13V‑356).According to Hyundai-Kia, the right front axle driveshaft may develop a crack in the area of the stub at the wheel end of the shaft due to problems with the stub supplier's forging process for axles installed in vehicles built prior to March 12, 2013.When moving from a stop, the crack can lead to a separation of the shaft, causing a loud noise and loss of motive power.In addition, should the driver fail to engage the parking brake on an inclined surface, the vehicle may roll.In either case, a crash could result.ODI's review of consumer complaints and data submitted by Hyundai-Kia, identified 21 complaints alleging right-front axle shaft failure and 60 warranty claims related to right front axle replacements.All of the vehicles identified in the complaints and warranty claims were manufactured during the vehicle builds periods identified in the DIR.The Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10524563, 10524274, 10508727, and 10505768.

PE13025

What 2014 Kia Sorento owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IL

Driving down the road and all of a sudden the red oil pressure light appeared then the engine light appeared. The car engine power then reduced and ultimately ended up stopping, turning the car off. The car now has a loud ticking and knock coming from engine. From previous recalls i see that this is a common problem on these cars. This was without warning and occured a couple of days after a oil change. Oil was in good condition and full. The car is drivable but not safe to do so. There's a loud rattling noise while accelarating. Leads me to believe possible lifters and rod knock.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorrento. The contact stated that while driving, the engine suddenly seized in the middle of traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the crankshaft had seized. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

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

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Transmission · CO

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TN

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.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IA

While driving at low speed and turning, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by engine knocking. The engine stalled and would no longer operate normally. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, who found metal fragments/shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal engine damage. The engine is now inoperable and has effectively failed. There were no warning signs prior to the failure other than the knocking noise immediately before the loss of power. This failure occurred suddenly and without driver input. The sudden engine failure caused a loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in use, creating a potential safety hazard for occupants and surrounding traffic. The vehicle required towing due to engine failure. Kia Consumer Assistance was contacted regarding the engine failure. I was informed that no recalls apply to this VIN and that the vehicle is out of warranty. Kia Consumer Assistance stated they would not inspect or document the engine failure unless I paid out of pocket.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IA

I got my car fixed and I’m still having the same issue. Seems like they just turned off the lights on my car and it’s still giving me issues..

Filed Jun 19, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · TN

I have had nothing but issues with my Kia since I purchased it May 30th, 2023. It's continually stalling, completely looses power, sometimes won't operate at all. My Kia is very unsafe and completely unreliable. I had to have it towed to the dealership before my first payment was even due. My Kia has has to be taken to the dealership a total of 5 times and still nothing has been resolved, other than oil change, diagnostic testing, spark plugs replacement, "fuel system service", HECU fuse installed. As of today's date (June 19th, 2025) I still owe close to $12,000 on it. This is utterly ridiculous and needs to be resolved asap. It has been continual issues from May 30th, 2023 through current date (June 19th, 2025). In 15 months I have only been able to drive it 4,876 miles. That's how unreliable it is. I need help getting these issues resolved asap.

Filed Jul 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I was driving on the freeway in traffic with my 3 children returning home from a holiday weekend vacation, it was high 90's so the A/C was running and I had devices charging on the ports. We were 1.5 hrs into our drive and the vehicle failure came out of nowhere. Car has been in good condition and normal operation previously. Suddenly the entire dash flashed, flickered off then came back on with check engine light illuminated and battery symbol also on (very faintly), felt a minor kickback and car started slowing down until it stopped. I was able to get over and pull off to the shoulder to avoid incident but this could have easily turned into a very bad crash with a less experienced driver behind the wheel or if we had been going faster. Prior to this happening there was no warning of an issue with the vehicle - temperature check was in center between C and H, oil pressure was normal, no warning lights on dash, plenty of fuel and car was not due for an oil change for another 40 miles. Once I pulled over and stopped, turned off the car, it would not restart. Not enough power to turn over the engine. We had to call AAA and have the car towed home 35 miles. I had the vehicle towed to the Kia dealership and they are stating that it is not covered under a current recall or warranty extension and are seeking over $12,000 to replace the engine. I feel like my vehicle 2014 Kia Sorento SX V6 with 3.3L engine needs to be looked into for recall and warranty extension on the engine.

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · AL

I own a 2014 KIA Sorento 2.4L LX FWD. I have been experiencing a problem with my car for about two years. This usually occurs when driving up a hill and the transmission downshifts and I experience a jerk, either from the transmission or engine and the rpm drops to zero. The transmission will not shift from the last shift point. Most times it will be in the drive for final gear. You can increase the vehicle speed by pushing the accelerator all the way down. We were coming back on vacation two years ago and was driving in the left lane on an interstate. I experienced the symptoms and the rpm dropped to zero. No downshift or up shift. I managed ti find an opening in traffic to get over in the right hand lane and exit. Once I came to a stop, I tried to accelerate but engine struggled. I turned off the engine and was able to restart the engine and it operated properly. Had rom, transmission shifted properly. This was an unnerving situation. I felt very fortunate that I did not have to evade a dangerous situation on the interstate since the transmission would not shift and I could press the accelerator to the floor to gain a little extra speed. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

Questions about the 2014 Kia Sorento transmission

Does the 2014 Kia Sorento have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 72 complaints about the transmission of the 2014 Kia Sorento, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2014 Kia Sorento transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Kia Sorento transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V356000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Sorento have bad transmission?

The Kia Sorento model years with the most transmission complaints are 2011 (265 complaints), 2021 (146 complaints) and 2016 (126 complaints).

Other 2014 Kia Sorento problems

Engine 407Body 160Electrical 154Lights 86Brakes 85Airbags 51Fuel system 50Steering 35Acceleration 31Visibility 27Driver assistance 20Suspension 16Seats 11Wheels 8Locks 5Seat belts 4Tires 4

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