2014 Kia Sorento Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 71 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Kia Sorento, 7% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. A related recall (13V356000) covers front axle shaft assembly replacement on certain 2.4L models.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 71
- 7% of 986
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a hard jerk or slam-forward sensation right after accelerating from a stop, occurring within a short distance of starting to move.
- Some report a loud bang or metallic clunk from the rear of the vehicle followed by fluid leaking from the AWD coupling or rear differential, sometimes with the differential breaking apart.
- Others describe both axles shearing off along with the rear differential splitting and losing fluid, occurring around 105,000 miles.
- A transmission module warning appears on the dash along with a check engine light, and the car briefly feels like it shifted into neutral with RPMs spiking while driving in traffic, near 69,900 miles.
- Some owners report a repetitive banging or grinding noise from underneath the car at low speed, followed by the wheels suddenly locking up.
- One owner who received a recall notice reported being unable to get the vehicle serviced because the replacement part was unavailable.
When 2014 Kia Sorento transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 7, 2013, latest Sep 8, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2014 Kia Sorento
- NHTSA 13V356000Aug 13, 2013Transmission & Powertrain9,345 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2014 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists 71 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain category for the 2014 Sorento, which is 7% of the 986 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2014 Kia Sorento?
- Yes. Recall 13V356000 covers certain 2014 Sorento vehicles with 2.4 liter engines built between January 7, 2013 and March 12, 2013, due to a manufacturing issue affecting the front axle shaft assembly. Kia dealers replace the assembly free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2014 Sorento?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2014 Sorento.
- Are transmission complaints worse in 2014 than other Sorento model years?
- The 2014 Sorento's 71 complaints and 7% share are similar to 2012 and 2013, but lower than 2011's 265 complaints (17% share) and well below 2021's 137 complaints, which made up 55% of that year's total.