2014 KIA Sorento Life Expectancy - How Many Miles Will It Go?

The 2014 KIA Sorento was a popular pick for families when it was launched. The optional 3rd row meant the crossover could accommodate a large family. KIA did not stop at making the Sorento spacious. They upped the car's power from 276 hp to 290 hp. It is a car that proved to be more practical than the average crossover in almost every aspect.

You won't find many differences in comparing 2014 and the previous year's Sorento. The interior of the older generation and this Sorento is similar as well as the exterior. However, for the 2014 Sorento, KIA invested more in the chassis, whereby the body of the newer car stiffened. Sorento came with a new front suspension. The rear suspension got pushed further back, making the ride comfier and the car's handling better.

The 2014 KIA Sorento

KIA started producing the KIA Sorento in 2002. Until 2009, Sorento was a compact SUV. Afterward, Sorento was upgraded into a mid-size crossover, and this saw its popularity grow. The 2014 KIA Sorento was the third generation, and it was marketed in the US as the car that has 'an answer for everything'. 

The engine of this car can either be petrol or diesel driven. You can opt to buy the all-powerful 3.3L Lambda II V6 version that delivers 290hp and 216 kW, or you can opt for the new 2.0L turbo I4 engine that delivers 240 hp. KIA retained the 190 hp 2.4L GDI I4 engine and introduced a 2.2-liter CRDi diesel engine (not in the US, of course). For those that prefer a manual transmission, there is a 6-speed option otherwise, your other options are 6-speed and 8-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2014 Sorento enjoys several cabin upgrades, making driving more fun and comfier. The manufacturer seems to trust the original Sorento framework. You won't find much change in the 2014 exterior style.

Steering and the handling of the Sorento have been updated though. The Uvo voice activation system and the entry of the new SX-L trim meant that Sorento was fighting for its space where Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Dodge Journey, among others, have long dominated.

What is the life expectancy of 2014 KIA Sorento?

The life expectancy of a car depends on several factors. Some cars are known to last for decades, while others only serve a few years. The reliability of the 2014 KIA Sorento can best be determined after analyzing the user experiences of several owners. 

Buyers of the 2014 KIA Sorento have been giving positive reviews of the vehicle over the years. However, some issues dog this generation of Sorento, making its score less than perfect. Your car should last many years with regular servicing and a good driving style.

Numerous Sorento owners testify to enjoying their Sorento way after the 200,000-mile mark. There are people whose Sorentos have surpassed the 200,000 miles mark by far and are still enjoying the car. The earlier generation of Sorento is known to last 13 years without any serious problems hampering its performance. It follows then that our Sorento should match this or do better. The 2014 KIA Sorento has been faced with a myriad of issues that make it hard for the car to reach the 200,000 miles mark without encountering problems.  

What issues make the 2014 KIA Sorento have a limited life expectancy?

• Engine problems

One of the major complaints about the 2014 KIA Sorento is the sudden stalling of the car. About 250 complaints relating to engine problems have already been lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the US. Car owners affected say that the car stalled without any prior engine problem. Some cars restarted and managed to reach the garage, while others never started again and had to be towed. 

The engine stalling is a big issue because it usually means you will have to replace it. Worse still is that most affected cars stall after only 70,000 miles. This means the vehicle is relatively new, which can be frustrating. A new Sorento engine is around $9,000, and replacing the same can cost as much as $20,000. You might sometimes be forced to buy additional stuff, plus of course, there is the labor.

Some mechanics have managed to pinpoint a defect that causes a bearing to fail. This defect causes major engine failure, which in turn means you need to replace the whole engine. This costly defect plays a part in reducing the life expectancy of this car. 

• Peeling of paint

This problem is predominantly experienced by the owners of the pearl white 2014 KIA Sorento. The peeling of the pain leads to the corrosion of the panels. This makes the car appear older and unsightly. Considering that a garage will usually give you a quote to paint the whole car, which doesn't come cheap, the car's lifespan tends to shorten due to corrosion. 

• Transmission issues

Transmission problems also play a part in making the 2014 KIA Sorento lifespan shorter than what most owners would want. A common complaint is that the gear shifting starts delaying. You might also hear a grinding sound when gears are shifting. Other Sorento owners have reported transmission fluid leaks. The leaks lead to low transmission fluid levels, hence lesser lubrication for moving parts, leading to the grinding sound. 

The transmission problem in 2014 Sorento can be due to debris in the gearbox or a ruptured hose. A defect in the transmission system means your car will not drive smoothly, and in the worst cases, the car will stall. Signs to look out for include the transmission warning light and a pungent smell coming from the transmission area of the car.

• Electrical systems failing

The electrical system of the 2014 Sorento seems to be short of being perfect given the number of complaints Sorento owners report. The headlights of this car can dim or go off while driving at night. This can be caused by a defect in the bulbs or a faulty wire. Another issue to point out is the failure of the AC system, which leads to the AC delivering mold-smelling air. 

The backup camera failing and the tire pressure sensor not showing on the dash are the issues Sorento owners face. These electronics issues tend to reduce the reliability of the car's system, which reduces the car's reliability and lifespan.

How to prolong the 2014 KIA Sorento life expectancy

To make your 2014 KIA Sorento or any other car last many years, you must play your role properly as the owner. Even the toughest of vehicles wear out fast when the owner mishandles them. Here are some simple things you must abide by to ensure your Sorento has a long lifespan;

• Regular services - A 'regular service schedule available' is a strong selling point for any car because a regularly serviced car will last longer and give you better service.
• Keeping the car clean and away from the sun - Neglecting to wash your car leads to an accumulation of dirt and smudge that lead to corrosion of car parts and components in just two years. Further neglect leads to corrosion and the eventual need to replace car parts. Exposing your car to the sun every day leads to the general deterioration of the car's condition.
• Avoid aggressive driving - Violent driving, hard braking, Jackrabbit acceleration, and continuous use of brakes or clutch will definitely cause faster wear and tear on your vehicle by increasing the strain on car components and fuel economy. Practices such as giving your car time to idle after starting to ensure the engine stays healthy and for many years after.
• Timely repairs - There are times you might be tempted to ignore minor issues such as noise under the car. The bad news is that many times a driver has ignored a repair or checkup of their car, and it is followed by serious damage to the car and the wallet. Many serious issues that can make your car stall or cost you a great deal of money started with minor problems that would have been sorted cheaply when they started.

Conclusion

As we have seen above, the 2014 KIA Sorento is a normal car that will serve your needs perfectly. KIA, as a brand, is trusted and has grown over the years across countries and continents. The company seems to invest heavily in its R&D department, and to a large extent, good results are achieved. The great leaps KIA has made over the years have seen the company expand its product range. 

KIA's growth has come at a cost. The 2014 KIA Sorento has been recalled on five different occasions. Among the issues that have necessitated the recalls include engine cooling issues, axle assembly defects, service brake issues, and defects with the fuel system. These recalls have contributed to shortening the lifespan of this model.

The lifespan of the 2014 KIA Sorento should be longer than the previous generations. The new technology, improved chassis, and compactness of the car serve to make this car a better choice for a family. But put side by side with the competition, you might be tempted to go for the alternative because of the nagging issues that hover around every 2014 Sorento. Moreover, the recalls touching on sensitive areas such as safety, engine, and reliability do not help strengthen the 2014 Sorento's long lifespan case.