Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's wife owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 33-35 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact's passenger side fender hit a pole, the vehicle continued to a hill, and the vehicle's front passenger side crashed into a utility pole where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact mentioned the first pole that was crashed into was very close to the roadway. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag deployed, but deployed partially. The contact sustained a concussion, left arm burn, swollen left knee, and foot injuries that required medical attention via the hospital which confirmed the contact had a mild concussion. An ambulance provided medical attention on the scene but the contact declined to be transported to the hospital however took himself to the hospital a couple of days after the impact. …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after turning on the vehicle the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a clockspring failure. The vehicle was repaired however, after several months the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated that the clockspring was damaged and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available and had to be ordered. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur after replacing the clockspring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Airbag System is not functioning. KIA Motors America has extended the warranty coverage for the front passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Pad to 15 years with unlimited milage. My local KIA dealership, Prestige KIA in Eau Claire, WI, has refused to repair it. When called they informed me, that I am no longer welcome at the dealership. When asked why, I was told a note was on the manager's desk. I have called and emailed the manager to obtain an explanation, however have not heard back. A KIA Motors representative called the dealership on my behalf and was told the same, that I was no longer welcome. KIA Motors advises to not drive the vehicle, yet will not provide towing to the next nearest dealership. The next closest dealership is 64 miles away. …
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. …
CHECK THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT If this occurs, Kia's system is designed to illuminate the airbag warning light on the instrument panel to alert you of a potential problem with your airbag system so that you can have the system inspected and repaired as soon as possible. The passenger's front airbag is a 'low risk deployment' airbag that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, meaning it has a reduced deployment strength for occupants in close proximity to the air bag. Despite being a low risk deployment airbag, if the airbag warning light is illuminated and the vehicle continues to be driven without being repaired, the front passenger airbag will deploy in a frontal impact regardless of whether the seat is occupied or not.
After my engine was replaced, due to recall, the airbag light has been on causing check engine light to stay on. In addition to the air bag light, shortly after tlairbag light issue, all other dashboards lights came on and remain on. All buttons and horn on steering wheel don't work. Since they replaced my engine, my AC has never worked again. When I got it back to Houston, it started smelling like was bad so I took to a mechanic. He said gas was spraying everywhere under the hood and I was lucky to be alive. Since the engine replacement it's been a disaster. All worked fine before engine went out and no lights were on.
Every light is on in the dash compartment. Power steering goes in and out. Brake lights not working even after being replaced. Car stuck in park unable to put into reverse. ABS/ Airbag light showing- ABS Sensor replaced and still not working Recall in 2022. Kia repaired vehicle and now that same issues are occurring Kia refuses to even look at vehicle without payment of 180.00 to just LOOK!
I have not had my car a year and the seatbelt light came on 2 days ago. I am keeping the services up and all of these things were supposedly passed during the inspection before I purchased my car. Also, the paint is peeling off the car. There are so many cars that has peeling paint when passing. Paint should not peel like that. I've never had this problem with any car I have purchased.
Vehicle engine shut down while I was driving on the highway situation was very dangerous other vehicles had to take evasive maneuvers in order not to collide with me I was very scared as I had my grand children with me the vehicle is currently at auto nation in keennesses Georgia it is available for inspection there were no warnings or other indications
I received notice mid August 2021 about recall and warranty repairs that needed to be made to my car. Brought it to the dealer on 8/30/21. On 8/31/21 I was given the car back and told, yes, it needed the repairs but I needed to wait for parts and they'd be in touch. I have heard nothing from KIA, despite complaining to them several times.
Airbag complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2014 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the air bags of the 2014 Kia Sorento, 5% of the model year's 988 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Kia Sorento airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2014 Kia Sorento, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Sorento airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.