2014 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine knocking or ticking
- 70owner reports
- 106,000median miles
- $7,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
70 of the 183 reports of engine failure on the 2014 Sorento describe engine knock.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (183 reports) · also: engine seized
Tick what matches of 70 reports
Engine knock on other Sorento years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (8 reports), the rod bearing (5 reports) and the knock sensor (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
All 6 recalls on the 2014 Kia Sorento, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sorento
Loss of motive power. Closed jul 23, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine oil pressure switch leak. Closed jun 26, 2023.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
What owners paid
8 of the 70 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,000 to $11,521.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 80,000 and 126,000 miles, from the 47 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 13 service bulletins or notices for the 2014 Kia Sorento that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R6: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z_Rev3) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1803, Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic ...
9 more on the 2014 Kia Sorento page.
What owners wrote
“Out of no where engine light starts flashing and had it checked code P1326 Knock Sensor Detection System. Now need a new engine. This is a common issue for this make and model but somehow my vin isnât on the recall. This isnât right”
Filed Aug 9, 2025
“My car was at Kia for a key fob issue. A day later the engine started ticking. Iâm told I need a new engine. My car had no issues. I want to know if it can be related to this recall or if my car shouldâve been recalled for the 2017 engine recall sc147. I am not convinced that they didnât cause this when they had it as it started the next day it was driven. They will not take responsibility for it of course.”
Filed Feb 22, 2024
“My son was driving, heard a knocking noise. The engine ceased and he lost steering. Luckily he avoided an accident. A recall is out on 2014 Kia Sorento with 2.4L engines. My car is a 3.3L DOHC 24v. No recall but plenty of complaints. My mechanic told me I need a new engine. i left a message with Battleground Kia last week with no response. The engine and power steering lights were on after the incident”
Filed Aug 2, 2022
“Although no warning light, we heard a slight knock with the engine over the course of a couple days, intermittently. Called the dealer to schedule appointment. Very next day knocking significantly louder and undriveable, so had towed. Engine now needs to be replaced at 135,000 miles. Not covering because oil changes done outside of dealership.”
Filed May 1, 2022 · 135,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 70 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Paint peels or body rusts 147 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 138 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 91 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 82 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 68 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 55 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 49 reports
- Vehicle fire 43 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 39 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 37 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 33 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 26 reports