2014 KIA SORENTO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

1,345

Owner Complaints

34 Crashes 67 Fires 1 Death

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

103

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2014 KIA SORENTO

The 2014 KIA SORENTO has received a total of 1,345 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 12 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. 103 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (376 complaints), Structurebody (149 complaints), and Electrical System (141 complaints).

Recalls for the 2014 KIA SORENTO

NHTSA has recorded 12 recalls for the 2014 KIA SORENTO, potentially affecting up to 6,873,415 vehicles.

Recall 23V652000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 1,730,192 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner...

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Recall 23V652000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 1,730,192 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner...

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Recall 21V331000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 440,370 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner...

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Recall 21V331000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 440,370 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner...

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Recall 21V331000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 440,370 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner...

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Recall 20V519000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 440,370 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair...

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Recall 20V519000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 440,370 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair...

View full details →

Recall 20V519000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 440,370 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair...

View full details →

Recall 18V907000 — ENGINE

| 71,653 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement...

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

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Recall 18V907000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 71,653 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement...

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

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Recall 17V224000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 618,160 vehicles affected

Defect: Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Consequence: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is...

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Recall 13V356000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

| 9,345 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2014 KIA SORENTO

1,345 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 KIA SORENTO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 376 2 Crashes 28 Fires 3 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 149 2 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 141 5 Crashes 9 Fires 3 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 141 3 Crashes 9 Fires 5 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 79 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 64 1 Crash 1 Fire
Air Bags
Complaints: 51 9 Crashes 8 Injuries 1 Death
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 45 2 Crashes 6 Fires 3 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 41 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 34 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 31
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 30 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 20 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 16
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 15 1 Injury
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Seats
Complaints: 11 1 Fire 1 Injury
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 8
Wheels
Complaints: 8
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Fire
Firerelated
Complaints: 3 3 Fires
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipwheel Speed Sensortone Ring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsbulbs
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachmentssupport Devicestrut
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11718774 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
1. The engine consumed its own oil and a rod bearing failed and destroyed the engine 2. This happened while my wife was traveling on I20 at 70mph and almost resulted in a wreck when the engine died and she lost power to the wheels 3. Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA has confirmed that the engine consumed its own oil which cause a rod bearing to fail and ultimately led to the engine failure 4. No warning lights prior to this happening, just a knocking sound as she merged onto I20
#11718328 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Re: Formal Complaint – Repeated Engine Failures and Unacceptable Service Delays Vehicle: Kia Sorento 2014 VIN: [XXX] Purchased: Fall of 2021 Current Issue: Vehicle in service at Kia of Lincolnwood since January 9, 2026 Dear Kia Consumer Affairs and Legal Department, I am writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete lack of communication and urgency from both Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) and Kia's consumer support channels. This has caused significant financial hardship, disruption to my family and work, and eroded any trust in the brand. I purchased this vehicle approximately 5 years ago through CarMax. Within that time, the engine has died or stalled three times: The first failure occurred about one year after purchase, stranding me at 11:00 p.m. in rural Wisconsin during winter with my three young children in the vehicle. The second incident happened in downtown Chicago (River North), just one hour before I needed to depart for a work event in Champaign, IL, requiring a tow and last-minute rental arrangements. The most recent failure occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. after leaving my music studio, necessitating another tow and a $50 Uber ride home. Eleven months ago, Kia of Lincolnwood replaced the knock sensor under a one-year recall warranty. Despite this, the engine issues persisted. On January 9, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Kia of Lincolnwood for the third major engine-related failure. It has now been in the shop for nearly six weeks with no meaningful updates on diagnosis, repair timeline, or resolution. I have called the dealership at least ten times seeking callbacks from my assigned service advisor (Max) or any team member. In each instance, I was either hung up on, placed on hold for over an hour, or promised a return call that never came. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11718328 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
Re: Formal Complaint – Repeated Engine Failures and Unacceptable Service Delays Vehicle: Kia Sorento 2014 VIN: [XXX] Purchased: Fall of 2021 Current Issue: Vehicle in service at Kia of Lincolnwood since January 9, 2026 Dear Kia Consumer Affairs and Legal Department, I am writing to formally document my severe dissatisfaction with the repeated engine failures in my Kia vehicle and the complete lack of communication and urgency from both Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) and Kia's consumer support channels. This has caused significant financial hardship, disruption to my family and work, and eroded any trust in the brand. I purchased this vehicle approximately 5 years ago through CarMax. Within that time, the engine has died or stalled three times: The first failure occurred about one year after purchase, stranding me at 11:00 p.m. in rural Wisconsin during winter with my three young children in the vehicle. The second incident happened in downtown Chicago (River North), just one hour before I needed to depart for a work event in Champaign, IL, requiring a tow and last-minute rental arrangements. The most recent failure occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. after leaving my music studio, necessitating another tow and a $50 Uber ride home. Eleven months ago, Kia of Lincolnwood replaced the knock sensor under a one-year recall warranty. Despite this, the engine issues persisted. On January 9, 2026, I brought the vehicle to Kia of Lincolnwood for the third major engine-related failure. It has now been in the shop for nearly six weeks with no meaningful updates on diagnosis, repair timeline, or resolution. I have called the dealership at least ten times seeking callbacks from my assigned service advisor (Max) or any team member. In each instance, I was either hung up on, placed on hold for over an hour, or promised a return call that never came. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11718157 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
2014 Kia Sorento sxl Pearl White paint just peeling off the vehicle in large pieces. Seems to be a common issue that Kia does not want to fix. Paint is peeling from both left and right pillars, the hood and the top towards the fin. Started about a year ago and is getting progressively worse. The paint needs to be recalled and effected vehicles repainted.
#11715315 | ENGINE | | 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

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Safety Rating for the 2014 KIA SORENTO

The 2014 KIA SORENTO received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2014 KIA SORENTO

Kia America, Inc. has issued 103 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2014 KIA SORENTO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB_ELE108_R1 — STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON (WTY003) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the clock spring assembly on 2011MY - 2015MY...

WTY039_DP — ENGINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY039) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicle’s engine in the following vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 engines: 2014-2015 MY Sorento...

WTY026_OWNR_XM — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2014-2018 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Engine from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15...

PI1803_TSB_R6 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803_TSB_R6: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU - LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1803) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System...

WTY016_OWNR — SEATS

WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to the vehicle owners, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.

WTY016_OWNR — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to the vehicle owners, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.

WTY016_REIMB — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the notice to the vehicle owners, advising them of the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.

WTY016_QA — SEATS

WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - This document is the Question and Answer document regarding the Warranty Extension on the Occupant Detection System Sensor Pad to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.

TSB_ELE057_R3C — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BCM UPGRADE - IPM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA163) - This bulletin has been closed.

PI1803WX_TSB_R5C — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - CLOSED - This bulletin has been superseded by PI1803Y/Z.

Showing 10 of 103 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2014 KIA SORENTO

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the KIA SORENTO

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