KnownCarProblems2004 Kia Sorento Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 220 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Kia Sorento, most often about the engine (42% of complaints, typically around 92,500 miles). It is 14th of 24 Sorento model years by number of complaints.
Complaints220
Recalls0
Crashes reported11
Fires reported12
Injuries reported161 death reported
Most common 2004 Kia Sorento problems
Engine
92 complaints · 42%Half of these problems showed up before 92,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, steering became very difficult and the battery, check engine, and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the catalytic converter and the crank shaft bolt and pin needed to be…
Shortly after I had some belts replaced on my 2004 Kia Sorento, the crankshaft bolt broke (around 90,000 miles on the vehicle). I was told there was a recall on this part, but not for my VIN number. I had to pay over $700 to get the problem fixed and my mechanic had to buy the part from Kia to finally get it from…
Transmission
40 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
On monday, august 10th, 2015 I was driving my 2004 Kia Sorento lx and heard a loud bang and then the vehicle began to fishtail. I was traveling at a low speed of around 35 MPH. I immediately slowed down and managed to drive the vehicle to a nearby garage. At the garage the vehicle was placed on the lift and it was…
Corrosion of rear differential, both left and right arm completely broke off axle assy, unsafe to drive. Repair shop I've used for the last 4 years gave estimate of $1,300.00 with possible additional cost of up to $500.00. They suggested I call Kia regarding my 10 yr. 100,000 mile warranty. Called Kia corporate…
Suspension
30 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 103,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
Took my car in for nys inspection and was alerted to an issue with my rear suspension. The rear cross member is completed rotted out and the upper trailing arm have become separated from the cross member due to rust and corrosion. This is a 2004 Kia Sorento ex that I purchased new and now has 103,000 miles. This…
Vehicle is only 8 years old. I constantly have this problem. The first time I had this problem I slid while trying to hold brakes, there was also a lot of weird sounds and the rear end did not feel sturdy. I took it to my mechanic and he found metal bracket welded to the rear axle that holds the upper control arms had…
Body and structure
28 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 122,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
My son was driving this car when he heard a loud bang and lost control of vehicle while driving in a roundabout in taunton mass and nearly crashed this vehicle due to losing the ability of stabilizing it, but was able to pull off to side of road thankfully because of the speed of travel at the time, thankfully he was…
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Sorento. While driving at 25 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to side of the road and observed that the rear frame fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…
Electrical
28 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 96,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, alternator/generator/regulator.
Repeated problems with check engine light, keep giving evap code, replaced evap canister solenoid with kit, headlights, taillights, clock loses time, .
I was driving approximately 35-40 MPH and my car suddenly lost power with all the dash lights briefly coming on (battery, oil, etc.). Fortunately I was close to a side street and was able to make a hard turn and coast to the curb. I waited a minute and was able to restart the vehicle. I drove home and there was one…
Steering
24 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 99,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist system.
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering and brakes suddenly malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the camshaft pulley was faulty and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and the…
Traveling at 40mph crankshaft bolt broke off inside crankshaft sprocket causing harmonic balancer and belt to fall off. Also had to replace A/C comp, water pump and timing belt due to damage. 1st instance.
Fuel system
14 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 112,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
We purchased our Sorento used (approx 65k miles)about 3 years ago. Since then, we've had to replace the gas tank ($1500) among other things. This year has been absurd: had to replace the radiator, water pump, computer system (2 months, $4700), brakes ($750) and 2 batteries. 2-3 months ago, we noticed a…
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Sorento. Within less than 30 days of owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the fuel gauge on the instrument cluster continued to indicate full whether the contact refueled the vehicle or not. Also, when the air conditioner was turned off, smoke emitted into the interior of the vehicle…
Lights
14 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 55,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, brake lights, tail lights.
I have a 2004 Kia sorrento with 57,000 miles. I have owned it for 2 years. The headlights and brake lights continuously go out. I have replaced each headlight 4 times in the past year and the brake lights have been replaced 5 times in the past year. This is a safety hazard as I never know when my brake lights are out…
2004 Kia Sorento. The rear tail lights and front fog lights burn out frequently. This leaves me unknowingly driving at night without proper lighting. I usually find out when other drivers tell me my lights are out. There is either an electrical or fuzebox problem with the Kia Sorento from 2003-06. So far, Kia has…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Kia Sorento recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2004 Kia Sorento
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Sorento?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (92 complaints, typically around 92,500 miles); transmission (40 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles); suspension (30 complaints, typically around 103,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Sorento have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Kia Sorento. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Kia Sorento?
- It is 14th of 24 Sorento model years by number of complaints, with 220 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.