There are no safety recalls for the 2004 Kia Sorento, but owners have filed 220 complaints with NHTSA.
2004 Kia Sorento problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 50 | |
| Engine | 46 | |
| Power Train | 42 | |
| Suspension | 32 | |
| Structure | 28 | |
| Electrical System | 28 | |
| Steering | 26 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Unknown or Other | 13 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 19
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 12
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 7
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3
- Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 3
- Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 3
- Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 87,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Kia Sorento complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Structure · reported Aug 25, 2020
This kia was housed and stored in a garage for most of its life and driven only in the summer. In the winters of michigan is was housed in a clean dry garage. This kia was a 2 owner car. I AM the second owner. I had driven it one winter and this summer took it to get an alignment because it pulled to the right. Alignment center could not do the alignment because the whole right driverside of the frame was rusted out beyond their safty standards. The kia was pulling to the right because the whole frame on the right side was 80% rusted out and the left side was also but not to the extent of the…
Structure · at 150,000 miles · reported Jan 21, 2020
While my daughter was driving on the highway, the brakes failed. The mechanic showed me the brake lines toward the rear suspension rusted through. Also the support for the rearend rusted through making the vehicle dangerous to drive. The brake lines from front to back were changed and I AM looking to have the support brackets changed.
Electrical System · at 180,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2019
I bought my 04 sorento from my aunt who was the only owner. It had a power steering issue at that time which took several attenpts to fix. About a month later we we visiting family and had to turn around. Upon stopping we noticed smoke from the engine compartment so I grabbed my 4 y/o daughter out of the car and by boyfriend opened the hood to find a small fire on opposite side fro where battery is. Once fire was put out we drove .5 miles on a city rd to family. The power steering was gone at that time as well. 10/13/19 - the directional worked all day and come night time when I came out from…
Structure · at 140,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2019
Oct, 2016 - I AM the orignal owner of the vehicle and had maintained regular maintainence on the vehicle. I had just put $700 of new tires on vehicle and had a routine oil change and fluid check before we left for our vacation. I never had any issues with the vehicle and I still own. The vehicle does not run but I wanted to know what started the fire. My daughter and I were headed out of town for a week, about 200 miles into the commute the front of the vehicle began to smoke from under the hood, we were traveling at 55-60 MPH. As I was exiting the 421 highway flames began coming out from…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 133,346 miles · reported Oct 6, 2019
I was driving when I heard a clunking noise, and my truck shifted. So I pulled over to see the my rear lower arm fell from subframe corrsion due to heavy salt use here in wi. I had to get car towed home.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 Kia Sorento as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Kia Sorento?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (50 reports), followed by engine (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 87,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.