2004 Kia Sorento problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2004 Kia Sorento sits mid-pack among Sorento years: 341 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 338, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 96 reports (28% of the total).
341
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
24
Fires reported
16
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Sorento years?
What are the most common 2004 Kia Sorento problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 96 | 28% | — flat |
| Transmission | 42 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 32 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 30 | 9% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 28 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 26 | 8% | — flat |
| Lighting | 14 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 14 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 14 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 14 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. ”
“THE CONSUMER APPROACHED A DRIVEWAY WHICH HAD A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPENED. AT LEAST TWO MINUTES LATER, A CLICK WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS UNTIL IT HIT A TREE. A KIA REPRESENTATIVE CAME THREE DAYS…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE FENDER WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW RACK AND PINION, TIE ROD,…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000. ”
“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…”
2004 Kia Sorento — common questions
Is the 2004 Kia Sorento reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sorento: 341 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2004 Sorento problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (96 complaints), transmission (42 complaints), suspension (32 complaints).
Does the 2004 Kia Sorento have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Kia Sorento.
Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento years to avoid are 2011, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2017, 2015, 2019. The cleanest record among Sorento years belongs to 2010.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.