2004 Kia Sorento Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (20.9% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 3.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 46 · 20.9% | No official action | — |
| Suspension | 28 · 12.7% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 26 · 11.8% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 25 · 11.4% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 23 · 10.5% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 20 · 9.1% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 220 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST…”NHTSA complaint 10521701 — filed 06/25/2013 · ENGINE
“THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE AND MESSED UP THE STEERING, I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW AND CONTINUES TO…”NHTSA complaint 10493231 — filed 01/16/2013 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE, THE TIMING BELT AND DRIVE BELT CAME LOOSE.”NHTSA complaint 10492068 — filed 01/10/2013 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Sorento?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 46 of 220 NHTSA complaints (20.9%), followed by suspension (28), engine and engine cooling (26), electrical system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Kia Sorento have?
220 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 12 involved a fire, and 16 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Kia Sorento's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
