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2004 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

187 reports with mileage · 33 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports12 fire reports9 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

28 reports
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120,000 miles · Jan 13, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

BATTERY WAS LOW AND THEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE LIGHT STILL ON. LOOKING ONLINE AND FIND OUT THIS ISSUE IS TYPICAL ON ALL KIA SORENTOS. WONDERING WHY THIS ISSUE IS NOT BEING RECALL. CALLED DEALER AND THEY MENTIONED THAT A $130 DIAGNOSE TEST NEEDS TO BE PAID IN ORDER TO KNOW WHAT IS THE …

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BATTERY WAS LOW AND THEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE LIGHT STILL ON. LOOKING ONLINE AND FIND OUT THIS ISSUE IS TYPICAL ON ALL KIA SORENTOS. WONDERING WHY THIS ISSUE IS NOT BEING RECALL. CALLED DEALER AND THEY MENTIONED THAT A $130 DIAGNOSE TEST NEEDS TO BE PAID IN ORDER TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10559539

100,100 miles · Feb 21, 2013
Electrical System

FEBRUARY 21, 2013 LOS ANGELES, CA ELECTRICAL I BOUGHT MY KIA BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS: COMPLAINT 1: I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT AGAINST KIA MOTORS WHO WILLINGLY KNOWS OF ISSUES WITH ITS FUEL SYSTEMS IN ALL 2004 KIA SORENTOS. EVEN LOOKING ONLINE YOU SEE THOUSANDS OF KIA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SENSOR GO OUT ON…

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FEBRUARY 21, 2013 LOS ANGELES, CA ELECTRICAL I BOUGHT MY KIA BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS: COMPLAINT 1: I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT AGAINST KIA MOTORS WHO WILLINGLY KNOWS OF ISSUES WITH ITS FUEL SYSTEMS IN ALL 2004 KIA SORENTOS. EVEN LOOKING ONLINE YOU SEE THOUSANDS OF KIA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SENSOR GO OUT ON THIS MODEL CAR AFTER THE CARS 100000 WARRANTY, AND THEN KIA CLAIMS IT IS PAST THE WARRANTY THEY HAVE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THIS CAUSES THE GAS TO ALWAYS READ INCORRECTLY EVEN WITH A FULL TANK THE CAR READS "E" I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING GAS IN THE CAR IN FEAR OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499611

138,057 miles · Feb 12, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSuspensionFire

PICKED UP VEHICLE AFTER HAVING REAR SUPPORT BEARINGS REPAIRED DRIVING BACK HOME AT 65MPH ON I-35/TEXAS 410 EAST STARTED TO EXPERIENCE STRONG SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. DURING DRIVE HOME STARTED TO RAIN, ACTIVATED WIPERS, DRIVERS SIDE WIPER BLADE FELL OFF DURING RAINSTORM HAD TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE WINDOW T…

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PICKED UP VEHICLE AFTER HAVING REAR SUPPORT BEARINGS REPAIRED DRIVING BACK HOME AT 65MPH ON I-35/TEXAS 410 EAST STARTED TO EXPERIENCE STRONG SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. DURING DRIVE HOME STARTED TO RAIN, ACTIVATED WIPERS, DRIVERS SIDE WIPER BLADE FELL OFF DURING RAINSTORM HAD TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TO NAVIGATE! UPON ARRIVAL AT HOME NOTICED, SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT (PASSENGERS SIDE) AND SMOKE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LOOKED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WAS SMOKING, INSIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT A HOSE AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (SORRY NOT A MECHANIC) HAD A HOLE IN IT AND WAS SMOKING ALSO? VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE 12/7/12, VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 10/4/12, HAS LIMITED WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10497873

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAN RELAY FUSE HAD TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO GET THE FAN TO STOP RUNNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL MECHANICS FOR SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HOWEVER, THE MECHANICS WERE NEVER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE M…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAN RELAY FUSE HAD TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO GET THE FAN TO STOP RUNNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL MECHANICS FOR SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HOWEVER, THE MECHANICS WERE NEVER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

NHTSA ODI #10496571

77,567 miles · Nov 26, 2012
Electrical System

WHEN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE THE COOLING FAN STAYS RUNNING. IF THIS IS NOT NOTICED IT WILL RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY DIES AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NEED JUMPED. AS I WAS RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE ISSUES WITH RELAYS IN KIA'S FROM 2003 TO 2006. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH SOMETIMES MORE. TH…

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WHEN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE THE COOLING FAN STAYS RUNNING. IF THIS IS NOT NOTICED IT WILL RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY DIES AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NEED JUMPED. AS I WAS RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE ISSUES WITH RELAYS IN KIA'S FROM 2003 TO 2006. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH SOMETIMES MORE. THIS TIME THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED TO GET THE FAN TO SHUT OFF.. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED FARTHER IN REGARDS TO HOW OFTEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY KIA TO A MECHANIC YET DUE TO THE FACT IT IS VERY COSTLY TO TRACK AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IF YOU ARE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM YOU MAY GO TO START YOUR CAR AND IT DOES NOT RUN. THERE ARE A HIGH AND LOW FAN ON THIS KIA. BOTH OF THE FANS ARE RUNNING BUT THE HIGH FAN IS ALMOST SILENT. IF THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST FOUR YEARS THERE SHOULD BE SOME WAY TO HOLD THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10486137

120,000 miles · Apr 3, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

SUMMARY: UPDATE TO BELOW PROBLEM I BOUGHT MY SORENTO IN 2004, NEW. I REPLACED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR AT 61000 MILES DUE TO OVERHEATING, REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS ON 4 OCCASIONS, TAIL LIGHTS ON 2 OCCASIONS. MY VEHICLE, 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STARTED TO HAVE A ROARING NOISE APPROX. 6 MONTHS AGO AND THE U-JOINT…

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SUMMARY: UPDATE TO BELOW PROBLEM I BOUGHT MY SORENTO IN 2004, NEW. I REPLACED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR AT 61000 MILES DUE TO OVERHEATING, REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS ON 4 OCCASIONS, TAIL LIGHTS ON 2 OCCASIONS. MY VEHICLE, 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STARTED TO HAVE A ROARING NOISE APPROX. 6 MONTHS AGO AND THE U-JOINTS WERE REPLACED. IT STILL ROARS. IT QUIT RUNNING ON 2-16-12 WHILE I WAS DRIVING, BUT RESTARTED. IT FINALLY QUIT AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART ON 2-17-12. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATE A FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR PROBLEM, BUT MECHANIC SAYS THIS SHOULD NOT CAUSE THE PROBLEM I PRESENTLY HAVE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 2-18-12. THE MECHANIC SAID IT STARTED FOR HIM. I INSISTED HE LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. SURE ENOUGH, IT QUIT. KIA MECHANIC TOLD ME IT MAY BE A CRANK OR CAM SENSOR ISSUE. OTHER PROBLEMS--FRONT DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON AT WILL, REAR ONE WORKS, CLOCK ON AND OFF AT WILL, VEHICLE HUMS LOUDLY WHEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE. IT HAS BEEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE FOR THE MOST PART, BUT WHEN THERE IS AN ISSUE, IT IS HARD TO DETECT. ABOVE WORK WAS COMPLETED AT A COST OF 1126,00. BUT NOW CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE WHILE DRIVING COSTING DAMAGE TO ENGINE HEADS. VEHICLE WENT BACK INTO SHOP AND IS STILL WAITING REPAIRS. KIA OWES IT CUSTOMERS BETTER SERVICE AND MUST PAY REPAIR COST AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY CRANKSHAFT BOLTS THEY PROVIDE TO THE MECHANICS . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10453918

100,000 miles · Jul 8, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, KEEP GIVING EVAP CODE, REPLACED EVAP CANISTER SOLENOID WITH KIT, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, CLOCK LOSES TIME, . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10411517

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2011
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

I BOUGHT A 2004 KIA SORENTO IN 2006 FINISHED PAYING FOR IT IN 2010,OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LIGHTS SO MANY TIMES I CANT COUNT,I HAVE HAD TOPAINT IT TWICE,THEN THE DRIVING SHAFT BROKE,THE COMPRESSOR WAS CHANGED TWICE, THE CD PLAYER WORKS ON AND OFF THE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED FOR MONTHS ON END THE ENGINE …

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I BOUGHT A 2004 KIA SORENTO IN 2006 FINISHED PAYING FOR IT IN 2010,OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LIGHTS SO MANY TIMES I CANT COUNT,I HAVE HAD TOPAINT IT TWICE,THEN THE DRIVING SHAFT BROKE,THE COMPRESSOR WAS CHANGED TWICE, THE CD PLAYER WORKS ON AND OFF THE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED FOR MONTHS ON END THE ENGINE LIGHT DOES THE SAME AND MOST RECENTLY THERE IS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, I AM HAVING TO STOP PARK AND LET IT COOL OFF BEFORE CONTINUING ON MY JOURNEY, AT THE MOMENT I GOT SCARED AND I NOW I HAVE MY VEHICLE PARKED AT HOME BECAUSE I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT, IT IS A SHAME AND I AM VERY UPSET. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO IS TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS US CONSUMERS ARE HAVING? I OWN MY VEHICLE AND HAS A CLEAN TITLE AND WOULD LIKE TO TRADE IN OR SELL BUT WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS HOW CAN I PASS IT ON TO SOMEONE ELSE? I AM ASKING SOMEONE FROM KIA TO DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND GIVE US SOME ANSWERS BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE,THAT IS IF IT HASN'T HAPPENED ALREADY. DON'T LET THIS BE TOYOTA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10392580

25 miles · Jul 22, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE 74 TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THEY HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY EVERY YEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP SHE COULD HEAR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SURGING AND THE LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE 74 TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THEY HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY EVERY YEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP SHE COULD HEAR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SURGING AND THE LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12000.

NHTSA ODI #10344757

57,000 miles · Oct 22, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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 UNLESS S…

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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 UNLESS SOMEONE STOPS AND TELLS ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10246364

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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