MYRModel Year Report

2004 Kia Sorento

● Typical for this model
2004 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sorento Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 2003: 305 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2004 2005: 307 complaints 2006: 242 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 217 complaints 2009: 55 complaints 2009 2010: 3 complaints 2011: 1517 complaints 2012: 876 complaints 2012 2013: 980 complaints 2014: 983 complaints 2015: 747 complaints 2015 2016: 1245 complaints 2017: 799 complaints 2018: 251 complaints 2018 2019: 421 complaints 2020: 132 complaints 2021: 241 complaints 2021 2022: 185 complaints 2023: 117 complaints 2024: 37 complaints 2024 2025: 72 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2004: 220 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003305
2004220
2005307
2006242
2007154
2008217
200955
20103
20111517
2012876
2013980
2014983
2015747
20161245
2017799
2018251
2019421
2020132
2021241
2022185
2023117
202437
202572
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%

23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 50 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE
ENGINE 21%

21% of complaints: engine — 46 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 19%

19% of complaints: power train — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040823

SUSPENSION 15%

15% of complaints: suspension — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130212

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VISIBILITY/WIPER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (50 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (46 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (42 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2016 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Kia Sorento reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Sorento?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Sorento have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.