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.

2004 Kia Sorento

● Typical for this model

2004 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-10-10

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: 220
Recalls: 0
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2004: 220 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	305
2004	220
2005	307
2006	242
2007	154
2008	217
2009	55
2010	3
2011	1,518
2012	878
2013	981
2014	986
2015	750
2016	1,254
2017	802
2018	254
2019	426
2020	134
2021	251
2022	186
2023	122
2024	41
2025	75
2026	7

Known problem areas

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

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE

Engine

21% · 46 reports

FIREINJURY

Power train

19% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY

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, 2004-08-23

Suspension

15% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing rear and stabilizer bar.

CRASHFIRE

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, 2013-02-12

Also filed under Electrical system and visibility/wiper

Electrical system

13% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 50 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 42 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.