2004 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Kia Sorento: 0 recalls, 220 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (46): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (13), leaks (13), warning light on (11).
- Engine (46): the most common themes are noise or vibration (12), electrical failure (12).
- Transmission & drivetrain (40): the most common themes are noise or vibration (13), hard / delayed shifting (10).
- Suspension (30): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (21), noise or vibration (4).
The 2004 Kia Sorento has 220 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (well below the 425 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 86,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (305 complaints, 1 recalls), 2005 (307 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Kia Sorento.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2004 Kia Sorento. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2004 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners have filed 220 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (46), engine (46), transmission & drivetrain (40).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Kia Sorento repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.