10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,040 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #6

Apr 152008

Sorento

  • 61,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car was serviced by dealer for four years. I purchase the car, have the coolant water flow tank pressured tested and three weeks later leak or crack in the coolant water flow tank. All liquids leaked out, engine over heated and blew. Had to replace the engine. Over 6000. To repair.

- Green Valley, AZ, USA

problem #5

Mar 092008

Sorento

  • 159,000 miles
I have a 2004 magentis which I heard is like the serento. The timing belt jumped and this took out the motor. Up to this I loved my car. Kia said there was nothing they could do but replace the engine at my cost and I would not get it back until it was paid for. Well being a single mother of 4, still making payments on the car for another 4 more years. Needless to say I have a car with no motor and making payments.

- Biggar, 00, USA

problem #4

Apr 082008

Sorento 6-cyl

  • 61,000 miles
2004 Kia Sorento leak in A/C coolant bottle. My car was in for a pressure test three weeks before this and it past just fine without any leaks or cracks. On the freeway, over heats, pull over, all the fluid leaks out, engine is dead and must be replaced. Just hit 61,000 miles. Kia does not offer 100,000 mile coverage unless you are the original owner. I am the second owner and have had the car three months. $5000. Later I have my car back. Kia will not honor to do the work because they say it was a long term leak. Well, before I purchased the car, Kia did all the maintenance on this car for four years..... if it was a long term leak, shouldn't they have caught it" they say no. I also purchased an extended 80,000/3 year warranty when I purchased the car, they also declined my car coverage because they cover nothing due to any overheating. This is really just a complete joke. I did nothing wrong. Kia serviced the car for four years. I had the car in three weeks before it blew up and it was tested and filled with fluids. Why does this not make any sense??"

- Green Valley, AZ, USA

problem #3

Jan 182008

Sorento 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2004 Kia sorrento which I purchased new. It currently had 64,000 mile and I have kept up with all maintenance items and have had them performed by Kia service in the dealership. While I have had some mechanical problems with the car (bad lifters, valves, radiator leaks, etc), my main issue is the electrical system. To date, I have replaced various brake light bulbs, headlight bulbs, dome light bulb and my radio unexplainable turns on/off. While I have dealt with these issues as they arise, my car has now turned of while driving on the road twice. On both occasions, all of the car lights, displays, etc, turn off completely and the car simply coasts while off. One of the occurrences I was on the interstate going 65 mph, and the car shut down. Both times I pull to the side of the road and when I turned the key, it started again. My obvious concern is that of safety as it relates to the various electrical problems (which are no longer covered under warranty) which this car has had. While I cannot speak for other Kia owners, there are a host of forums which relate to similar issues. Additionally, the dealerships themselves are aware of the electrical issues, as noted to me personally by one of the technicians. I am requesting for Kia to provide the level of customer service which we (as Kia owners) have expected. The electrical problems are well documented and should be addressed. Furthermore, I am looking for assistance in my personal situation now that my car is only 4,000 out of warranty and has the electrical issues and more importantly the hazardous problem of shutting down. I am more that happy to provide any records which will document the problems detailed above. Also, I am available anytime to discuss further if needed. Thank you in advance for your customer service.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #2

Sep 112007

Sorento 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,537 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Sorento. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle began to sputter and hesitate and then it completely shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the dealer. The dealer stated that the coolant compartment had a leak and was dripping coolant into the engine compartment, which caused it to hesitate. She called the Kia corporate office and was informed that her vehicle was out of warranty and the repair would not be free. The current and failure mileages were 60,537.

- Lawrencefield, GA, USA

problem #1

Jul 012007

Sorento

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
After already replacing a crankshaft and a speed sensor in my 2004 Kia Sorento ex, I am now experiencing a knocking sound under the hood. It usually starts while waiting for a stop light but also while driving down the road. My warranty is out and I can't afford to have it worked on at this point. Don't ever buy a used Kia Sorento without checking carfax first!!!!

- Cheraw, SC, USA

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