Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2004 Kia Sorento: common problems and reliability
One of the better Sorento years.
220 owner complaints, most about engine. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Sorento?The 2004 Kia Sorento has 220 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sorento years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Sorento?
Across the 24 Sorento model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2010) to 1,517 (2011). With 220 complaints, the 2004 Sorento sits about the same as the model's median of 242.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and owner expectations. For newer models (2023-2026), feedback is often positive regarding value, interior comfort, ride quality, feature content, and hybrid fuel economy.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sorento. See the full Sorento owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sorento listings typically run $15,098–$28,908.
Other Sorento model years
Compare every Sorento year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sorento against its rivals
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