Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving approximately 35-40 MPH and my car suddenly lost power with all the dash lights briefly coming on (battery, oil, etc.). Fortunately I was close to a side street and was able to make a hard turn and coast to the curb. I waited a minute and was able to restart the vehicle. I drove home and there was one more incident when the car started to lose power (lights dimmed) however I pushed on the gas and it powered up again. I have had the lights dim and the car seemingly lose power several times. Just prior to this the car typically hesitates when you are going full speed and then the dimming occurs. I've had my car idle at stop signs and at train crossings and have not experienced any power loss. It always seems to happen while driving 35-40 MPH or more. I've had it happen while driving 60-70 MPH on the highway. …
Rusted brackets posing a dangerous safety risk, 2004 Kia Sorento with 162,000 miles. The entire bracket holding the differential rusted through. The frame rear cross member also rusted through causing the control arms is detached from the rear end also creating a safety hazard. There is a design flaw that allows water to stay inside the hollow cross member that caused the corrosion. Drain or weep holes in the cross member and an anti-corrosion coating would have prevented this. When the bracket(s) breaks the rear axle is no longer held in place there are reports on NHTSA where these brackets have rotted away and failed causing loss of control of the vehicle. This is a known design flaw that has been appearing on the older cars where the entire frame and rear end would have to be replaced. …
On Monday, August 10th, 2015 I was driving my 2004 Kia Sorento lx and heard a loud bang and then the vehicle began to fishtail. I was traveling at a low speed of around 35 MPH. I immediately slowed down and managed to drive the vehicle to a nearby garage. At the garage the vehicle was placed on the lift and it was identified that the drivers side frame rail had completely broken in half and was severely corroded. The passenger side was also severely corroded but not broken all the way through. The cross-member above the rear axle is almost completely gone. I now have an 11 year old vehicle which should have a retail value of around $5K which is now completely worthless. I did some internet research and found I am not the only one experiencing this severe corrosion problem with this year and model Kia. I am surprised there have been no safety recalls for this problem. …
Rusted brackets recalled in europe, refused by Kia to replace even tho they were rusted under warranty, pose a dangerous safety risk to unsuspecting owners. The entire bracket holding the differential rusted through creating a safety hazard. Presented with a small squeak in rear. I asked Kia to send people letters warning and they would not address the request. How Kia is getting away with severe rust, causing safety hazards in all vehicles, is beyond me. I know they are less expensive, is it worth it? Can someone please address the issue and at least let the public know it is happening before someone gets severely injured or god forbid dies. There are thousands still on the road. I paid for their diagnostic worthlessness to make sure it was documented.
I was driving our 2004 Kia Sorento with my 3 young children in the car. Driving down a city street at 45 MPH the car began to jerk as all the lights flashed on the dashboard. I lost all power, but I was able to cruise to park next to a curb, however the vehicle would not restart. I had it towed to my mechanic. The mechanic found that the crankshaft sprocket, key shaft, damper pulley, and crank bolt all were damaged and needed to be replaced.
Crankshaft bolt broke with approx 75,000 miles. Kia issued service bulletin and replaced the bolt. But the motor was destroyed when it broke and continuously overheated and was undrivable. It required a new motor. Not having $ to replace motor & kias zero accountability. Vehicle sat at a repair shop for 2 years & they filed for an abandoned title. At the time valued at approx $7500. Wasted!!!! Thanks Kia!
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. At least two minutes later, a click was heard and the vehicle rolled backwards until it hit a tree. A Kia representative came three days later, inspected the vehicle, and claimed no responsibility.
Crank pully bolt snapped. Causing crank pully to fall, and critical belts to fail.
I am complaining to let you know of a defect in my 2004 Kia sorrento v.I.n. [redacted] and a potential highway disaster if the wheels locked up on this vehicle while I'm driving on the highway it will probably cause a major pile-up and lead to a lot of deaths if they don't fix this when I put the vehicle in four wheel drive it is like trying to drive with the emergency brake on I brought it in for service they said that is the way it's supposed to be and I'm not supposed to use the four wheel drive anyway unless it's absolutely needed this was the service manager at Kia of lynnfield mass. …
1st- manual transmission, hesitiation of take off..o-ring replaced. 2nd-clinking noise when shifting gears..bearings failing in rear differential was replaced 3rd-felt looseness in emergency brake..I was told no trouble found 4th-rust on metal parts of headrest..dealer to replace.. 5th-metal attachments in trunk area also rusted ..were not replaced.. 6th-the back defrost plastic protectors were never removed when vehicle was delivered, so when back defrost was used the heat melted the strips which caused condensation build up causing the rust. Gardendale Kia of al had my car for five days and I had to find a way to work on my own. I was told they didn't give loaner cars..very poor customer service. I believed in the company/product and purchased brand new off the lot with a full warranty and because of bad Kia products, I should have been able to get a loaner car. …
Transmission complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Kia Sorento, 18% of the model year's 220 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Kia Sorento transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Kia Sorento. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Kia Sorento transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.