2004 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 220 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 11 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 16 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
46 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCED WAS REQUIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BOLTS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BOLTS FRACTURED FROM THE HARMONIC BALANCER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT AND ENGINE MIGHT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2013
WE PURCHASED OUR SORENTO USED (APPROX 65K MILES)ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. SINCE THEN, WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK ($1500) AMONG OTHER THINGS. THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ABSURD: HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, COMPUTER SYSTEM (2 MONTHS, $4700), BRAKES ($750) AND 2 BATTERIES. 2-3 MONTHS AGO, WE NOTICED A CLUNKING/CHUNKING SOUND THAT GREW STEADILY WORSE. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE 4WD WAS ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING EVERY 3 SECONDS AND FELT VERY UNSAFE AT HIGH SPEEDS. I TOOK IT TO KIA OF COBB COUNTY AND WAS JUST GIVEN A QUOTE FRIDAY FOR A NEW TRANSFER CASE, DRIVE SHAFT, "REAR END CHUNK" (ALL THE SERVICE REP COULD TELL ME) AND 4 NEW TIRES. QUOTE FOR THIS WORK ($9767). THE TRANSFER CASE ALONE WAS AROUND $5700. THIS VEHICLE NOW HAS 112K MILES AND IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD. THE BLUE BOOK VALUE IS (WAS) AROUND $5-6000 AND WE'RE TOLD IT'LL TAKE $10,000 TO FIX IT? I CALLED KIA'S CORPORATE OFFICE TO ASK IF THIS WAS TO BE EXPECTED AT KIA. I WAS TOLD THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I SAID, " I'M JUST ASKING IF THERE'S ANYONE AT KIA HEADQUARTERS WHO BELIEVES IN THEIR PRODUCT AND WANTS TO PROTECT THE KIA NAME AND YOU JUST KEEP APOLOGIZING." THE REP RESPONDED, "I'M SORRY, SIR." WE'VE FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM KIA OWNERS REPORTING SIMILAR ISSUES (CHUNKING, TRANSFER CASE, ETC). WHEN DOES THIS BECOME.A RECALL ISSUE? A SAFETY ISSUE? *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 12, 2013, fire
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. DURING DRIVE HOME STARTED TO RAIN, ACTIVATED WIPERS, DRIVERS SIDE WIPER BLADE FELL OFF DURING RAINSTORM HAD TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TO NAVIGATE! UPON ARRIVAL AT HOME NOTICED, SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT (PASSENGERS SIDE) AND SMOKE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LOOKED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WAS SMOKING, INSIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT A HOSE AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (SORRY NOT A MECHANIC) HAD A HOLE IN IT AND WAS SMOKING ALSO? VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE 12/7/12, VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 10/4/12, HAS LIMITED WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2012
SUMMARY: I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT APROX. 65 MPH. I HEARD A TICKING NOISE AND LOOKED AT THE DASH. NO WARNING LIGHTS MY FRIEND ASKED IF THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS LOSING SPEED AND IT WAS I IMMEDIATLY PULLED OVER. MOVING TO THE EMERGENCY LANE THE ENGINE STALLED. NONE OF THE GUAGES INDICATED ANYTHING WRONG , AND EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE FAILED THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT DOES NOT LIGHT UP, NONE OF THE SAFETY INDICATORS LIGHT UP. THE VEHICLE HAS 75,000 MILES ONLY 13,000 OF WHICH I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR. I AM NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BECAUSE I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER WHICH IS RIDICUALOUS IN ITSELF BECAUSE THE WARRANTY SHOULD COVER MILEAGE AS IT STATES NOT OWNERS. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF THE WATER RESERVOIR/OR POSSIBLY A FAILED WATER PUMP THAT KIA KNOWS WILL FAIL. IF KIA WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL, KNOWING THAT THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS OR DEATH, WHY ARE THEY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MOTOR? THE REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST MORE THAN 5000 DOLLARS THIS SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED. IF YOU SPEND ANY MONEY ON A VEHICLE, CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3 TO 5 THOUSAND MILES FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RECALLS, YOU SHOULD EXPECT MORE THAN 75,000 MILES OUT OF IT. KIA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! I HAVE CONTACTED A LAWYER IN THIS MATTER I BELIEVE THAT KIA KNOWS ITS VEHICLES ARE FAULTY AND ARE WAITING FOR THE COST OF LAWSUITS AGAINST THEM TO INCREASE TO BE MORE THAN THE COST OF A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BEFORE THEY DO ANYTHING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUES. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 3, 2012
SUMMARY: UPDATE TO BELOW PROBLEM I BOUGHT MY SORENTO IN 2004, NEW. I REPLACED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR AT 61000 MILES DUE TO OVERHEATING, REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS ON 4 OCCASIONS, TAIL LIGHTS ON 2 OCCASIONS. MY VEHICLE, 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STARTED TO HAVE A ROARING NOISE APPROX. 6 MONTHS AGO AND THE U-JOINTS WERE REPLACED. IT STILL ROARS. IT QUIT RUNNING ON 2-16-12 WHILE I WAS DRIVING, BUT RESTARTED. IT FINALLY QUIT AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART ON 2-17-12. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATE A FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR PROBLEM, BUT MECHANIC SAYS THIS SHOULD NOT CAUSE THE PROBLEM I PRESENTLY HAVE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 2-18-12. THE MECHANIC SAID IT STARTED FOR HIM. I INSISTED HE LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. SURE ENOUGH, IT QUIT. KIA MECHANIC TOLD ME IT MAY BE A CRANK OR CAM SENSOR ISSUE. OTHER PROBLEMS--FRONT DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON AT WILL, REAR ONE WORKS, CLOCK ON AND OFF AT WILL, VEHICLE HUMS LOUDLY WHEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE. IT HAS BEEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE FOR THE MOST PART, BUT WHEN THERE IS AN ISSUE, IT IS HARD TO DETECT. ABOVE WORK WAS COMPLETED AT A COST OF 1126,00. BUT NOW CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE WHILE DRIVING COSTING DAMAGE TO ENGINE HEADS. VEHICLE WENT BACK INTO SHOP AND IS STILL WAITING REPAIRS. KIA OWES IT CUSTOMERS BETTER SERVICE AND MUST PAY REPAIR COST AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY CRANKSHAFT BOLTS THEY PROVIDE TO THE MECHANICS . *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 22, 2012
I BOUGHT MY SARENTO IN 2004, NEW. I REPLACED THE COOLANT RESERVOR AT 61000 MILES DUE TO OVERHEATING, REPLACED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULBS ON 4 OCASIONS, TAIL LIGHTS ON 2 OCASIONS. MY VEHICLE, 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STARTED TO HAVE A ROARING NOISE APPROX. 6 MONTHS AGO AND THE U-JOINTS WERE REPLACED. IT STILL ROARS. IT QUIT RUNNING ON 2-16-12 WHILE I WAS DRIVING, BUT RESTARTED. IT FINALLY QUIT AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART ON 2-17-12. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATE A FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR PROBLEM, BUT MECHANIC SAYS THIS SHOULD NOT CAUSE THE PROBLEM I PRESENTLY HAVE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 2-18-12. THE MECHANIC SAID IT STARTED FOR HIM. I INSISTED HE LET IT RUN FOR A WHILE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. SURE ENOUGH, IT QUIT. KIA MECHANIC TOLD ME IT MAY BE A CRANK OR CAM SENSOR ISSUE. OTHER PROBLEMS--FRONT DOME LIGHT OFF AND ON AT WILL, REAR ONE WORKS, CLOCK ON AND OFF AT WILL, VEHICLE HUMS LOUDLY WHEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE. IT HAS BEEN A RELIABLE VEHICLE FOR THE MOST PART, BUT WHEN THERE IS AN ISSUE, IT IS HARD TO DETECT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 28, 2011
WHILE DRIVING I SUDDENLY HEARD A SOUND COMING FROM MY ENGINE AND SEVERAL DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE AUTO MECHANIC THAT WORKS ON MY CAR WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A CRANK PULLEY BOLT THAT HAD SHEARED OFF. THE MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIAS. AFTER DOING A LOT OF INTERNET RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS TRUE. THE CAR HAS 135,000 ON IT. I HAVE SPENT OVER $4,000 ON REPAIRS ON THIS CAR IN THE LAST YEAR. IT SEEMS THAT EVERYTHING DECIDED TO GO THIS YEAR. I ONLY DO HIGHWAY DRIVING AND I AM THE ONLY OWNER. I AM VERY CAREFUL WITH MY CAR. ANY CHANCE KIA WILL REIMBURSE? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOOSE INDUCT CONTROL VALVE FELL INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BECOME DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,648. UPDATED 11/08/11*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 21, 2011
JUST NORMAL DRIVING THE RESERVE RADIATOR TANK SPLIT AT THE SEEM. THE CAR HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. IT LEAKED ALL OVER IN MY GARAGE AND MY TWO PUPPIES ALMOST LICKED UP THE COOLANT FROM THE FLOOR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2011
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - THIS IS A RECALLED PART THAT WAS REPLACED IN 2008. SNAPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY NOT ON THE FREEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. REPLACEMENT IS JUST AS FAULTY AS ORIGINAL. MANY MULTIPLE KIA OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM SOME HAVE HAD THIS SAME OCCURRENCE HAPPEN A THIRD TIME. OBVIOUSLY, REPLACEMENT BOLT IS NOT WORKING EITHER AND CANNOT SURVIVE THE STRESS THAT IS NEEDED TO OPERATE SAFELY. THIS IS A COSTLY AND TIMELY REPAIR TO REPLACE A BOLT THAT SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 1/2 YEARS. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH A BETTER QUALITY BOLT. CALLED KIA AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR, STATE OUT OF 1 1/2 YEAR WARRANTY. 1ST YEAR OF CAR OWNERSHIP, CAR STALLED WHILE TURNING LEFT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING DUE TO THREE FAULTY STARTER COILS. KIA NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR LESS THAN RELIABLE VEHICLES. POOR QUALITY PARTS. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALSO FAULTY, HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS CONSISTENTLY GO OUT.
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jun 8, 2011
SHORTLY AFTER I HAD SOME BELTS REPLACED ON MY 2004 KIA SORENTO, THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE (AROUND 90,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE). I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART, BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER. I HAD TO PAY OVER $700 TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED AND MY MECHANIC HAD TO BUY THE PART FROM KIA TO FINALLY GET IT FROM CONTINUALLY BREAKING. NOW, ALMOST TWO YEARS LATER, IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN (AROUND 130,000 MILES). I CALLED KIA TO SEE IF THEY EXTENDED THE RECALL TO COVER MY VEHICLE, BUT THEY DID NOT AND REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ONCE AGAIN, IT IS COMING OUT OF MY POCKET TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH VEHICLES OTHER THAN THE ONES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 15 MPH WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT FRACTURED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR, TIMING BELT, DAMPER PULLEY, AND THE CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED REPLACING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 76,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Mar 23, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2004 KIA SORENTO IN 2006 FINISHED PAYING FOR IT IN 2010,OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE LIGHTS SO MANY TIMES I CANT COUNT,I HAVE HAD TOPAINT IT TWICE,THEN THE DRIVING SHAFT BROKE,THE COMPRESSOR WAS CHANGED TWICE, THE CD PLAYER WORKS ON AND OFF THE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED FOR MONTHS ON END THE ENGINE LIGHT DOES THE SAME AND MOST RECENTLY THERE IS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, I AM HAVING TO STOP PARK AND LET IT COOL OFF BEFORE CONTINUING ON MY JOURNEY, AT THE MOMENT I GOT SCARED AND I NOW I HAVE MY VEHICLE PARKED AT HOME BECAUSE I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT, IT IS A SHAME AND I AM VERY UPSET. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO IS TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS US CONSUMERS ARE HAVING? I OWN MY VEHICLE AND HAS A CLEAN TITLE AND WOULD LIKE TO TRADE IN OR SELL BUT WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS HOW CAN I PASS IT ON TO SOMEONE ELSE? I AM ASKING SOMEONE FROM KIA TO DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND GIVE US SOME ANSWERS BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE,THAT IS IF IT HASN'T HAPPENED ALREADY. DON'T LET THIS BE TOYOTA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 2, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE AT APROX. 70 MPH. I HEARD A TICKING NOISE AND LOOKED AT THE DASH. NO WARNING LIGHTS. I ROLLED THE WINDOW UP, COULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE ANY LONGER AND CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD. I ROLLED THE WINDOW BACK DOWN, THE TICKING GOT LOUDER, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIGHT UP, ENGINE STALLS, AND AS I'M MOVING TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, THE TEMP. GAUGE MOVES TO THE RED. THE VEHICLE HAS 155,000 MILES ON IT SO THE WARRANTY IS UP. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF THE WATER RESERVOIR. IF KIA WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL, KNOWING THAT THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS, WHY ARE THEY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MOTOR? THE REPAIRS ARE GOING TO COST MORE THAN 5000 DOLLARS AND THAT IS IF I CAN FIND A REPLACEMENT MOTOR FROM A SECONDARY DEALER. I HAVE CONSIDERED TRYING TO FIND A USED MOTOR BUT I AM NOW HEARING THAT THIS PARTICULAR MOTOR HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE #6 CYLINDER WALL FAILING, AND I DO NOT WANT TO SINK THAT KIND OF MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT THE ASSURANCE THAT I WILL NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN IN 6 MONTHS. HAS ANYONE ELSE HEARD OF THIS? ARE THERE ANY CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST KIA? THIS SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED. IF YOU SPEND 28,000 DOLLARS ON A VEHICLE, CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3 TO 5 THOUSAND MILES, YOU SHOULD EXPECT MORE THAN 155,000 MILES OUT OF IT. KIA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 14, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN IN THE SUMMER AND MY ENGINE BEGAN SQUEALING VERY LOUDLY, THE A/C STOPPED WORKING, AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. WE TOOK THE CAR TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY SAID THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT IN THE ENGINE HAD BROKEN COMPLETELY. THEY SAID THE ONLY THING WE COULD DO IS REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE, WHICH IS $4000. WE FOUND SOMEONE WHO REPLACED THE BOLT, BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AFFORD A NEW ENGINE, AND NOW THE HEAT DOESN'T WORK, IT STILL SQUEALS, AND OUR RADIO COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND WE ARE ONLY AT 65000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE OFF IN THE ENGINE, THE PULLEYS FELL OFF AND THE TWO BELTS BROKE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED ALREADY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A DEFECTIVE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,850.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2010
I BOUGHT A KIA BACK IN 2006. THE KIA WAS A 2004 SORENTO. AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE FOR ONE YEAR THE COOLANT STARTED LEAKING. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE COOLANT CASE WAS CRACKED. THEY FIXED IT AND WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP I DROVE OFF AND 10 MINUTES LATER REALIZED MY CAR WAS OVERHEATING. I STOPPED AND POPPED THE HOOD AND REALIZED THEY DIDN'T RECONNECT MY FAN BELTS. THEN IN 2007 I WAS HEARING SOME NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND THE NEXT DAY THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE. COME TO FIND OUT MY CRANK SHAFT BOLT HAD BROKEN. THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT TO BE REPLACED STATING THAT I DIDN'T CHANGE THE OIL. I ARGUED WITH THEM AND NOTHING. REMIND YOU THE QUOTE ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM THE RIGHT WAY COST CLOSE TO 9,000.00. I PAID THEM 900.00 TO REPLACE BOLT AND SHOVE IT BACK IN THERE AND HOPE THAT IT WOULD LAST. ON FRIDAY NOV OF 2010 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT FELL OUT ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I STILL OWE ONE YEAR ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT DOESN'T WORK. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN 2004 KIA SORENTO. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT AND THAT THEY SHOULD HALF TO PAY FOR ALL THESE PEOPLES PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL ON 03 AND 06 MODELS ON CRANK SHAFT BOLTS. TELL ME THERE ISN'T A CONSISTENT PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CRANK BOLT WAS SHEARED AND THE ENGINE HERMETIC BALANCER COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS VERY UNUSUAL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRANK BOLT AND THE OWNER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADDITIONAL REPAIR EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE CERTAIN AREAS THE VEHICLE EXTERIOR PAINT SUSTAINED EXCESSIVE CHIPPING AFTER THE DEFECTIVE SURFACE WAS TOUCHED UP WITH PAINT. ALSO, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY, EVEN THOUGH THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 11, 2010
WHILE DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE ON THE INTERSTATE, MY 2004 KIA SORENTO OVERHEATED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED, WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OFF THE FREEWAY AT AN EXIT AND PULL OVER SAFELY. UPON INSPECTION, WE NOTICED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS CRACKED ON THE BOTTOM, ALLOWING ALL THE COOLANT TO LEAK OUT. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH, I FOUND THE TSB ABOUT THIS OLD MODEL COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKING AND A NEW MODEL WAS OUT. THIS DAMAGED TANK CAUSED MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT, SEIZE ON THE FREEWAY AND NOW HAS BLOWN THE HEAD GASKET AND WARPED THE ALUMINUM HEADS. WHY WASN'T I TOLD THAT THESE TANKS WERE A PROBLEM, I HAD MY OIL CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP 3 WEEKS PRIOR AND 3 MONTHS BEFORE THAT, NOBODY SAID ANYTHING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIBRATION DAMPER ON THE FRONT OF THE CRANK SHAFT FAILED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL, BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED, EVEN THOUGH HIS VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) WE HAVE A 2004 KIA SORENTO AUTOMOBILE THAT HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT IN SEPT. 2009. THE REPAIR COST OVER $1000.00. WE LATER FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF "REPAIR CAMPAIGN" (SC072) FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN WE CONTACTED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT WE WERE TOLD OUR VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 11 DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. KIA OFFERED NO GRACE PERIOD AND TOLD US THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. ON SATURDAY, 5/8/10, THE SAME BOLT BROKE AGAIN WHICH RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. IF THIS BOLT WERE TO BREAK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE CATASTROPHIC. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED BACK TO BILL DODGE KIA IN WESTBROOK, ME. AGAIN FOR REPAIR, AND HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED AS KIA CASE # [XXX] . THE CASE WAS OPENED BY CONTACTING KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE (ALBERT) AT 800-333-4542, EXT. 45060. THE KIA REGIONAL MANAGER FOR THIS PART OF THE U.S. IS GARY AIROLDI AND KIA WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MR. AIROLDI. I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF THE STATE OF MAINE SHOULDN'T LEAD THE WAY IN FORCING KIA MOTORS INTO A NATIONAL RECALL AND REPAIR EFFORT FOR ALL OF THEIR VEHICLES IMPACTED BY THIS DEFECT AND REIMBURSE THOSE WHO HAVE INCURRED OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES AND/OR INJURIES AS A RESULT. OUR DESIRE IS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT NO COST (CONSIDERING THE PREVIOUS REPAIR CAMPAIGN) AND TO RECOUP THE $1030.30 SPENT ON THE PREVIOUS REPAIR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR REVIEWING OUR INQUIRY AND WE APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN OFFER. PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ALSO CONTACT ME AT WORK AT [XXX] . [XXX] *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2009
MY 2004 KIA SORENTO WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS DUE TO ENGINE MISFIRE. DURING WHICH PHIL SMITH KIA TECHNICIANS GAVE MY COOLING SYSTEM GREEN CHECK THAT ALL WAS OK. APPROXIMATELY TEN MILES AFTERWARDS THE ENGINE SUFFERED FAILURE, HEADGASKET BLOWN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WAS ADVISED BY SERVICE MANAGER WHEN THEY STARTED THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE SEIZED. DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY, CLAIMING THAT THE CAR OVERHEATED CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE EVEN OCCURRED WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF THE CAR STARTING AND IT NEVER OVERHEATED. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. DESPITE HAVING DOCUMENTATION TO SUPPORT THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS FINE, THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT THE CLAIM. I AM FORCED TO PAY FOR CHARGES RELATING TO THE ENGINE TEAR DOWN, APPROXIMATELY $400 BEFORE THEY WILL RELEASE MY VEHICLE BACK TO ME. I WILL THEN HAVE TO TAKE IT ELSEWHERE TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2009
MY RESPONSE IS TO THE PERSON WHO FILED THE BELOW COMPLAINT: MINE WAS 2004 SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME 6500. FOR NEW ENGINE! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WAS COVERED BY KIA EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE I ALSO HAD ALL RECORDS ON THE CAR. I ALSO HAD IN WRITING TEN DAYS BEFORE PROOF THAT THEIR WAS NOT A CRACK IN RESERVOIR BECAUSE I HAD SERVICE DONE---KIA'S RESPONSE WAS THAT I MUST HAVE KNOWN I HAD ISSUES WITH THE CAR IF I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE...MIND YOU THIS WAS MY NORMAL 3 MONTH-3000 MILE NORMAL ROUTINE CHECK UP...........KIA IS HORRIBLE...... I AM ON BOARD WITH YOU FOR CLASS ACTION SUIT TO GET MY MONEY BACK THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR!!! MY 2003 KIA SORENTO STOPPED WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM AT 67,735 MILES DUE TO WHAT WAS LATER DETERMINED TO BE ENGINE OVERHEATING. AT FIRST THE KIA DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKING AND GOING EMPTY. SINCE THIS IS NOT A PART OF THE ENGINES ACTUAL MEANS OF COOLING, THEY CHANGED THEIR STORY TO THE THERMOSTAT FAILED. KIA SAID THAT THIS PORTION OF THE WARRANTY PASSED AT 65,000 MILES. THEIR WARRANTY SAYS 100,000 MILES. COST OVER $3,600.00 TO REPAIR, SIMILAR SITUATION AT 80,000 MILES FOR $1,400.00. STILL NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. I HAVE FURNISHED COMPLETE MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWING MAINTENANCE AT EVERY INTERVAL REQUIRED BY KIA. LOOKING FOR SOME ONE TO JOIN IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2009
NO PROBLEMS BEFORE HAND TO INDICATE THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL COMPLETE POWER LOSS WITH ENGINE FAILURE, WITHIN A 50 SECOND SPAN OF DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. THIS WAS THE ONLY FAILURE , AS STATED, WITH THIS CAR. NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR TANK WAS FAULTY ON THIS MODEL . INFORMED OF THIS FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL CORPORATE REP., AFTER THE FACT. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS FAULTY PART AT ANY TIME. EVEN WHEN CAR SERVICED. THIS WAS A 3 YEAR KNOWN FAULTY PART THAT MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT. CAR WAS NEW WHEN BOUGHT. HAD A ENGINE WARRANTY OF 10/100,000. I ONLY HAD 5 YEARS AND 77,000 ON CAR. CAR CORPORATION REFUSES TO HONOR OR DEAL WITH REPLACING ENGINE. WAS TOLD THE FIRST WEEK TWICE IT WOULD BE COVERED. LOCAL CORP. REP. THEN SAID NO TO WARRANTY COVERAGE. I HAVE SINCE PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. *TR