DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND HEARD NOISE AND FELT LIKE IT WAS LOOSING POWER. PULLED OVER TO PARK THE CAR. LOST POWER STEERING AND WENT UP A SHOPPING STORE CURB. LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS WALKING OR STANDING THERE. (PULLEY, BROKEN BOLT FROM CRANK AND DIAL PIN FROM CRANK). *TR
2004 Kia Sorento complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →
WHEN REFUELING THE TANK WILL SUDDENLY "SPRAY"GASOLINE FORCEFULLY FROM THE NECK OF THE GAS TANK FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. TOOK IT IN ON THE VOLUNTARY RECALL AND HAD THE AIR FILTER REPLACED. CAR WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS BUT IS NOW EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. PUMPED LESS THAN $25.00 IN THE TANK TWO NIGHTS AGO AND WAS SPRAYED WITH GASOLINE! *TR
FEBRUARY 21, 2013 LOS ANGELES, CA ELECTRICAL I BOUGHT MY KIA BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS: COMPLAINT 1: I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT AGAINST KIA MOTORS WHO WILLINGLY KNOWS OF ISSUES WITH ITS FUEL SYSTEMS IN ALL 2004 KIA SORENTOS. EVEN LOOKING ONLINE YOU SEE THOUSANDS OF KIA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SENSOR GO OUT ON THIS MODEL CAR AFTER THE CARS 100000 WARRANTY, AND THEN KIA CLAIMS IT IS PAST THE WARRANTY THEY HAVE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THIS CAUSES THE GAS TO ALWAYS READ INCORRECTLY EVEN WITH A FULL TANK THE CAR READS "E" I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING GAS IN THE CAR IN FEAR OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS. *TR
BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR OIL/FILTER CHANGE AT 53,000 MILES. DEALER FOUND ONE OF THE TWO BRACKETS ON TOP OF REAR END WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF AND THE OTHER BRACKET WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. DEALER WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DRIVE VEHICLE AND IS NOT REPAIRABLE. THERE ARE NO NEW REPLACEMENT REAR ENDS FOR VEHICLE AND THE BRACKETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART. I NOTICED OTHER VERY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE: NHTSA ID #'S - 10452414, 10439449, 10427559, AND 10403443. THERE MAY BE OTHER ID'S THAT HAVE BEEN RETIRED (MICROFILM, ETC.). AS SUCH, THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. DON'T KNOW WHY NHTSA HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN I SUDDENLY STARTED HEARING RATTLING NOISES FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THANKFULLY, I WAS ON A SIDE STREET WITH NO OTHER TRAFFIC. IF I HAD BEEN IN TRAFFIC OR TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED, THIS WOULD SURELY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. MY MECHANIC SAYS THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT IS SHEARED OFF AND MUST BE DRILLED OUT TO BE REPLACED. KIA WON'T COVER THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR, SAYS IT IS NOT COVERED BY THEIR WARRANTY. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I SEE THAT KIA IS AWARE OF A DEFECT IN THE BOLT AND HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETINS AND DISCONTINUED THE BOLT, ISSUING A NEW PART TO REPLACE IT. THERE ARE ALREADY NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND OTHER SITES DUE TO THIS ISSUE, SPANNING SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. TO DATE, I HAVE NOT SEEN A RECALL FROM KIA. DANGEROUS DEFECT AND ALARMING LACK OF CONCERN (NOT TO MENTION CUSTOMER SERVICE) FROM KIA. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR IF I HAD KNOWN THE GAMBLE I WAS TAKING WITH MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. I HOPE OTHERS WILL NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. *TR
ENTERING I-35 NORTH FROM ACCESS ROAD IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS. TIME 08:15AM (RUSH HOUR) LOUD BANG FROM REAR OF VEHICLE SPEED IMMEDIATELY DROPPED TO 20MPH, INITIALLY THOUGHT I HAD BLOWN A TIRE. PULLED OFF ACCESS ROAD TO SIDE STREET. WAS HAVING TROUBLE STOPPING VEHICLE NO BRAKE PRESSURE FOOT WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOORBOARD. CHECKED REAR TIRES, NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO EITHER TIRE (TIRES WERE NEW)WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. AGAIN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE VEHICLE, REAR TIRES WERE HAVING TROUBLE ROTATING? LATER DISCOVERED WHEEL BEARINGS HAD FAILED. *TR
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAN RELAY FUSE HAD TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO GET THE FAN TO STOP RUNNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL MECHANICS FOR SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HOWEVER, THE MECHANICS WERE NEVER ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
WHILE DRIVING ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND ALL BELTS BROKE STEERING WOULDN'T WORK. *TR
THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE AND MESSED UP THE STEERING, I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW AND CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM AS I'M READING THE KIA FORUMS. *TR
I HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERSHIP JUST BELOW 100,000 MILES. THEY DIDN'T BOTHER TO TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS MESSED UP AND NEEDED REPLACED. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE. AND THEN TO FIND OUT THIS IS A DEALER ONLY PART AND OVER 900.00! I THINK THIS WAS POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SHOULD'VE KNOWN SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE GEAR SHIFT WASN'T SITTING IN DRIVE AND NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY. I DOUBT I'D EVER BUY ANOTHER KIA BECAUSE THEIR SERVICE SUCKS! THEY DON'T VALUE THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THAT REALLY MAKES ME UNEASY. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE, THE TIMING BELT AND DRIVE BELT CAME LOOSE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND THE BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT AND PIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,186 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,471.
WHEN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE THE COOLING FAN STAYS RUNNING. IF THIS IS NOT NOTICED IT WILL RUN UNTIL THE BATTERY DIES AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NEED JUMPED. AS I WAS RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE ISSUES WITH RELAYS IN KIA'S FROM 2003 TO 2006. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH SOMETIMES MORE. THIS TIME THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED TO GET THE FAN TO SHUT OFF.. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED FARTHER IN REGARDS TO HOW OFTEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY KIA TO A MECHANIC YET DUE TO THE FACT IT IS VERY COSTLY TO TRACK AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IF YOU ARE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM YOU MAY GO TO START YOUR CAR AND IT DOES NOT RUN. THERE ARE A HIGH AND LOW FAN ON THIS KIA. BOTH OF THE FANS ARE RUNNING BUT THE HIGH FAN IS ALMOST SILENT. IF THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST FOUR YEARS THERE SHOULD BE SOME WAY TO HOLD THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO A PARKING LOT WITH DIFFICULT IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOISE AS THE BATTERY AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIBRATION DAMPENER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,000.
WE HAVE HAD 4 INSTANCES WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN THE FIXING THE PULLEY CRANK SHAFT. JUNE 30, 08, (RECALL) OCTOBER 6, 09, AUG 10, 10 AND ONCE AGAIN SEPT 18,12. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT CAUSES YOU TO LOOSE STEERING WHILE DRIVING WITH APPARENTLY NO WARNING. I FIND THIS EXTREMELY TROUBLING AS WE HAVE A NEW DRIVER LEARNING WITH THIS CAR. WE ARE LUCKY TO REPORT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS OR DEATHS BUT I THINK IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT WILL SOON HAPPEN. THE DEALER WAGNER KIA OF SHREWSBURY,MA FEELS THAT IT IS NOT AN ISSUE AND IS JUST FROM WEAR AND TEAR. 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM? OBVIOUSLY KIA HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM CORRECTLY. IT ANGERS ME THAT KIA IS NOT TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY. WE DRIVE OUR CHILDREN AS WELL AS OTHER CHILDREN IN THIS CAR AND COULD OF HAD SERIOUS TO FATAL INJURIES. FROM THIS BOLT SHEARING OFF IT HAS ALSO CAUSED OTHER MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR THAT WE HAVE ALREADY HAD FIXED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE BEING SERVICED BY A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE CONTROL ARM TO THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 131,000.
TWO BRACKETS (ONE LEFT, ONE RIGHT) THAT HOLD THE REAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS TO THE REAR AXLE HOUSING HAVE COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF. THIS LEAVES A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH WILL CAUSE THE REAR AXLE OF THE CAR TO ROTATE AND FALL OUT OF THE CAR. IF THIS HAPPENS AT SPEED, SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH IS LIKELY. THERE ARE MANY MANY POSTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM ONLINE AND KIA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM STATING THAT IT'S NOT A FLAW OR DEFECT. IT IS IF IT HAPPENS TO ALMOST EVERY VEHICLE OF THIS YEAR AND MODEL. KIA DOES NOT OFFER A REPLACEMENT BRACKET THAT CAN BE WELDED ON AND THEY SUGGEST THAT THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY IS REPLACED AT A COST OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS PER VEHICLE. KIA MOTORS REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR ASSIST AFFECTED CUSTOMERS IN RESOLVING IT. *TR
CORROSION OF REAR DIFFERENTIAL, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT ARM COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AXLE ASSY, UNSAFE TO DRIVE. REPAIR SHOP I'VE USED FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS GAVE ESTIMATE OF $1,300.00 WITH POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL COST OF UP TO $500.00. THEY SUGGESTED I CALL KIA REGARDING MY 10 YR. 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. CALLED KIA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS FOR 10 YR. 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO TOW IT FROM MY REPAIR SHOP TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER WHICH WAS 48 MILES AWAY. SERVICE MANAGER AFTER LOOKING AT DEFECT TOLD ME WARRANTY DENIED WOULD COST $2,700.00 (APPROXIMATE) AND COULD COUNT ON AN ADDITIONAL $500.00 TO $1,000.00 WHEN TAKEN APART. PLACED ANOTHER CALL TO KIA CORP. HEADQUARTERS FOR WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO DEFECT. DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF SALT OUT OF THEIR CONTROL, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD THE FINAL SAY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED HE USED THE WRONG STEERING FLUID IN THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EMAILED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE REAR HOUSING LINKAGE WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,500.
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
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
VEHICLE IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD. I CONSTANTLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THIS PROBLEM I SLID WHILE TRYING TO HOLD BRAKES, THERE WAS ALSO A LOT OF WEIRD SOUNDS AND THE REAR END DID NOT FEEL STURDY. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND METAL BRACKET WELDED TO THE REAR AXLE THAT HOLDS THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS HAD COMPLETELY FAILED! THE NORMAL TORQUE FROM THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN BOTH BRACKETS HOLDING THE UPPER CONTROL ARM TO THE CARS FRAME. ALL THAT IS HOLDING THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE IS THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND THE SWAY BARS. THERE ARE NO WEEP HOLES TO ALLOW WATER TO DRAIN OUT OF THE BRACKET WELDMENT, CAUSING WATER TO FILL THE CUP-LIKE CONDITION CREATED. THIS CONDITION HAS (AN WILL) CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF ALL KIA SORENTO REAR AXLE/UPPER CONTROL ARM CONNECTIONS. WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AXLE COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE STRESS PLACED ON THE REMAINING PARTS. REGULAR DRIVING COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, AND RENDER THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE, WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF MASSIVE INJURY AND POSSIBLY DEATH AS A RESULT!!! HE ALSO SAID THAT IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR ME BECAUSE I STILL HAVE A CAR NOTE TO PAY. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION!!! THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED NOW BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!!! *KB
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
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE MUFFLER TAIL PIPE HANGER AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT BOTH COMPONENTS WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
VEHICLE IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD. METAL BRACKET WELDED TO THE REAR AXLE THAT HOLDS THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS HAS COMPLETELY FAILED! THE NORMAL TORQUE FROM THE REAR AXLE HAS BROKEN BOTH BRACKETS HOLDING THE UPPER CONTROL ARM TO THE CARS FRAME. ALL THAT IS HOLDING THE REAR AXLE IN PLACE IS THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND THE SWAY BARS. THERE ARE NO WEEP HOLES TO ALLOW WATER TO DRAIN OUT OF THE BRACKET WELDMENT, CAUSING WATER TO FILL THE CUP-LIKE CONDITION CREATED. THIS CONDITION HAS (AN WILL) CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF ALL KIA SORENTO REAR AXLE/UPPER CONTROL ARM CONNECTIONS. WHILE DRIVING THE REAR AXLE COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE STRESS PLACED ON THE REMAINING PARTS. A TYPICAL TRAFFIC MANEUVER COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, AND RENDER THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLABLE, WITH THE LIKELYNESS OF MASSIVE PAIN, INJURY AND DEATH AS A RESULT!!! THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION!!! THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED NOW BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!!! PS IF YOU SEE A KIA SORENTO ON THE FREEWAY...STAY AWAY FROM IT FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY!
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED THE REAR END ROCKED BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE HANGERS ON THE REAR END WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
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
WHILE APPROACHING TO AN INTERSECTION THE KIA CRASH THE FRONT LEFT SIDE TO THE BACK OF A LAND ROVER, AND DESPITE THE BIG IMPACT AND DAMAGES THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T OPENED ENDANGERED THE LIFE OF MY DAUGHTER. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE BIG IMPACT AS OF THE FACT THAT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T OPENED.
I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT AGAINST KIA MOTORS WHO WILLINGLY KNOWS OF ISSUES WITH ITS FUEL SYSTEMS IN ALL 2004 KIA SORENTOS. EVEN LOOKING ONLINE YOU SEE THOUSANDS OF KIA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SENSOR GO OUT ON THIS MODEL CAR AFTER THE CARS 100000 WARRANTY, AND THEN KIA CLAIMS IT IS PAST THE WARRANTY THEY HAVE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THIS CAUSES THE GAS TO ALWAYS READ INCORRECTLY EVEN WITH A FULL TANK THE CAR READS "E" AND CONTINUOUSLY EVERY DAY HAVE TO PLACE MORE GAS IN CAR FOR FEAR THAT THE "E" MAY COME ON AND LIKE SEVERAL DAYS AGO I WAS LEFT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FROM THIS. WHEN YOU REACH OUT TO KIA THEY OFFER NO HELP STATING THERE ARE NO DOCUMENTED CASES AND WHEN YOU TELL THEM TO LOOK ONLINE, THEY CLAIM THOSE COULD JUST BE ANGRY CUSTOMERS PLACING FALSE INFORMATION. THEN THEY WANT TO HANG BEHIND THE "AS IS" CLAUSE STATING THAT I SHOULD HAVE HAD A MECHANIC CHECK THE CAR OUT, WHICH UNLESS THEY ARE A KIA DEALER AND ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WHICH DID NOT SHOW UP TO SEVERAL DAYS LATER AFTER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. THIS IS KNOWN DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING AS EVIDENCED ONLINE AND FEEL THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO MAKE KIA FIX THESE PROBLEMS WITHOUT CUSTOMERS HAVING TO FORK OVER MORE AND MORE MONEY OVER SOMETHING KIA ITSELF IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WILL NOT RECTIFY. *TR
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
REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, KEEP GIVING EVAP CODE, REPLACED EVAP CANISTER SOLENOID WITH KIT, HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, CLOCK LOSES TIME, . *TR
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.
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
2004 KIA SORENTO. THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS AND FRONT FOG LIGHTS BURN OUT FREQUENTLY. THIS LEAVES ME UNKNOWINGLY DRIVING AT NIGHT WITHOUT PROPER LIGHTING. I USUALLY FIND OUT WHEN OTHER DRIVERS TELL ME MY LIGHTS ARE OUT. THERE IS EITHER AN ELECTRICAL OR FUZEBOX PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SORENTO FROM 2003-06. SO FAR, KIA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE SUCH AS HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F14D197/. *TR
ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED DATE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NTB FOR A 90,000 MILE CHECK AND TO REPLACE A BOLT THAT HAD BROKEN LOOSE IT WAS LOCATED NEAR THE REAR AXLE WHEN PUT UP ON THE LIFT A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WAS REVEALED. THE FRAME ABOVE THE REAR AXLE HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED WHICH CAUSED THE BOLT TO BREAK AND THE RESULTING LOSS OF INTEGRITY CAUSED WEAKENING AND AND BOUNCING CAUSING THE GAS TANK TO BE PUNCTURED. THE CAR WAS DEEMED UNDRIVABLE. I HAVE WRITTEN TO KIA WITH NO RESPONSE THE CAR HAD BEEN RELIABLE AND WAS TAKEN CARE OF THIS PUT US IN A TOUGH FINANCIAL SITUATION HAVING TO BUY ANOTHER CAR IN OUR AREA ALONE THERE ARE TWO KIA,S THAT HAD ROTTING FRAMES ONE THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE AS OURS HIS HAD 106,000 MILES THE ROTTING WAS NOT NEAR AS BAD AS OURS BUT THE SAME BOLT BROKE OFF ANOTHER WAS A DIFFERENT MODEL BUT HE HAD TO GET THE FRONT AXLE REPLACED BECAUSE OF ROTTING OUR FAMILY WAS PUT IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED THE FRAME OF THE CAR IS ABOUT THE LAST THING YOU WOULD EXPECT TO FAIL KIA IS SAYING THAT IT IS ANTIPERFORATION AND NOT COVERED ANTIPERFORATION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FRAME ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELPWOULD BE APPRECIATED I AM FILING THIS ON BEHALF OF MY DAUGHTER
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.
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
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT_WHILE DECELERATING TO MAKE A TURN, I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE BRAKE AND BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT HOME THE LAST TWO MILES USING BATTERY TO SUPPLY IGNITION. THE 2 OF THE 3 BELTS HAD DISLODGED AND THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY WAS LOSE TO THE POINT THAT IT NEARLY DETACHED FROM THE CRANKSHAFT END. I AM GREATLY DISTURBED THAT, AFTER SOME RESEARCH, DISCOVERED THAT THIS EXACT FAILURE HAS BEEN REGULARLY DOCUMENTED. I PURCHASED MY UNIT USED SO I AM UNAWARE IF A PREVIOUS REPAIR HAD BEEN MADE BY KIA. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION OF SUCH. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WAS IN A RURAL AREA WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURRED. BASED UPON SOME RESEARCH FINDINGS, I HOPE THAT I DO NOT EXPERIENCE BALKING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REMEDIED, AS OTHERS HAVE. I HAVE REVIEWED SOME DISCUSSION REGARDING A SERVICE BULLETIN #018 (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER : 10009688 DATE OF BULLETIN : JUL 01, 2004 CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT) ISSUED BY KIA CONCERNING THIS FAILURE. I WILL BE ARRANGING FOR THE UNIT TO BE DELIVERED TO MY NEAREST KIA DEALER (45 MILES AWAY IN QUINCY, IL).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SORENTO EX. THE VEHICLE HAS KUMHO RADIAL 798 TIRES, LINE SIZE P245/70/R16, MANUFACTURED MARCH 2006. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE EXHIBITING ABNORMAL FRACTURES. THE TIRE DISTRIBUTOR WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE HOT CLIMATE. THE TIRES WERE NEITHER REPAIRED NOR REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES WAS 16,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,501 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,793. UPDATED 05/03/2011*LJ UPDATED 1/5/12 *CN
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
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
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.
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
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.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2004 Kia Sorento → · Every Sorento year → · How the figures are calculated →