Crank pully bolt snapped. Causing crank pully to fall, and critical belts to fail.
- NHTSA ID
- 11444487
- Incident
- Dec 20, 2021
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 220 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Kia Sorento, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and powertrain (other) categories. 22 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2013 | 6 | 118 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 119 |
| Jun 2013 | 2 | 121 |
| Aug 2013 | 5 | 126 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 127 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 128 |
| Dec 2013 | 2 | 130 |
| Jan 2014 | 2 | 132 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 133 |
| Mar 2014 | 2 | 135 |
| Apr 2014 | 2 | 137 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 138 |
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 140 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 141 |
| Sep 2014 | 3 | 144 |
| Oct 2014 | 5 | 149 |
| Dec 2014 | 2 | 151 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 152 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 153 |
| Mar 2015 | 3 | 156 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 157 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 158 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 159 |
| Aug 2015 | 3 | 162 |
| Sep 2015 | 2 | 164 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 165 |
| Nov 2015 | 5 | 170 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 171 |
| Jan 2016 | 2 | 173 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 174 |
| Mar 2016 | 4 | 178 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 179 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 180 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 181 |
| Jul 2016 | 4 | 185 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 186 |
| Sep 2016 | 3 | 189 |
| Oct 2016 | 2 | 191 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 192 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 193 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 194 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 195 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 196 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 197 |
| Feb 2018 | 3 | 200 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 201 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 202 |
| Aug 2018 | 2 | 204 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 205 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 206 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 207 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 208 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 209 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 210 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 211 |
| Aug 2019 | 2 | 213 |
| Oct 2019 | 3 | 216 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 218 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 219 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 220 |
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Crank pully bolt snapped. Causing crank pully to fall, and critical belts to fail.
THIS KIA WAS HOUSED AND STORED IN A GARAGE FOR MOST OF ITS LIFE AND DRIVEN ONLY IN THE SUMMER. IN THE WINTERS OF MICHIGAN IS WAS HOUSED IN A CLEAN DRY GARAGE. THIS KIA WAS A 2 OWNER CAR. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. I HAD DRIVEN IT ONE WINTER AND THIS SUMMER TOOK IT TO GET AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. ALIGNMENT CENTER COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE WHOLE RIGHT DRIVERSIDE OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT BEYOND THEIR SAFTY STANDARDS. THE KIA WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT BECAUSE THE WHOLE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS 80% RUSTED OUT AND THE LEFT SIDE WAS ALSO BUT NOT TO THE EXTENT OF THE RIGHT SIDE. THERE ARE FOOT LONG GAPING HOLES IN THE FRAME DUE TO THE RUSTING. IT IS IRREPARABLE. THERE IS NO SAFE SPOT TO WELD TO TO FIX IT EITHER. AFTER A RAIN I NOTICED THE POOLS OF WATER GO DIRECTLY UNDER THE KIA INSTEAD OF ON THE SIDES POOLING AND DRIPPING OFF THE FRAME ON EACH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE. A FLAW OF DESIGN BUT A DEADLY IF TRAVELLING AND THE CAR SNAPS IN HALF. THE KIA LOOKS PERFECT AND RUNS PERFECT. THE UNDERSIDE IT'S FRAME IS TOTALLY RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. KEPT IN A GARAGE AND OUT OF ELEMENTS FOR VIRTUALLY ALL OF ITS LIFE, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. DEFECTIVE STEEL ? DEFECTIVE BODY DESIGN? DEFECTIVE KIA. NOT SAFE NOT DRIVABLE.
WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE BRAKE LINES TOWARD THE REAR SUSPENSION RUSTED THROUGH. ALSO THE SUPPORT FOR THE REAREND RUSTED THROUGH MAKING THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE BRAKE LINES FROM FRONT TO BACK WERE CHANGED AND I AM LOOKING TO HAVE THE SUPPORT BRACKETS CHANGED.
2004 KIA SORRENTO 97,000 MILES. THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKETS RUSTED OFF.
I BOUGHT MY 04 SORENTO FROM MY AUNT WHO WAS THE ONLY OWNER. IT HAD A POWER STEERING ISSUE AT THAT TIME WHICH TOOK SEVERAL ATTENPTS TO FIX. ABOUT A MONTH LATER WE WE VISITING FAMILY AND HAD TO TURN AROUND. UPON STOPPING WE NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO I GRABBED MY 4 Y/O DAUGHTER OUT OF THE CAR AND BY BOYFRIEND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND A SMALL FIRE ON OPPOSITE SIDE FRO WHERE BATTERY IS. ONCE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WE DROVE .5 MILES ON A CITY RD TO FAMILY. THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE AT THAT TIME AS WELL. 10/13/19 - THE DIRECTIONAL WORKED ALL DAY AND COME NIGHT TIME WHEN I CAME OUT FROM THE STORE AND STARTED VEHICLE THEY DID NOT WORK. THE NEXT DAY THEY WORKED FINEHOWEVER, ON 10/14/19 - I STARTED THE CAR IN AM AND THERE WAS A SQUEAKY BELT. I HIT THE GAS PEDAL QUICKLY AND NOISE WENT AWAY. THEN WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY AND BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH AND STAYED ON SO I PULLED OVER AND SHUT CAR OFF. IWAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO THE PARK A MILE AWAY FROM HOME WHEN THE BATTERY AND BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. I TURNED CAR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND WHEN I RESTARTED IT THE LIGHTS WERE OFF. I WENT TO TURN AROUND TO GO HOME AND THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED SO IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT OR STARTED IT SINCE. MY MECHANIC CAMT TO MY HOME 2 DAYS IN A ROW AND WAS CONVINCED IT WAS CRANKSHAFT BOLT THAT SNAPPED. HE GOT IT INTO HIS SHOP THE FOLLOWING WEEK ON FRIDAY 10/26/19 AND CALLED A SHORT WHILE LATER INFORMING ME THAT IT WAS IN FACT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT THAT SNAPPED DEEP IN THE SHAFT AND THE CRANKSHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF AROUND $3000. I CALLED A FEW OTHER PLACES AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACING WHICH WOULD COAT AROUND THE SAME. MY DAUGHTER AND I NOW HAVE NO VEHICLE AND ARE WALKING HER TO SCHOOL WHICH WILL BE DIFFICULT COME WINTER MONTHS.
OCT, 2016 - I AM THE ORIGNAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD MAINTAINED REGULAR MAINTAINENCE ON THE VEHICLE. I HAD JUST PUT $700 OF NEW TIRES ON VEHICLE AND HAD A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND FLUID CHECK BEFORE WE LEFT FOR OUR VACATION. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE AND I STILL OWN. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RUN BUT I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT STARTED THE FIRE. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE HEADED OUT OF TOWN FOR A WEEK, ABOUT 200 MILES INTO THE COMMUTE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD, WE WERE TRAVELING AT 55-60 MPH. AS I WAS EXITING THE 421 HIGHWAY FLAMES BEGAN COMING OUT FROM AROUND HOOD AND THE PAINT ON THE HOOD BEGAN TO BUBBLE UP DUE TO HEAT. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE FIRE DEPT, AS I WAS DRIVING, PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND IMMEDIATELY REMOVED MY DAUGHTER AND OUR BELONGINGS FROM THE VEHICLE AND DISTANCED OURSELVES FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED THEY PUT THE FLAMES OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL SHOP, I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO OUR HOME CITY UPON DEPARTURE FROM OUR VACATION. UPON FURTHER OBSERVATION I WAS ABLE TO SEE THE FIRE STARTED IN THE AREA CLOSEST TO WHERE THE ENGINE MEETS THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND CONTINUED TO SPREAD FROM THAT POINT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND UNDER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.
I WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE, AND MY TRUCK SHIFTED. SO I PULLED OVER TO SEE THE MY REAR LOWER ARM FELL FROM SUBFRAME CORRSION DUE TO HEAVY SALT USE HERE IN WI. I HAD TO GET CAR TOWED HOME.
"TAKATA RECALL" I BOUGHT THIS CAR JUST RECENTLY AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG STAYS ON ALL THE TIME THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS BUT NOT ON MY CAR IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE THIS LIKE THIS OR IS IT DANGEROUS AND THE FACTORY SHOULD SEND OUT A RECALL ON THIS RIGHT !
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
ENGINE
PITSTOP: UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES AND/OR MISFIRE CODES AFTER INCORRECT ENGINE REPAIR - THIS OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR YOU ENCOUNTER A COMPLAINT RELATING TO MIL ON (DTC P)#)X) WITH A MISFIRE DURING ACCELERATION AND/OR YOU FIND UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PARAMETERS.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 68 | 3 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2024 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 2023 | 114 | 3 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2022 | 184 | 6 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 2021 | 235 | 4 | 1 | 59.5 |
| 2020 | 131 | 1 | 1 | 62.6 |
| 2019 | 419 | 2 | 1 | 61.3 |
| 2018 | 248 | 3 | 1 | 64.4 |
| 2017 | 795 | 4 | 3 | 66.2 |
| 2016 | 1,241 | 8 | 3 | 65.9 |
| 2015 | 747 | 3 | 4 | 59.9 |
| 2014 | 982 | 6 | 8 | 65.3 |
| 2013 | 979 | 5 | 10 | 64.0 |
| 2012 | 876 | 5 | 10 | 68.1 |
| 2011 | 1,517 | 8 | 10 | 62.5 |
| 2010 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 2009 | 55 | 3 | 1 | 54.2 |
| 2008 | 217 | 3 | 3 | 62.7 |
| 2007 | 154 | 4 | 3 | 58.9 |
| 2006 | 242 | 1 | 1 | 44.6 |
| 2005 | 307 | 0 | 0 | 35.8 |
| 2004Viewing | 220 | 0 | 0 | 39.3 |
| 2003 | 305 | 1 | 1 | 43.3 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.