2004 Kia Sorento

Introduction to 2004 Kia Sorento

The 2004 Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV offered with two engine options: a 3.5L V6 and a 2.4L L4. The V6 produces 192 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque, while the L4 produces 138 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers praise the Sorento’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it has received criticism for its limited off-road capabilities, lack of standard safety features, and poor fuel economy.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfiring, engine hesitation, rough idling
  • Solution: Replace ignition coils
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud exhaust noise, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace exhaust manifold
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and associated components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L L4

• Intake Cam Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, engine hesitation
  • Solution: Replace intake cam position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace transmission solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Torque Converter Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shudder, slipping gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed shifts, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front end, reduced handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharge, dimming headlights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to start engine
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Tailgate Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing tailgate
  • Solution: Replace tailgate latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to operate power windows
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150

Summary

The 2004 Kia Sorento has a number of potential issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and suspension. These issues can be costly to repair, so it’s important to factor in the potential cost of maintenance when considering this vehicle. However, it’s worth noting that some of the issues, such as ignition coil failure and intake cam position sensor failure, are relatively inexpensive to fix. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues with the 2004 Kia Sorento are moderate to high.