2004 Kia Sorento Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 6%of 220 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Kia Sorento, 6% of the 220 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2004 Kia Sorento has an intermittent check engine light that displays error code p0446. The light comes on and off as it pleases. There is a TSB for this particular problem, but there are no details. This intermittent light is causing my vehicle to fail it's smog inspection. I have replaced the gas cap as indicated but this did not fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10664478, filed 2014-12, 160,000 miles“While exiting my driveway at home (which is on a an incline and exits onto a state highway) I lost all braking capability. When I took the car into my local garage to have the problem diagnosed I was told the brake lines were completely corroded through which caused the loss of braking ability. While attempting the repairs the mechanic smelled gasoline fumes and found that the fuel lines where they exit the tank has also corroded through. …”
NHTSA complaint #10542742, filed 2013-09, 72,560 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453918, filed 2012-04, 120,000 miles“Three times this week I have been traveling 35 miles an hour or less and the car has just turned off. The first time I was in a parking lot and had to push it into a stall (cracking my tail light while doing that quickly to get out of the way.) the second time was turning a corner and it died. The third time I was just entering the freeway on-ramp when it died. It gives no warning other than silence and a last gasp of gas going through. All three times I was able to stop the car, put it in park and restart it. It has been harder and harder to get it started after that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10781267, filed 2015-10, 126,000 miles“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!”
NHTSA complaint #10507094, filed 2013-04, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10060226Jan 1, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10043654Jan 1, 2012Kia: see document search button for owner letter. Fuel tank air filter replacement.
- 10037420Nov 1, 2010Kia: fuel tank air filter reminder. The air filter can accumulate dirt over time and needs to be maintained.
- 10021446Apr 1, 2007Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5l engines.
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 14 | 7% |
| 2021 | 24 | 9% |
| 2020 | 10 | 7% |
| 2019 | 28 | 6% |
| 2018 | 13 | 5% |
| 2017 | 49 | 6% |
| 2016 | 58 | 5% |
| 2015 | 31 | 4% |
| 2014 | 50 | 5% |
| 2013 | 38 | 4% |
| 2012 | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 12 | 5% |
| 2005 | 12 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 77 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Sorento
46 complaintsEngine cooling
46 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology