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Body and structurePart report

2004 Kia Sorento Body and structure Problems

Complaints
28about this part
Share
13%of 220 total for the year
Median mileage
122,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Kia Sorento, 13% of the 220 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11300856, filed 2020-01, 150,000 miles

“My son was driving this car when he heard a loud bang and lost control of vehicle while driving in a roundabout in taunton mass and nearly crashed this vehicle due to losing the ability of stabilizing it, but was able to pull off to side of road thankfully because of the speed of travel at the time, thankfully he was not on the highway or I may be telling a different story. …”

NHTSA complaint #10648938, filed 2014-10, 125,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11269088, filed 2019-10, 140,000 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

“I went to get my oil changed on/around 9/5 and they wouldn't change it due to severe rust damage that had rusted through the oil pan, brake line, at least one crack in the frame from rust, and the tires are barely held on to the car due to rust damage. Now my brakes don't work but I still have to drive the car. I went to 2 other shops and no one will work on my car due to it falling apart from rust. I purchase my car at abc motor credit august of 2013 and re-located to florida before winter hit. I called them and they referred me their warranty company, lisa warranty group. …”

NHTSA complaint #10643712, filed 2014-10, 116,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202511%
2024716%
202322%
202211%
202152%
20195613%
201894%
2017172%
20161119%
201510013%
201416016%
2013919%
2012354%
201126818%
200912%
200821%
200796%
200673%
2005145%
20042813%
2003124%

Other parts of the 2004 Kia Sorento

Engine
46 complaints
Engine cooling
46 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
40 complaints
Suspension
30 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Steering
24 complaints
Air bags
14 complaints
Exterior lighting
14 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints
Other or unknown
13 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Vehicle 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 28, 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