2004 Kia Sorento drivetrain & axles problems
Owners reported drivetrain & axles problems in 33 complaints for the 2004 Kia Sorento, 10% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 33 10% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 98,000 miles 29 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When drivetrain & axles problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 7 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 6 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 29 drivetrain & axles complaints that report mileage, the median is about 98,000 miles, and 24% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the drivetrain & axles complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
Since purchasing new 2004 sorento in february 2004, have had the vehicle to two different dealers for five attempts to resolve a vibration from unidentified source. The vibration was first experienced at 70 MPH. One dealer has replaced the gear cluster in the rear differential, balance and rebalanced tires, replaced rear u-joints, and replaced front drive shaft. This did not correct problem. Second dealer replaced rear drive shaft a second time. Vibration is now worse. It can be felt at 50 MPH and 70 MPH.
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.
Other problems reported for the 2004 Kia Sorento
- Engine 88 complaints
- Suspension 32 complaints
- Electrical system 28 complaints
- Body & structure 28 complaints
- Steering 26 complaints