2004 Kia Sorento problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Sorento get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Kia Sorento at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 18 highway).

Q: How much is a 2004 Kia Sorento worth?

Comparable 2004 Kia Sorento listings run roughly $1,000–$3,900, typically around $2,521 (from 67 vehicles).

2004 Kia Sorento at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints220

Combined16 mpg

Typical price$2,521

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Kia Sorento recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2004 Kia Sorento.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Kia Sorento common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 220 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Structure

Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2004 Kia Sorento MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg

City14 mpg

Highway18 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$3,975

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Kia Sorento worth?

Low

$1,000

Typical price

$2,521

High

$3,900

From 67 comparable 2004 Kia Sorento listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Kia Sorento costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,875

Fuel only$19,875

Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.