Kia Sorento Recall R/2004/158: Alternator Pulley May Seize, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2004/158. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Urgent
How serious
8 Nov 2004
Launched
3,517
vehicles in the UK
R/2004/158
DVSA reference

Kia recalled Sorento vehicles built between 6 November 2002 and 24 June 2004. The alternator pulley may seize resulting in the loss of the drive belt. The dealer will replace will be recalled at which time the pulley with a modified item. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

The alternator pulley may seize resulting in the loss of the drive belt. This in turn can result in an increased physical effort requirement for both the steering and brake pedal.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: ALTERNATOR PULLEY MAY SEIZE Defect: The alternator pulley may seize resulting in the loss of the drive belt. This in turn can result in an increased physical effort requirement for both the steering and brake pedal Remedy: Affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the pulley will be replaced with a modified item.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in the loss of the drive belt.

The Fix

The dealer will replace will be recalled at which time the pulley with a modified item.

Are You Affected?

Sorento built between 6 November 2002 and 24 June 2004 may be included. Kia estimates 3,517 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
  2. Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2004/158. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
LaunchedVehicle and faultSeverityReference
SorentoPoor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leakUrgentR/2023/077
SorentoThe PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento (XM) models can overheat due to potential damage of the connector terminal. This can lead to a malfunction of the PTC heater and a risk of fireUrgentR/2022/343
SorentoThe High Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal faultLowR/2022/363
SorentoThere is a risk the automatic gear shift lever could be moved out of Park without the foot brake pedal being applied. If this occurs and should the parking brake not be activated a vehicle rollaway could occurUrgentR/2022/328
SorentoA fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel lineUrgentR/2022/143

This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2004/109 on 16 Aug 2004, for potential fuel leak. The one launched after it was R/2004/159 on 8 Nov 2004, for snap ring retainer within the gearbox may detach. You can also see every Kia recall, all recalls launched in 2004 and brake recalls across every make.


Source: DVSA recall R/2004/158, launched 8 November 2004. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.