Kia Sorento Recall R/2004/159: Snap Ring Retainer Within The Gearbox May Detach, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 8 Nov 2004
- Launched
- 1,148
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2004/159
- DVSA reference
Kia recalled Sorento vehicles built between 19 December 2003 and 22 April 2004. The snap ring which retains the reverse gear may break which may result in poor power transfer. The recall notice describes the fix as: recall likely to be affected vehicles and fit a modified transmission unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The snap ring which retains the reverse gear may break which may result in poor power transfer. Should this occur the vehicle may roll forward whilst in reverse gear.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SNAP RING RETAINER WITHIN THE GEARBOX MAY DETACH Defect: The snap ring which retains the reverse gear may break which may result in poor power transfer. Should this occur the vehicle may roll forward whilst in reverse gear. Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and fit a modified transmission unit.
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 poor power transfer.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: recall likely to be affected vehicles and fit a modified transmission unit.
Are You Affected?
Sorento built between 19 December 2003 and 22 April 2004 may be included. Kia estimates 1,148 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.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2004/159. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SorentoPoor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leak | Urgent | R/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 fire | Urgent | R/2022/343 | |
| SorentoThe High Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault | Low | R/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 occur | Urgent | R/2022/328 | |
| SorentoA fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line | Urgent | R/2022/143 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2004/158 on 8 Nov 2004, for alternator pulley may seize. The one launched after it was R/2005/038 on 12 Apr 2005, for possible sudden operation of brakes. You can also see every Kia recall and all recalls launched in 2004.
Source: DVSA recall R/2004/159, launched 8 November 2004. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- 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.