“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. The vehicle stalled and lost motive power while driving the contact was concerned for his safety when the vehicle stall the contact was concerned that it was related to the fuel system while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the sputtered and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 1, 2019 at 115,000 miles
“While driving on route 495 north in massachusetts between exits 7 and 8, my kia sorento lost power to the engine to the point I had to stop in the breakdown lane. No warning of prior smell or power loss had occurred prior to the incident. Towed to two different service stations and both informed me that the engine failed and lost compression on more than one cylinders.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 3, 2016 at 173,164 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2003 Sorento peaked in 2007, with 35 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 35% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.
1 safety recall
Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings05V353000
Filed Aug 4, 20052,935 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A FUEL LEAK FROM FUEL TUBES NEAR THE FUEL TANK DUE TO AN INTERFERENCE FIT WITH THE VEHICLE FLOOR PANEL.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE A SECTION OF THE FUEL LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
All 1 campaign on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2003 Sorento.
Fuel Spill During RefuelingPreliminary evaluation PE10023Closed
Opened Jul 12, 2010Closed Dec 21, 2011fuel system
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister …
Technical service bulletins
30 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Sorento. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 6equipment 4fuel system 4body and frame 2electrical system 2seat belts 2door locks and latches 1transmission 1
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PITSTOP: UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES AND/OR MISFIRE CODES AFTER INCORRECT ENGINE REPAIR - THIS OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR YOU ENCOUNTER A COMPLAINT RELATING TO MIL ON (DTC P)#)X) WITH A MISFIRE DURING ACCELERATION AND/OR YOU FIND UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PARAMETERS.
KIA: INTERMITTENT MIL ON WITH NO FAULT CODE STORED; INFORMATION ABOUT DTC P1330. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES. IN AFFECTED VEHICLES AN INTERMITTENT SHORT TO GROUND IN A CIRCUIT ONLY INTENDED FOR TESTING PURPOSES MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE AND A DTC P1330 (SPARK TIMING ADJUST) TO BE STORED. *PE
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 2025AZ
For some reason, KIA has halted production of the Air Bag Clock Spring mechanism for 2003 Kia Sorento's EX with cruise control. In my opinion, this was a vital component of the Air Bag safety system for any vehicle. So why the halt in the production of this vital part. Kia part #93490-3E160. Maybe the NHTSA can get an answer to this. I'm sure I not the only one driving a 2003 with the Air Bag light illuminated.
Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2019115,000 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST MOTIVE POWER WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALL THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, A TUNE UP WAS PERFORMED, THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, AND TIMING BELT WAS ALSO REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. LAKESHORE KIA, 330 E HOWZE BEACH RD #2, SLIDELL, LA 70461, (888) 220-8645, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
EngineCrash
Filed Aug 30, 201960,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE CAME FROM OUT OF THE VENTS. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. TH VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed May 13, 2019202,699 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A 'SNOW' WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,699.
Engine
Filed Apr 26, 201956,300 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS WOULD NOT GO OVER 4,000 AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED WOULD NOT EXCEED 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE WAS DRAINING THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEAK KIA (5077 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO 80123, (303) 904-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,300. *DT
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 6, 2018150,000 milesSC
WHEN PUMPING GAS THERE IS A SUDDEN SPEWING OF GASOLINE OUT OF THE TANK AND ALL OVER ME. I MANAGED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET A FEW GALLONS IN BY PUMPING SLOWLY BUT THE NEXT DAY THE GAS GAGE READS EMPTY AND HAS ACTUALLY RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES! SO NOT ONLY AM I HAVING A PROBLEM PUTTING GAS IN, IT IS IMMEDIATELY DRAINING OR LEAKING OUT!
Fuel/Propulsion System1 injured
Filed May 16, 2018155,000 milesWA
AFTER PURCHASING CAR FROM PRIVATE SELLER I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN TRYING TO PUMP GAS, MY FUEL SPRAYS BACK OUT ALL OVER MYSELF, MY VEHICLE, AND THE GROUND. HAVE EVEN HAD IT SPRAY INTO MY EYES. DID RESEARCH AND SAW THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL. I BELIEVE ITS A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO!
Air Bags
Filed Jan 29, 2018MA
TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE AIRBAGS. THE CAR HASN'T BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND I'M TOLD IT WILL NOT INFLATE. I WAS TOLD TO CHECK FOR RECALLS.
Steering
Filed Nov 23, 2017129,500 milesFL
TAKATA RECALL THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT KEEPS COMING LOSE AND THIS CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME STIFF. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 201793,632 milesMI
MY 2003 KIA SORENTO DRIVES FOR 15 MINUTES AND STALLS OUT. I WAIT 5 MIN AND IT'LL START AND DRIVE FOR A BLOCK OR 2AND CONTINUES TO THAT UNTIL I GET IT TOWED HOME
Engine
Filed Oct 26, 2017GA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CRANKSHAFT BOLT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2017120,000 milesTN
ENGINE CRANK SHAFT HAS BROKEN FOUR TIME , AIR COMPRESSER TWO TIME
Suspension
Filed Mar 21, 2017120,000 milesMN
RUST AND CORROSION REAR AXLE BRACKET AND TRAILING ARM MOUNT. REAR AXLE BRACKET BROKE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Suspension
Filed Mar 20, 2017165,000 milesNH
THE 2003 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH EXTENSIVE FRAME RUSTING, TO THE POINT WHERE SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SUSPENSION DETACH FROM THE FRAME. ONE OWNER IN PARTICULAR HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AND KIA MOTORS REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY BUILT THE CAR, SOLD IT TO PEOPLE, AND WHEN CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR VEHICLE, THEY (KIA) SAYS THAT THEY'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE. YOU NEED TO EXAMINE THIS, BECAUSE PEOPLE COULD GET KILLED BY OPERATING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NOW, BEFORE IT BECOMES THE NEXT PINTO. MAKE KIA FIX THE [XXX] VEHICLES NOW!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 2017989,000 milesWI
VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC. FROZE UP,STALLED. LOSS OF STEERING. HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP & WAS TOLD THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR & RELATED PARTS TO THE CRANK SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED. COST FOR TOWING & REPAIRS WERE OVER $700.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 13, 201733,000 milesNC
WHILE FUELING UP THE SORENTO, THE FUEL SPIT OUT EVERY TIME EVEN WHILE FUELING AT SLOW SPEEDS. VERY FRUSTRATING , AND DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FUEL GETS ON MY SKIN & CLOTHES, THE VEHICLE, AND AT TIMES LEAVES A HUGE PUDDLE ON THE GROUND WHICH COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND WILL NOT HELP ME EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE FUEL FILTER, WHICH I MENTIONED.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 13, 2017128,800 milesCT
WHEN I PUMP GAS INTO MY CAR, THE FUEL SPITS BACK OUT AT ME. I HAVE TO PUMP REAL SLOW FOR THIS NOT TO HAPPEN. THIS IS DANGEROUS, GAS GETS ON MY HANDS AND CAR,I HAVE TO CARRY SOAP AND WATER TO WASH THIS OFF OF MY CAR. I CALLED ABOUT THIS AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE MY CAR VIN # WAS NOT ON THE THEIR LIST THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME
Engine
Filed Jan 25, 2017116,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, FUEL SPEWED OUT THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 4, 201713,700 milesNY
TAKATA RECALL...REAR SUSPENSION ALWAYS ROTS OUT. THE SUB FRAME IS BAD.
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 201688,025 milesNY
WHILE UNDER MOTION ON HIGHWAY AT 65+ MPH, LOST POWER STEERING DUE TO CRANK SHAFT BOLT AND PULLEY FAILURE, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCESSORY FUNCTIONS.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 21, 2016101,300 milesPR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL EJECTED OUT OF THE REFUELING HOLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,300.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2016CT
AIR BAGS COIL SPRING HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND KIA REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY IN CASE OF A ACCIDENT. THIS IS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE DAY I PURCHASE THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW THE MAKER OF THE AIR BAG SISTEM.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2016147,000 milesNY
THE DRIVER DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA SORENTOS.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 25, 2016PR
EVERY TIME I HAVE TO FILL THE GAS TANK ON MY KIA SORENTO 2003 IT SHOOTS BACK THE GASOLINE LIKE A PROYECTILE. IT TAKES AN ETERNITY TO FILL THE GAS TANK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE GAS ALL OVER YOU. I HAVE EVEN BEING KICKED OUT OF SOME SERVICE STATIONS BECAUSE SPILING SO MUCH GAS IS A HAZARD. IS THERE ANY SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE NOT HEARD A WORD FROM KIA.
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 21, 2016145,000 milesNC
WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A CLUNK AND A THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING SIDE TO SIDE. I LIMPED TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME WHERE THE SUSPENSION AND ALL PARTS CONNECT WAS RUSTED OUT. FRAME REPAIR SAID THIS CAN NOT BE FIXED AS THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. WHERE THE STABILIZER AND SUSPENSION CONNECTS. TEH CAR ONLY HAS 149,OOO MILES AND IS IN NORTH CAROLINA. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS OF A RUSTED OUT SUPPORT FRAME ON THIS SITE. WILL THE MANUFACTURER REPLACE THIS FRAME.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 31, 2016185,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE SPEWED FUEL ONTO THE GROUND WHEN FUEL WAS BEING ADDED. THIS ISSUE RECURRED REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL BEING ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Engine
Filed Mar 28, 2016108,510 milesGA
THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT SUPPORTING THE TIMING SPROCKET AND BALANCE PULLEY SNAPPED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. RIGHT NOW THE VEHICLE IS IN THE THE KIA DEALER SERVICE CENTER TO REPLACE IT. ONCE AGAIN THEY ARE ASKING FOR A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX. LAST BOLT LASTED 4,000 MILES BEFORE IT SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH.
Suspension
Filed Mar 22, 2016KY
TAKATA RECALL REAR FRAME CROSS MEMBER RUSTED OUT.
Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2016173,164 milesRI
WHILE DRIVING ON ROUTE 495 NORTH IN MASSACHUSETTS BETWEEN EXITS 7 AND 8, MY KIA SORENTO LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE TO THE POINT I HAD TO STOP IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE. NO WARNING OF PRIOR SMELL OR POWER LOSS HAD OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. TOWED TO TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE STATIONS AND BOTH INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND LOST COMPRESSION ON MORE THAN ONE CYLINDERS. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOSING POWER.
Fuel System, Gasoline1 injured
Filed Jan 28, 2016146,000 milesME
IT IS BEYOND ME HOW KIA MOTORS CAN GET AWAY WITH TELLING A BUNCH OF AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERS, THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THERE VEHICLES SPITTING BACK GASOLINE ONTO A PERSON AND KIA MOTORS TELLING THEM IT'S AN AIR FILTER. I TOOK MY2003 KIA SORENTO BACK TO THE DEALERS THINKING I WAS GOING TO GET A NEW CHARCOAL FILTER WHEN ALL WAS SAID AND DONE I RECEIVED A $20 AIR FILTER FOR THE CHARCOAL CHAMBER WHICH HAD NO PROBLEM TO BEGIN WITH. I STILL HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT SPITS FUEL BACK ON TO ME AND I"M WAITING FOR THE DAY SOMEONE THROWS A CIGARETTE BUTT AT ME AND I CATCH FIRE< BECAUSE I WILL OWN KIA OF AMERICA AND A WEALTHY LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NATIONAL TRAFIC SAFETY PANEL. DO YOU KNOW I HAD A SHORT ACCESS TO A KIA SITE RECENTLY AND SEEN OVER 100 SERVICE BULLETINS, NOT JUST 8 THAT ARE ON THIS SITE I GUESS YOU PEOPLE FORGOT WHO YOU WORK FOR THE UNITED STSTES PEOPLE/NOT KIA MOTORS AND YOU CAN BET YOUR ASS I'M NOT DONE UNTIL EVERYONE OF MY SERVICE BULLETINS IS ADDRESSED SO YOU BEAN COUNTERS BETTER START FIGURING BLAME BECAUSE AS I SAID WHEN I'M DONE YOU'LL SEE THIS IS BULLSHIT IF THIS WERE FORD, CHEVY OR CHRYSLER YOU WOULD HAVE DRAGGED THEY'RE ASS ACROSS THE COALS WELL YOU BETTER START WITH THE SLANTY EYE KOREANS TOO. I KNEW THEIR WAS A REASON MY MOTHER DIDN'T WANT ME GOING INTO THEIR BOSTON STORES WHEN I WAS A KID. GOT HELP YOU IF THIS THING CATCHES FIRE WITH MY KIDS IN IT, BECAUSE MY 2 YEAR OLD IS STRAPPED RIGHT ABOVE YOUR NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER I MADE BETTER GO KARTS WHEN I WAS 10 YEARS OLD
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 201641,200 milesNY
N/A
Fuel/Propulsion System1 injured
Filed Jan 20, 2016126,000 milesME
I HAVE FUEL STILL SPITTING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK, EVEN AFTER THE SUPPOSED TANK AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT BY BILL DODGE KIA, SACO, ME. I CAN ONLY TRICKLE FUEL IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT IT SPITTING BACK OUT ON ME AND THE GROUND. I HAVE ALREADY HAD A BAD RASH DUE TO FUEL SPILLING ON ME WITH SHORTS ON LAST SUMMER. THE VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRED AS STATED. I REFUSE TO START TRYING TO JUST THROW MONEY AT IT AND NOT KNOWING IF IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM OR NOT. I SEEN A LOT OF OTHER COMPLAINTS EVEN AFTER THE TANK AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT, THE EVAP SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO BEGIN WITH, DUE TO MOISTURE GETTING INTO THE AIR FILTER THEN THE CHARCOAL CANISTER AND EVERYTHING ELSE. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE CLOSED VALVE WHICH IS LOCATED BEFORE THE TANK AIR FILTER TO NO AVAIL THIS VEHICLE IS A HEALTH AND FIRE HAZARD PERIOD !
Power Train
Filed Dec 30, 2015237,361 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET IT BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE . THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,361. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 22, 2015102,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPEWED BACK OUT OF THE FILLER NECK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUEL SPLASHED ALL OVER THE FLOOR AND HIS CLOTHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 21, 2015AL
WHEN FUELING, AFTER ABOUT 45 SECONDS, GAS SPRAYS BACK UP AND OUT ALL OVER ME AND THE CAR AND THE GROUND. IF THE FUEL PUMP HANDLE IS BARELY DEPRESSED, WHICH PUMPS THE GAS VERY VERY SLOWLY, FUEL WILL BE ACCEPTED. TAKES FOREVER - TIRED OF GAS-SOAKED CLOTHES AND GAS-SOAKED SHOES; TIRED OF SPILLING GAS ALL OVER THE CAR AND WASTING ON THE CONCRETE; - TIRED OF DANGEROUS SITUATION!! NEED KIA TO ISSUE A RECALL ON WHATEVER IS CAUSING THE FUEL REJECTION.
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 17, 2015114,283 milesIN
CRANKSHAFT BOLT BACKED OUT LOST POWER STEERING BRAKES,KIA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FROM 2002 TO 2009 MANY REPORTS HAVE BEEN FILED,ITS THE MANUFACTURING OF THE BOLT WHICH IS TO SMALL,THEY ARE NOT STANDING BY THIS DEFECT,THERE IS NO PERMENANT FIX FOR THIS AND KIA ISN'T WARNING ANYONE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD LEAD INTO A FATILE ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES AND DEATH.GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THERE WOULD BE NO CONTROL EVEN AT SLOW THERE IS NO EASY TURNING THE WHEEL.NOW IM STUCK WITH THIS PROBLEM AND A TEMP FIX WONT FIX IT,SO NOW I HAVE NO VEHICLE OR ANYWAY TO GET ONE,NO WAY TO WORK,NO MONEY TO TEMP FIX IT,THIS IS UNJUST AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE NEVER PASSED SPECS TO BE ON THE ROAD.KIA SHOULD STEP UP AND HONOR THERE PRODUCTS,THEY ARE DECEIVING BUYERS AND PUTTING THERE LIFE IN DANGER AND U DON'T KNOW IT TILL IT HAPPENS,I DIDN'T...I WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL I AM THANKFUL I WASN'T ON THE HIGHWAY POSSIBLE RESULTING IN MY FAMILYS LIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD,WITH NO CONTROL ALL BECAUSE OF THERE NEGLIGENCE NOT CARING FOR PEOPLES LIFES BUT FOR MONEY,ITS SAD .IF U PULL UP CRANKSHAFT BOLT FOR KIA IT WILL SHOW YOU ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND A DANGEROUS DEFECT,BECAUSE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF HANDILING OF YOUR VEHICLE.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 201510,367 milesMD
WHEN GO TO SHIFT TRUCK IN DRIVE IT MAKES A CLANK SOUND AND WHEN DRIVING AT A SPEED BETWEEN 65-70 THE TRUCK STARTS VIBRATING, AND WHEN IN REVERSE IT SQUEAKS WHEN BACK UP,AT FIRST MY WIFE IT WAS THE U JOINTS SO WE HAD IT REPLACED BUT IT ALL STARTED HAPPING AGAIN. NEXT OUR BATTERY DIE HAD IT REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE NOW THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE BEST TIME AND AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE GETS STUCK AT TIMES.
Engine
Filed Nov 10, 201589,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE BRAKE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 28, 2015FL
I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA AFTER PICKING UP MY DAUGHTER WHO TRAVELLED DOWN FROM UF IN GAINESVILLE - 1ST WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER, 2015. WE WERE TRAVELLING SOUTH I95 IN THE MIDDLE LANE, WHEN THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ALL THE RED LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD CAME ON. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR OVER TO THE HARD SHOULDER, THIS WAS EXTREMELY HARD, & PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. AFTER 5MINS OR SO I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AGAIN, WHICH TO MY SURPRISED IT STARTED AND WE CONTINUED ON OUR JOURNEY, THIS TIME I STAYED IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE, NEXT TO THE HARD SHOULDER, AFTER A FEW MILES, THE SAME THING HAPPENED EXACTLY AGAIN. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND CAME TO A HALT. NOW WE WERE BOTH UPSET AS IT WAS AFTER 10PM AT NIGHT, WE CALLED HOME TO LET SOMEONE KNOW TO BE ALERT, AND IN THE MEAN TIME STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, THIS OFF AND ON AGAIN ISSUE OCCURRED IN TOTAL FOUR TIMES BEFORE WE MANAGED TO GET HOME SAFELY. DUE TO DRIVING VERY SLOWLY ALONG THE HIGHWAY!!! THE NEXT DAY THE CAR STARTED FIRST TIME, DROVE TO AUTO ZONE AS IT WAS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, AFTER PUTTING THEIR MACHINE ON IT. THE TEST CAME BACK SAYING MAYBE IT NEEDED WATER, AND A FEW OTHER CODES. THEY ADVISE TO TAKE IT TO A CAR MECHANIC ASAP, STARTED THE CAR MADE IT 1/2 WAY HOME, AND THE CAR STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A TWO LANE ROAD, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AFTER PUSHING THE CAR TO A SIDE ROAD, LEFT IT FOR 4HRS CAME BACK & MANAGE TO GET HOME. THE NEXT DAY ALONG WITH MY SON DRIVING THE KIA, AND MYSELF BEHIND HIM WE A
Suspension
Filed Oct 28, 2015122,000 milesOH
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SWERVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SUPPORT TOWERS ON THE TOP OF THE REAR AXLE THAT HOLD THE LINKS THAT KEEP THE REAR AXLE FROM FALLING OUT OF THE CAR HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED. WITHOUT THESE LINKS THE REAR AXLE CAN TWIST AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. WITHOUT THESE LINKS THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE COULD BREAK AWAY FROM THE CAR AND COULD BECOME A 200 LB. PROJECTILE CAUSING DEATH TO ANY PERSONS IN ITS PATH. THE REAR AXLE MOVES IN THE CAR RIGHT NOW A MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 14, 2015100,000 milesFL
FULE IS SHOOTING BACK OF GAS TANK WHILE PUTTING IN GAS.THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. PLEAS TELL ME A FIX FOR THIS. CAR IS STATIONARY.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 25, 201588,425 milesGA
I ATTEMPTED TO FILL MY 2003 KIA SOENTO EX AND AFTER PUMPMING ABOUT $2.75 WORTH OF GAS, THE FUEL BEGAN TO SPIT BACK UP THROUGH THE FILLER HOSE AND SPURTED/ GUSH BACK OUT ON TO ME. IT GIVES YOU A FALSE SENSE THAT THE TANK IS FULL BUT IT'S NOT. I ATTEMPTED TO RE-FUEL AND AGAIN, THE GAS SPURT/ GUSH BACK OUT. I COULD GET NO MORE THAN $5.00 DOLLARS IN THE CAR. I SPOKE WITH THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN LITHONIA, GEORGIA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A MATTER. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK. HOWEVER, I BEGAN TO RESEARCH THIS MATTER AND IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY YOU ALL. KIA DID STATE THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE MATTER. I'M NOT CONFIDENT THAT WILL HAPPEN. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE AMONG CONSUMERS ABOUT THIS SAME VEHICLE BETWEEN THE 2003 THROUGH 2006. PLEASE INVESTIGATE! I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A RECALL ITEM. THE 2003 KIA SORENTO WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE MADE BY KIA CORPORATION.
Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2015147,233 milesNJ
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY APPROX 55MPH THE CAR JUST POWER. DEAD GAS PEDAL. HAD TO GET OVER TO SHOULDER BUT COULD NOT DUE TO THE STEERING LOCKING UP AND THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN. I GOT ASSISTANCE FROM PASSERBY WHO GO ME OVER TO SHOULDER. I STARTED UP THE CAR AND IT STARTED UP AND RAN WITH NO ISSUE. SUDDEN SHUT DOWM OF ENGINE IS VERY DANGEROUS. ONCE I GOT HOME AND HAD THE CAR CHECKED THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE INCIDENT IN ORDER TO MAKE REPAIRS. THIS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AND ONLY HAPPENS TO ME ON HIGHWAY DRIVING. NEVER IN CITY DRIVING.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2015TX
AIRBAG INDICATOR TURNED ON AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. I HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE SINCE THE INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON IN FEAR OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING ON THEIR OWN WHILE I'M DRIVING OR NOT DEPLOYING IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS.
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2015124,000 milesGA
THE CAR STARTED MAKING A SCRUBBING SOUND AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THE NEXT DAY THE BRAKES WORKED SCRUBBING SOUND CONTINUED AND WE WERE TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACING.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 12, 201579,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARMONICA BALANCE IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARMONICA BALANCE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE REAR AXLE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 2015174,000 milesKY
ALL LIGHTS COME ON, HORN BLOWS, BUT WILL NOT START AT ALL, THIS KIA SORENTO IS JUNK, ITS FALLING APART, I GOT A DISABLE MOTHER, NOW CAN'T TAKE HER TO HER DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS, EVERY SINCE I HAD IT, ITS BEEN NOTHING BUT JUNK, WE LIVE ON FIXED INCOME, CAN'T AFFORD TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THIS 2003 KIA SORENTO SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD, ALL KIA SORENTO VEHICLES ARE JUNK, CLOCK IS MESSED UP, COMES OFF AND ON, AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, NOW WON'T EVEN START AT ALL, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT KIA DEALERSHIPS SELLING JUNK VEHICLES, WILL COMPLAIN AGAIN AND AGAIN, THEY ARE JUNK!
Electrical System
Filed Jul 21, 2015178,000 milesKY
ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, CLOCK CAN'T KEEP RIGHT TIME, NOW WON'T START AT ALL, I WISHED I NEVER BOUGHT THIS 2003 KIA SORENTO, THEY ARE NOTHING BUT JUNK. PLEASE ANYBODY WHO READS THIS DO NOT BUY A KIA VEHICLE. I HATE KIA VEHICLES, I WILL NEVER OWN ONE AGAIN, I WOULD NOT TAKE A KIA VEHICLE, EVEN IF THEY GIVE ME ONE. TO MANY PROBLEMS, SINCE I BOUGHT IT, HAVEN'T BEEN ANYWHERE IN TWO WEEKS, BECAUSE KIA VEHICLE IS JUNK.
Engine
Filed Jul 21, 201583,986 milesCA
THE BOLT HOLDING THE HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY TO THE CRANKSHAFT FELL OUT AND ALL THE ENGINE BELTS AND PULLEYS STOPPED TURNING RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THIS HAPPENED AT A LOW SPEED AND THE DRIVER WAS BARELY ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. AT A HIGHER SPEED, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, OR ON MOUNTAIN ROADS, THE RESULT WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALER AND REPAIRED FOR APPROXIMATELY $1,500.00, REPLACING THE FAILED PARTS WITH NEW PARTS AND WITH A WARRANTY OF 12 MONTHS/10 THOUSAND MILES. PREVIOUSLY, AT 70 THOUSAND MILES AS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED BY A KIA DEALER. KIA MOTORS, HAVING KNOWN OF MANY FAILURES OF THE BOLT, SPROCKET, AND PULLEY, SHOULD HAVE UPGRADED THESE PARTS YEARS AGO AND ISSUED A RECALL OR AT LEAST A SERVICE BULLETIN TO AVOID SUCH DANGEROUS FAILURES. AFTER OUR EXPERIENCE, WE DID NOT TRUST THIS CAR AND TRADED IT IN FOR A NEW CAR FROM HOPEFULLY A MORE RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURER.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 6, 2015113,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS NOT GOING INTO THE FUEL TANK PROPERLY UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE AS IF IT WERE FULL. THE CONTACT HAD TO TAKE AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK WAS ACTUALLY FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V353000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 305, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Sorento years to avoid. Owners filed 305 complaints, against about 255 for a typical Sorento year. The most common complaint is about the engine (35%).
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kia Sorento?
The engine: 107 of the 305 complaints (35%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses power (15%), turns on the check engine light (15%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (15%). The typical report comes at 78,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sorento have?
1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 4, 2005. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2003 Kia Sorento problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 74,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 78,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Kia Sorento?
Yes, once. PE10023 ("Fuel Spill During Refueling") was opened Jul 12, 2010 and closed Dec 21, 2011.
Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Kia Sorento?
The manufacturer filed 30 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (6), the fuel system (4) and the body and frame (2). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 4, 2005. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.