2003 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 308 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 10 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 12 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsAug 4, 2005
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.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
Campaign 05V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
308 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2012
EACH TIME WE GO TO PUT FUEL INTO THE GAS TANK IT FLIES BACK OUT. SOMETIMES AS MUCH AS A FOOT OR MORE OUT OF THE GAS TANK OPENING. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR MORE THAN A FEW MONTHS NOW. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH KIA SORENTOS AROUND THIS YEAR MODEL WITH AROUND THE SAME AMOUNT OF MILES AS OURS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2012
MY FIRST KIA WAS SPORTAGE 2000 WITH 165000 MILES WHEN I SOLD THAT VEHICLE, I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS THIS WAS MY REASON TO BUY KIA AGAIN, I BUY A SORENTO 2003 NO COMPLAINTS ONLY THE 2 RECALLS FROM KIA IS THE ONLY THING I HAVE IN THIS VEHICLE. BUT SINCE THE LAST YEAR AFTER 75000 MILES I HAVE THIS REAL PROBLEM FOR ME WITH THE GAS SPILLS, MY SITUATION TODAY IS NOT THE SAME LIKE ITS WAS FIVE YEARS AGO....AND SPEND ABOVE $500 FIXING THIS PROBLEM WHO ATTRIBUTE AT FAILURE OF DESIGN FROM KIA MOTORS IS BEYOND MY BUDGET. I HAVE NOT IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS FROM KIA WHO I MAKE THEM SOLELY RESPONSIBLE OF THIS DEFECT. SOMEBODY CAN TELL ME HOW I HAVE TO PROCEED TO MAKE ACCOUNTABLE KIA IN THIS MATTER?? *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 9, 2012
WHEN I TRY TO FILL GASOLINE IN MY CAR, THE PUMP WILL CLICK OFF AFTER FILLING ABOUT 1/2 GALLON AND WILL THEN SPRAY GASOLINE BACK AT ME FOR THE FIRST 3-4 TIMES IT CLICKS OFF. I NOTICED A RECALL WAS DONE ON THIS MODEL FOR THE FUEL TANK EVAPORATOR FILTER WHICH IS THE ISSUE. I HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED BUT STILL HAVE THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 8, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 275 AT 60 MPH. ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED..TOTAL SYSTEM POWER FAILURE..2 DAUGHTERS ALMOST LOST THEIR LIVES TRYING TO MANEUVER THIS DEATH MISSILE TO EMERGENCY LANE..JUST IN TIME TO MISS MULTIPLE TRACTOR TRAILERS VEHICLES FROM CRUSHING THEM..NOT TO MENTION MULTIPLE PASSENGER CARS IN HARMS WAY FROM DEFECTIVE PART REPLACED MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN... KIA CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH DEFECTIVE PART IS CLEARLY AT FAULT..HAVE FIRESTONE MECHANIC WILLING TO SUBSTANTIATE CLAIM AND IS WILLING TO HELP IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.. I URGE EVERYONE THAT HAS ANY HISTORY WITH THIS DEATHTRAP TO PLEASE GET THE MESSAGE OUT THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL KILL YOU..MOST LIKELY THEIR OTHER VEHICLES WILL AS WELL...DO NOT EVER DRIVE OR PUT ANYONE YOU LOVE IN ANY VEHICLE THAT THEY MAKE!!!!! MY DAUGHTERS ARE SCARRED FOR LIFE AND NEVER WANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE OR ANYTHING AT THIS POINT..I AM GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE THAT I CAN REACH VIA SOCIAL MEDIA REALLY REALLY UNDERSTANDS THE TRUTH OF THIS VEHICLES DEATH WARRANT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 7, 2012
FUEL SPEWED BACK WHEN FILLING AT STATION. *TR
Engine, Aug 5, 2012
DRIVING MY 2003 KIA SORENTO IN TOWN WHEN THE BRAKE, OIL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND LOST MY POWER STEERING. AFTER ALMOST HITTING A COUPLE CARS GOT IT TO MY IN LAWS HOUSE TO FIND THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD BACKED OUT OF THE HARMONIC BALANCER AND CAUSED ALL THE BELTS TO STOP. CALLED MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT IS A COMMON THING FOR KIA'S. TOLD ME TO TAKE THE BOLT OUT AND INSPECT IT TO SEE IF THE THREADS ARE STRETCHED IF SO TO GET A NEW BOLT. AFTER TRYING TO GET THE BOLT LOOSE IT WILL NOT BUDGE. NOW ITS ON A TRAILER ON ITS WAY TO THE MECHANICS HOUSE. JUST PAID MY FIRST PAYMENT ON IT LAST MONTH. BOUGHT IT USED BECAUSE MY WIFE LIKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD A THIRTY DAY WARRANTY AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT 36 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED IT SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2012
I WAS FILLING MY GAS TANK UP, AND AFTER ABOUT 2 GALLONS IT SPIT BACK OUT AT ME GOING EVERYWHERE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MANY MECHANICS AND THEY SAY THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, SO BASICALLY I HAVE HAD TO CONTINUE DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE FOR 7 MONTHS OR SO. I HAVE GROWN TIRED OF IT AND DECIDED TO SEARCH THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE ALSO. I FIND THAT THE GAS SPILLING OUT EVERYWHERE IS A SAFETY HAZARD IN MANY WAYS, BUT NO ONE CAN SEEM TO HELP ME OUT. WHAT SHOULD I DO? *TR
Service brakes, Jul 7, 2012
DRIVING CAR DOWN ROAD WHEN BRAKES WENT SOFT PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE BRAKES WENT OUT FULLY. MY SON WAS PRACTICING FOR HIS ROAD TEST. CAR ALSO HAS CONTROL ISSUE DOES NOT FEEL VERY STABLE. FEELS LIKE IT WANT TO TIP OVER. NOISE IN FRONT END DEALER SAID YOU WILL GET USED TO IT. WHEN IT GETS BAD ENOUGH THEY MAY BE ABLE TO FIND IT. BIGGEST PIECE OF JUNK I HAVE EVER OWNED. WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTOR FLUID BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED CLEANING. AFTER THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE CLEANED, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V353000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FUEL SPILL WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,387.
Service brakes, May 24, 2012
POWER BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE WHILE GOING 15 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE TO SERVICE CENTER. THEY REPORTED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY. ONCE THE BRAKE LINE WAS PERFORATED IT COMPLETELY RENDERED ALL BUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE INOPERABLE. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATE OF SPEED. HAD THIS OCCURRED AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED (E.G. 65 MPH) IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. ALL BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $670. I'VE OWNED MANY VEHICLES IN MY LIFETIME WITH SIMILAR AGE AND MILEAGE, BUT HAVE NEVER HAD BRAKE LINES RUST THROUGH. I LIVE IN A NORTHERN CLIMATE (NY STATE), BUT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. FRIENDS OF OURS BOUGHT THEIR 2003 KIA SORENTO ONE WEEK AFTER WE DID. THEIR VEHICLE SUFFERED THE EXACT SAME BRAKE LINE RUST THROUGH AS WE DID LAS YEAR, WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, SO I'M INTERESTED IN KNOWING WHAT PERCENTAGE OF SAME MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, May 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FELT SPONGY. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CONTACT HAD TO UTILIZE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND FRACTURED, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 29, 2012
DRIVING TO STORE AND HEARD NOISE. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING. RETURNED HOME AND FOUND CRANK PULLEY AND BROKEN CRANK PULLEY BOLT LAYING IN THE SKID PLATE. *TR
Suspension, Apr 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE REAR AXLE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THE DEFECT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 05/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE AXLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/21/12
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 23, 2012
WHEN PUTTING GAS IN THE TANK, THE GAS BLEW BACK OUT WITH A FORCE LIKE SHAKING A SODA CAN AND OPENING IT. TODAY WAS THE 3RD AND WORST TIME. IT STARTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO WITH THE FUEL JUST SPILLING OUT, BUT TONIGHT IT BLEW BACK OUT AT ME WITH SUCH A FORCE AS TO SPRAY GAS ALL OVER THE FRONT OF ME UP TO MY NECK. MY SHIRT WAS SOAKED, THE GAS WAS ALL OVER MY PANTS AND SHOES. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND SHOWER, BURNS FROM THE GAS ON MY SKIN STARTED APPEARING ON MY CHEST. *TR
Air bags, Mar 20, 2012
4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE USED OFF DEALERSHIP LOT, I WAS HAVING 4 NEW TIRES INSTALLED FOR WINTER. WHEN I CLIMBED BACK INTO THE CAR AND TURNED OVER THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY LIT EVER SINCE. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 9, 2012
2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATES BOLT LOOSENED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMERS HUSBAND SOON DISCOVERED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HER HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE TOUCHED A BOLT, WHICH WAS EXTREMELY HOT, AND IT WAS THE SAME BOLT THAT WAS RECALLED, WHICH HAD BECOME LOOSE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT A COST OF $6,000 EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER WANTED THE BOLT TO BE RE-THREADED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER, THEY DID NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT, TO PERFORM THE RE-THREAD OF THE BOLT, BUT INSTEAD OF NEEDING A NEW ENGINE, THEY COULD REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT AT A COST OF $3,500. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 6, 2012
2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GASOLINE TANK DEFECT. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM KIA MOTORS REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AI FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE IN SEPTEMBER 2011. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CONTACTED KIA REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT, SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL OF THAT NATURE. KIA INFORMED THE CONSUMER SHE WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE, DUE TO THE FACT, SHE COULD NOT GET MORE THAN ONE GALLON OF GASOLINE INTO THE TANK WITHOUT IT SPRAYING BACK OUT OF THE TANK. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER FALLING APART AND BLOCKING THE AIR FLOW IN CLOSE VALVE, VENT FILTER AND ROLL OVER VALVE. THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS REMOVED AND THE CHARCOAL CLEANED OUT OF THE FUEL TANK AND ROLL OVER VALVE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 3, 2012
CRANKSHAFT BOLT RECALLED 2007 THEY BREAK OFF RECALL DONE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE ON 2011CRANKSHAFT BROKE KIA WILL NOT FIX RECALLED PART. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LONG BANG WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AS IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH.THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HAD YET AGAIN, DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SERENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLT TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER WOULD FRACTURE AT ANYTIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE ONCE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Dec 19, 2011
I BROUGHT THE KIA SORENTO USED IN 2/2011 WITH 108,00 MILES AND REPLACED ALL BELTS,TRANSMISSION CHANGE,FRONT BRAKES,DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR. NOW HAS 127,000 MILES AND EVERY MONTH I HAVE BEEN REPLACING PARTS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING,THE INJECTOR WOULD LEAK FUEL AT ANY TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,333 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,433.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 8, 2011
WITHOUT NOTICE THIS VEHICLE STOPPED ACCEPTING FUEL PROPERLY. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO REFUEL, GASOLINE DOESN'T LEAK OUT, IT SPRAYS AS IF UNDER PRESSURE. MY WIFE, DAUGHTER AND I HAVE EACH BEEN SPRAYED ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. EVEN FILLING VERY SLOWLY CAUSES FUEL TO SPRAY FROM VEHICLE. I WOULD BE GLAD TO VIDEO IT AS IT OCCURS. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME AND CREATES A VERY SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD FOR MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHER CUSTOMERS AT THE FILLING STATION. I RECENTLY HAD AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN EVALUATE THE VEHICLE AND NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. THIS WAS GOING TO BE MY DAUGHTERS FIRST CAR BUT I DON'T FEEL ITS SAFE FOR HER AND WOULDN'T WANT TO TRADE IT TO SOMEONE AND ENDANGER THEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 5, 2011
WAS DRIVING APPROX 60 MILES PER HOUR AND FUEL PRESSURE DROPPED; ENGINE SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE BUT FOR ONLY A FEW MILES AT THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED OVER COURSE OF COUPLE OF DAYS. HAD FUEL PUMPED REPLACED. AFTER FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED I HAD PROBLEMS FUELING VEHICLE. GAS WOULD BUBBLE UP AND SPRAY OUT OF GAS TANK. HAD TO PUMP SLOWLY. GAS WOULD GET ALL OVER ME, VEHICLE AND GROUND. RETURNED VEHICLE BACK TO REPAIR SHOP SIX TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF SIX WEEKS; HAD OTHER PART REPLACED. VEHICLE STILL LOSING FUEL PRESSURE, SHUTTING OFF AND NOT ABLE TO PUMP GAS WITHOUT IT SPURTING OUT OF TANK. VEHICLE PARKED AS I FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR ME OR DAUGHTER. OUT OF 600 DOLLARS AND NOT VEHICLE TO DRIVE. SOMETHING FROM MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE DONE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM AFRAID OF VEHICLE STARTING A FIRE WITH ME IN IT. *TR