NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
30 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 20, 2025
Air Bags
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11649598
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2018
Air Bags
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.
NHTSA ODI #11065655
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2016
Air Bags
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.
NHTSA ODI #10884719
10,367 miles · Nov 20, 2015
Air BagsPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10795156
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2015
Air Bags
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.
NHTSA ODI #10760603
178,000 miles · Jul 21, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
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. …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10735581
174,000 miles · Jul 21, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
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 T…
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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!
NHTSA ODI #10735552
140,000 miles · Aug 16, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesSteering
I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ONE DAY ,WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT CAME OUT OF MY CAR .I BARELY MADE IT HOME .BUT THE FRONT END WAS JARRING MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON MY BREAKS LIKE SAME ONE AND I DID NOT HAVE NO CONTROL OF MY STEERING .THEN IT COST ME 1700 .THEN ONE DAY I WAS IN TOWN AND THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT CAME OUT OF MY CAR AGAIN WHI…
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I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ONE DAY ,WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT CAME OUT OF MY CAR .I BARELY MADE IT HOME .BUT THE FRONT END WAS JARRING MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON MY BREAKS LIKE SAME ONE AND I DID NOT HAVE NO CONTROL OF MY STEERING .THEN IT COST ME 1700 .THEN ONE DAY I WAS IN TOWN AND THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT CAME OUT OF MY CAR AGAIN WHICH THIS TIME I DID NOT HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING IT TOOK EVERY MUSCLE THAT I HAD TO KEEP IT IN THE ROAD THE FRONT AND SHOOK SO BAD IT JARRED EVERYTHING I LOSE MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON MY BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON IT WAS A HAZARDOUS ON THE HIGHWAY SERIOUSLY KILLED ME OR SOMEONE ELSE OR REALLY BADLY HURT THEM.THEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN AND HE SAID WELCOME IT'S GOING TO COST YOU 1700 MORE WHICH I DID NOT HAVE SO I LET THE BANK HAVE IT BACK WHICH NOW IT HAS RUN MY CREDIT BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED AND I LOST MY CREDIT BECAUSE OF THISSO YES THEY NEED TO DO A RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BEFORE IT DOES KILL SOMEONE IS THAT WHAT THEY'RE WAITING FOR FOR SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT.AND I KEEP ON REPLACING BUGS BRAKE LIGHTS HEADLIGHTS AND EVERYTHING THEY KEEP ON BLOWING IN THIS IN THE KIA AND I KEEP ON PUTTING MONEY IN IT FOR ME TO GET IT INSPECTED IT COST ME A HUNDRED SIXTY TWO DOLLARS AND 22 DISH TO REPLACE BULBS THAT I JUST REPLACE NOT EVEN A MONTH BEFORE THAT I HAVE RECEIPTS I AM SO TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS KIA I DIDN'T HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO LET THEM TAKE IT BECAUSE IT C AND THE TIRES AT 8 MY TIRES UP AND I PUT NEW TIRES ON WHICH COST ME 800 800 AGAIN TO PUT IN800 AGAIN TO PUT INAND WHEN THIS BIT WHEN THIS HAPPENED I CALLED KIA IN CHARLOTTESVILLE VIRGINIA AND THEY SAID THEY PUT A NEW CRANK BOLT IN AT THE KIDS EMBRACE CHEVROLET BEFORE I BOARDED SO THIS WOULD MAKE THREE TIMES THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD BEEN REPLACED I WANT THIS KIA..................
NHTSA ODI #10625724
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2012
Air Bags
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
NHTSA ODI #10452391
80,800 miles · Nov 3, 2010
Air Bags
THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE SRS SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG) KEEPS GOING OFF WENT OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY AT 80,000 MILES IT STARTED AROUND 80, 800 DEALER WOULD NOT COVER REPAIRS. LIGHT IS NOW CONSTANT AND WHEN I WAS SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOUND SAME COMPLAINTS WITH THE SRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10363841
NHTSA investigations
1PE10023 · Fuel Spill During Refueling
Opened Jul 12, 2010 · Closed Dec 21, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
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 filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline
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 filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
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 filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
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 filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
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 filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
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