NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
16 reportsClear category filter107,000 miles · Nov 25, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING OFF & ON LIKE STROBE LIGHTS AT A DISCO. I TRIED TURNING THEM OFF, NOTHING. IT SEEMED RELATED TO THE DIMMER SWITCH BECAUSE IF I KEPT PRESSURE ON IT TO THE LOWEST DEGREE, THE FLASHING STOPPED. FOR AWHILE I WEDGED A PIN IN THE SWITCH & THAT WORKED. EVENTUALL…
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DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING OFF & ON LIKE STROBE LIGHTS AT A DISCO. I TRIED TURNING THEM OFF, NOTHING. IT SEEMED RELATED TO THE DIMMER SWITCH BECAUSE IF I KEPT PRESSURE ON IT TO THE LOWEST DEGREE, THE FLASHING STOPPED. FOR AWHILE I WEDGED A PIN IN THE SWITCH & THAT WORKED. EVENTUALLY, THOUGH THAT STOPPED WORKING & THE LIGHT SHOW WOULD BEGIN. IT HAPPENED DAY & NIGHT, JUST MORE NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. I FINALLY REMOVED THE FUSE FOR THE CABIN LIGHTS & AS A RESULT, HAVE NO DASH LIGHTS EITHER WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. I'VE NOT GONE TO KIA AS I AM SURE IT WILL COST WAY MORE THAN I CAN AFFORD. I'M REDUCED TO USING A FLASHLIGHT WHEN ON LONG ROAD TRIPS TO CHECK GAS GAUGE & SPEEDOMETER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10485940
36,000 miles · Nov 9, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
I HAVE HAD MY 2003 KIA SORENTO SINCE MARCH 2010. IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 32,000 MILES ON IT, AND AS OF THE END OF OCTOBER 2010, IT HAD 36,000 MILES. SO FAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED. I WAS DRIVING, AND IT OVERHEATED OUT OF NOWHERE. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR FOUR DAYS, BECAUSE THEY COULD …
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I HAVE HAD MY 2003 KIA SORENTO SINCE MARCH 2010. IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 32,000 MILES ON IT, AND AS OF THE END OF OCTOBER 2010, IT HAD 36,000 MILES. SO FAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED. I WAS DRIVING, AND IT OVERHEATED OUT OF NOWHERE. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR FOUR DAYS, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER DOING SEVERAL PRESSURIZED SYSTEMS TESTS. AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2010, I HAD TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP, BECAUSE IT HAD A CRACK IN IT. NO ONE ANYWHERE I CALLED COULD BELIEVE I HAD TO REPLACE AN OIL PUMP. ALL THE MECHANICS STATED THAT'S ONE OF THE FEW THINGS THEY NEVER HAVE TO REPLACE ON ANY VEHICLE, AND CERTAINLY NOT AT 36,000 MILES. ANYWAY, DUE TO OIL LEAKING ONTO THE TIMING BELT, THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THE TIMING BELT WAS IN FINE CONDITION OTHERWISE. CONSEQUENTLY, I NOW HAVE ENGINE PROBLEMS. I'M SURE THE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED FROM OVERHEATING AND THEN HAVING NO OIL. AT HIGH RPMS, YOU CAN HEAR A SLIGHT TICK, WHICH I'M PRETTY SURE IS A LIFTER ISSUE. HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT QUICKLY. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY, AND BOTH BURNT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I HAD TO DRIVE ON HIGH BEAMS IN THE CITY. CONSTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH. DASH LIGHTS RARELY WORK, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE LIGHTS WILL START FLASHING HERE AND THERE - DASH LIGHTS FLASH ON/OFF, CEILING LIGHT FLASHES ON/OFF, ALL BACK AND FORTH WHILE I'M DRIVING IN THE DARK. VERY DISTRACTING, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC. THE TRUCK ITSELF (SEATS, COMFORT, ETC.) IS AWESOME, BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY MANUFACTURED POORLY. WORST PURCHASE EVER. GLAD I BOUGHT THE 5 STAR WARRANTY OR I'D BE PAYING FOR A TRUCK I CAN'T DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10365133
105,000 miles · Feb 19, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY A DEALERSHIP AND THEY DON'T KNOW THE PROBLEM, THE FRONT HEADLAMPS KEEP BURNING OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259396
5,000 miles · Feb 16, 2009
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS/FOG LIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW SO I KNOW IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF ANYONE ELSE, OTHER THAN THE MANUFACTURER. EACH BULB COSTS APPROXIMATELY $19.00 [DEPENDING ON BRAND AND TYPE OF BULB}. I KNOW I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON BULBS SINCE 2003; IT IS NOW 2009. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258826
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2008
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKELIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE (2003 KIA SORENTO EX) GO OUT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM AT LEAST 12 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE IN 2005. I HAVE HAD THE BULBS REPLACED BY THE DEALER 3 TIMES JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS DONE CORRECTLY AND WITH THE KIA PARTS AND THEY STILL BLEW OUT. …
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THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKELIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE (2003 KIA SORENTO EX) GO OUT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM AT LEAST 12 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE IN 2005. I HAVE HAD THE BULBS REPLACED BY THE DEALER 3 TIMES JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS DONE CORRECTLY AND WITH THE KIA PARTS AND THEY STILL BLEW OUT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO KIA 4 TIMES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE PUT IN AND I AM REQUIRED TO DRIVE QUITE OFTEN AT NIGHT. SEVERAL TIMES I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY MY HEADLIGHTS OR BRAKELIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS ALSO DANGEROUS AND INCONVENIENT. I FEEL THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BASED ON MY RESEARCH AND TAKING TO THE KIA DEALER IT IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2003 KIA SORENTOS THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKELIGHTS GO OUT ALL THE TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251504
54,700 miles · Jul 10, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
LAST FEB. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKED, LOST ALL COOLANT. TOWED TO DEALER. THEY FIXED IT AND TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW BELT. I DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING MORE TO HAPPEN AS I TAKE MY 90 YEAR OLD MOM AROUND, THEY REPLACED ONE BELT FOR $120. NEVER RAN RIGHT AFTER THAT, WITH SCREECHING NOISES AND NO MORE A/C. TODAY, JUST AS I WAS D…
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LAST FEB. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKED, LOST ALL COOLANT. TOWED TO DEALER. THEY FIXED IT AND TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW BELT. I DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING MORE TO HAPPEN AS I TAKE MY 90 YEAR OLD MOM AROUND, THEY REPLACED ONE BELT FOR $120. NEVER RAN RIGHT AFTER THAT, WITH SCREECHING NOISES AND NO MORE A/C. TODAY, JUST AS I WAS DRIVING ONTO THE HIGHWAY-I STARTED LOSING MY STEERING AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER OFF THE RAMP, THEN IT STALLED AS I WAS PULLING OVER. I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE AND WAS JUST WAITING FOR IT TO HAPPEN. WELL IT DID AND THANK GOD I WASN'T GOING 70 ON THE HIGHWAY YET. IT HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BOLT ON THE DRIVE SHAFT THAT BROKE. THEN HE SAID THAT SINCE I'M ONLY 8000 MILES AWAY FROM 60K, THEN I SHOULD JUST DO THE TIMING BELT SERVICE NOW BECAUSE IF I DON'T AND IT GOES, THEN MY ENGINE WILL BLOW. SO I GUESS THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO WAIT TO HAPPEN NEXT AND I'M SURE IT WILL. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CAN'T BE WRONG. DON'T BUY A KIA!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10196002
32,247 miles · Mar 18, 2007
Exterior LightingSteeringVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2003 KIA SORENTO LX. I USED IT MAINLY TO GO FROM HOME TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS AGO, MARCH 16, 2006, AT 32247 MILES. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOPLIGHT, I HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, IT WOULD NOT LET ME STOP IT AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, IT KEPT TURNING SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, AND I L…
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I OWN A 2003 KIA SORENTO LX. I USED IT MAINLY TO GO FROM HOME TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS AGO, MARCH 16, 2006, AT 32247 MILES. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOPLIGHT, I HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, IT WOULD NOT LET ME STOP IT AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, IT KEPT TURNING SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, AND I LANDED ON THE SIDEWALK. LUCKILY, IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS JUST ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, GOING AT MODERATE SPEED, AND THERE WERE NO CARS BESIDES OR BEHIND ME. TO THINK IF I WERE DRIVING 65-70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVE THIS HAPPENED AND LOSE CONTROL, I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD. BUT IT IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENS IN 3 1/2 YEARS. THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 YEAR AGO, BUT I DID NOT PAY ATTENTION TO IT SINCE I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO WET CONDITIONS. I WAS ENTERING THE MULTI-LEVEL PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK. I WAS GOING UP TO THE 4TH FLOOR WHERE I PARK, AND WHEN I TURNED LEFT ON THE 3RD FLOOR, THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL, KEPT GOING ROUND, AND I COULD NOT STOP. LUCKILY AGAIN, IT WAS SO EARLY IN THE MORNING THAT THERE WERE NO CARS IN THAT FLOOR. SURELY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. IT HAS HAPPENED ONLY TWICE IN ALL THESE YEARS, BUT, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I WILL NEVER FEEL SAFE ON THIS CAR AGAIN. I CANNOT TAKE ANY OTHER CHANCE OF BEING KILLED BECAUSE OF A CAR'S DEFECT. I WILL BE NOW USING MY HUSBAND'S CAR TO TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. BESIDES THAT BIG PROBLEM, I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OTHER PROBLEM WITH MY SORENTO. THE FRONT AND BACK BULBS BLOW QUITE OFTEN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY TIME IT HAS NEEDED REPLACEMENT, AND I HAVE ALL THE INVOICE SHEETS. I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE SOMEONE CONTACT ME IN SPANISH. THANK YOU KINDLY.
NHTSA ODI #10185439
1,500 miles · Aug 2, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
VEHICLE IS A 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH 70,000 MILES, PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE, TO DATE, REPLACED LIGHT BULBS APPROXIMATELY 38 TIMES. THIS INCLUDES HEAD LIGHT BULBS (HIGH AND LOW), FOG LIGHT BULBS, TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND BRAKE LIGHT BULBS. ALSO THE CLOCK ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE …
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VEHICLE IS A 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH 70,000 MILES, PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE, TO DATE, REPLACED LIGHT BULBS APPROXIMATELY 38 TIMES. THIS INCLUDES HEAD LIGHT BULBS (HIGH AND LOW), FOG LIGHT BULBS, TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND BRAKE LIGHT BULBS. ALSO THE CLOCK ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER SUN ROOF HAS CEASED WORKING. DEALER OFFERS NO SOLUTION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10164224
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE HAD MY KIA SORENTO FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD TO CHANGE THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. AT LEAST 8 TIMES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS AND 4 FOR THE TAIL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163176
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2006
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING ON SATURDAY, 7/15/06, I NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED NOISE WHILE STEERING. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE AND CAPPING OFF MY FLUIDS, THE NOISE CONTINUES AND REMAINS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR OVER THE RADIO AND THE AIR CONDITIONER AT THE SAME …
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WHILE DRIVING ON SATURDAY, 7/15/06, I NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED NOISE WHILE STEERING. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE AND CAPPING OFF MY FLUIDS, THE NOISE CONTINUES AND REMAINS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR OVER THE RADIO AND THE AIR CONDITIONER AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE PLACED THIS CAR IN THE SHOP FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS SINCE ITS PURCHASE IN 2003 AND HAVE SPENT COUNTLESS AMOUNTS OF MONEY ON VARIOUS PROBLEMS, INCLUDING REPLACING THE BULBS, REPAIRING THE BRAKS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR REMAINS ON AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. I HAVE PLACED NUMEROUS COMPLAINS TO KIA DIRECTLY AS WELL AS FILED A COMPLIANT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TO NO AVAIL. IT WOULD BE MY ASSUMPTION THAT KIA WILL ONLY BE CONCERNED ABOUT FIXING THESE ISSUES OR RECALLING THESE VEHICLES ONLY AFTER SOME SERIOUS INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #10163120
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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