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2003 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

243 reports with mileage · 62 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports3 fire reports8 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

16 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 6, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

2003 KIA SORENTO, HEADLIGHTS SINCE NEW HAVE CONTINUED TO BURN OUT (THEIRS/OURS ANY MANUFACTURE) IT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THEY INSTALL OR WALMART (EXCEPT FOR PRICE$$$) PARTS AND LABOR NOW EXCEEDS $500.00 AND NOW MY WIFE HAS BOTH TO BURN OUT AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. DEALERS (3) HAVE STATED IT WAS THE ALARM WHICH WAS…

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2003 KIA SORENTO, HEADLIGHTS SINCE NEW HAVE CONTINUED TO BURN OUT (THEIRS/OURS ANY MANUFACTURE) IT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THEY INSTALL OR WALMART (EXCEPT FOR PRICE$$$) PARTS AND LABOR NOW EXCEEDS $500.00 AND NOW MY WIFE HAS BOTH TO BURN OUT AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. DEALERS (3) HAVE STATED IT WAS THE ALARM WHICH WAS INSTALLED WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. THE FRUSTRATION HAS NOW REACHED THE POINT WE MUST GET RID OF IT . *NM

NHTSA ODI #10156920

49,000 miles · Mar 1, 2006
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHT KEEP GOING OUT AND FOG LIGHTS ALSO HAS HAPPENED 8 TIMES NOW. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151549

5,000 miles · Feb 22, 2006
Exterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT KEEPS BURING BULBS, I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND HAVE TO REPLACE BULBS EVERY OTHER MONTH IN MY CAR, THIS IS JUST THE HEADLIGHTS, I HAVE REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHTS TWICE SINCE HAVING MY CAR, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS LAST ONLY 1 MONTH TO 6 WEEKS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10150901

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

ELECTRICAL FAILURE,COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE,ROUGH RUNNING-ENGINE MISFIRE PURCHASED CAR 2-22-2003 BRAND NEW THIS CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THE DEALERS LIFT. ALSO HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF TOW TRUCKS. IN THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED 18 LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHTS,23 RIGHT SIDE HEAD LIGHT ,16 FOG LIGHTS,8 LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND 6…

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ELECTRICAL FAILURE,COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE,ROUGH RUNNING-ENGINE MISFIRE PURCHASED CAR 2-22-2003 BRAND NEW THIS CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THE DEALERS LIFT. ALSO HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF TOW TRUCKS. IN THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED 18 LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHTS,23 RIGHT SIDE HEAD LIGHT ,16 FOG LIGHTS,8 LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND 6 TAIL LIGHTS THE TRUCK HAS BEEN TO 3 DEALERS AND THEY ALL SAY ITS EITHER NORMAL OR IT'S ONLY BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE BULBS FROM KIA WELL SOME I DID AND THEY DO NOT LAST EITHER. THE LAST TIME IT WAS IN THEY HAD THE TRUCK FOR 9 1/2 MINUTES AND TOLD US THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND FOR $149.00 THEY WILL PUT IN A NEW BULB. NO WARRANTY ON HOW LONG IT WILL LAST..... THE TRUCK ALSO MISFIRES AND THE DEALER ALSO CANNOT FIX IT THEY SAY THE COMPUTER SAYS ITS GOOD SO IT MUST BE GOOD. WELL YOU CAN FEEL THE MISFIRE EVEN THE DEALERS MECHANIC STATED IT IS MISFIRING BUT HE CANNOT FIX IT MAYBE AFTER THE WARRANTY IS OVER WE WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM..... ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE COOLING SYSTEM IN THE PAST 3 YEARS IT HAS HAD THE RECOVERY TANK REPLACED 2 TIMES THE RADIATOR REPLACED THE CONNECTING Y BEHIND THE MOTOR REPLACED ... I HAVE SPENT OVER $200.00 ON RENT A CARS WITH NO HELP FROM KIA EACH TIME MY CAR IS TOWED IN THIS CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO WHY CANT THEY FIX IT O YEAH THE LAST THING IS THE FOG LIGHTS ARE MELTING OR SHALL I SAY ITS THE INSIDE CHROME COATING IS BURNING AND I WAS TOLD ITS NOT WARRANTY AND THERE ABOUT $85.00 EACH WHY WONT KIA MEET WITH ME ?????????????? CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP ME. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10146681

25,000 miles · Jan 2, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

ELECTRICAL FAILURE,COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE,ROUGH RUNNING-ENGINE MISFIRE PURCHASED CAR 2-22-2003 BRAND NEW THIS CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THE DEALERS LIFT. ALSO HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF TOW TRUCKS. IN THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED 18 LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHTS,23 RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHTS ,16 FOG LIGHTS,8 LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND 6…

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ELECTRICAL FAILURE,COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE,ROUGH RUNNING-ENGINE MISFIRE PURCHASED CAR 2-22-2003 BRAND NEW THIS CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THE DEALERS LIFT. ALSO HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF TOW TRUCKS. IN THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED 18 LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHTS,23 RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHTS ,16 FOG LIGHTS,8 LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND 6 TAIL LIGHTS THE TRUCK HAS BEEN TO 3 DEALERS AND THEY ALL SAY ITS EITHER NORMAL OR IT'S ONLY BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE BULBS FROM KIA WELL SOME I DID AND THEY DO NOT LAST EITHER. THE LAST TIME IT WAS IN THEY HAD THE TRUCK FOR 9 1/2 MINUTES AND TOLD US THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND FOR $149.00 THEY WILL PUT IN A NEW BULB. NO WARRANTY ON HOW LONG IT WILL LAST..... THE TRUCK ALSO MISFIRES AND THE DEALER ALSO CANNOT FIX IT THEY SAY THE COMPUTER SAYS ITS GOOD SO IT MUST BE GOOD. WELL YOU CAN FEEL THE MISFIRE EVEN THE DEALERS MECHANIC STATED IT IS MISFIRING BUT HE CANNOT FIX IT MAYBE AFTER THE WARRANTY IS OVER WE WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM..... ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE COOLING SYSTEM IN THE PAST 3 YEARS IT HAS HAD THE RECOVERY TANK REPLACED 2 TIMES THE RADIATOR REPLACED THE CONNECTING Y BEHIND THE MOTOR REPLACED ... I HAVE SPENT OVER $200.00 ON RENT A CARS WITH NO HELP FROM KIA EACH TIME MY CAR IS TOWED IN THIS CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO WHY CANT THEY FIX IT O YEAH THE LAST THING IS THE FOG LIGHTS ARE MELTING OR SHALL I SAY ITS THE INSIDE CHROME COATING IS BURNING AND I WAS TOLD ITS NOT WARRANTY AND THERE ABOUT $85.00 EACH WHY WONT KIA MEET WITH ME ?????????????? CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP ME. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10146679

58,947 miles · Mar 15, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BLEW OUT THE FIRST TIME ON 10-04-04. IT WAS REPLACED AND IT BLEW AGAIN ON 01-21-05. THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS THIRD ENGINE. *AK THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS HAD TRANSMISSIONS AND ENGINE PROBLEMS SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE F…

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WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BLEW OUT THE FIRST TIME ON 10-04-04. IT WAS REPLACED AND IT BLEW AGAIN ON 01-21-05. THE VEHICLE IS ON ITS THIRD ENGINE. *AK THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS HAD TRANSMISSIONS AND ENGINE PROBLEMS SINCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE DAMAGED. THE FOG LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10112870

Official recalls

1

05V353000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Aug 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10023 · 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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