IllustrationMY 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
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
350–25K
3725–50K
5050–75K
4275–100K
57100–150K
22150K+
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
Power Train complaints
22 reportsVEHICLE 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.
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…
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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.
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.
I HAVE SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING I HAD THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY REPLACED AT 55,000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY BY KIA. THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF AT 105,000 MILES. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED COST $1500 OUT OF MY POCKET. ON 1/11/2015 THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF FOR A 3RD TIME, SHEARING THE THREADS TO THE ENGINE, AND C…
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I HAVE SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING I HAD THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY REPLACED AT 55,000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY BY KIA. THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF AT 105,000 MILES. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED COST $1500 OUT OF MY POCKET. ON 1/11/2015 THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF FOR A 3RD TIME, SHEARING THE THREADS TO THE ENGINE, AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO NO LONGER WORK. ALL 3 EVENTS CAUSED LOSS OF POWER AND ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. *TR
THE BOLT ON THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AS WELL AS THE PIN BROKE OFF CAUSING THE MOTOR TO STOP AND OVERHEAT DUMPING ALL THE ANTIFREEZE AND STOPPING ALL BELTS. MY MOTHER COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WHILE DRIVING BUT IT ENDED UP BEING SHE WAS JUST BLOCKING TRAFFIC THANKFULLY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH …
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THE BOLT ON THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AS WELL AS THE PIN BROKE OFF CAUSING THE MOTOR TO STOP AND OVERHEAT DUMPING ALL THE ANTIFREEZE AND STOPPING ALL BELTS. MY MOTHER COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WHILE DRIVING BUT IT ENDED UP BEING SHE WAS JUST BLOCKING TRAFFIC THANKFULLY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT AND PIN. KIA SAYS THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING AS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN FIXED ONCE BEFORE ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO FAILURE AND I AM VERY WORRIED THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN WITH WORSE CONSEQUENCES. MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY/PERMANENT FIX BUT WE REALLY DODGED A BULLET AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED IMMEDIATE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE. I'M DISAPPOINTED WITH ALL OF THE SERIOUS COMPLAINTS THAT KIA STILL HAS NOT RECALLED IT FOR 2002-2009 SORENTO MODELS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ONCE THE FUEL TANK WAS BELOW 3/4 FULL, THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER AND BEGAN TO IDLE. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ONCE THE FUEL TANK WAS BELOW 3/4 FULL, THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER AND BEGAN TO IDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
CRANKSHAFT BOLT RECALLED 2007 THEY BREAK OFF RECALL DONE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE ON 2011CRANKSHAFT BROKE KIA WILL NOT FIX RECALLED PART. *TR
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
VEHICLE MODEL: KIA SORENTO EX; THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS FAILING AND THE AIRBAG MODULE KEEPS BREAKING AND DISPLAYING RED LIGHT EVEN AFTER FIXING AT A DEALER SHOP "BILL DODGE KIA , WESTBROOK, ME. THE SYMPTOMS ARE AS FOLLOWS: YOU PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE AND ONLY A GRINDING SOUND OCCURS, THEN YOU MOVE THE TR…
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VEHICLE MODEL: KIA SORENTO EX; THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS FAILING AND THE AIRBAG MODULE KEEPS BREAKING AND DISPLAYING RED LIGHT EVEN AFTER FIXING AT A DEALER SHOP "BILL DODGE KIA , WESTBROOK, ME. THE SYMPTOMS ARE AS FOLLOWS: YOU PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE AND ONLY A GRINDING SOUND OCCURS, THEN YOU MOVE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT UP AND DOWN AND AFTER A FEW MOMENTS IT GENERALLY GOES INTO GEAR.WE ALMOST HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AND THE CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP. THIS CAR IS A NIGHTMARE CAR -- PLEASE DO NOTIFY MANUFACTURER. *TR
Official recalls
105V353000 · 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
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.