NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
31 reportsClear category filter155,000 miles · Jun 10, 2014
EnginePower TrainSteering
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
NHTSA ODI #10597334
38,000 miles · Feb 25, 2014
EngineSteeringCrash
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING BECAUSE THE CAR DIED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICE ALL THE BELTS AND FRONT OF THE MOTOR FELL OFF AND WAS LAYING AT THE BOTTOM. I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK THEY TOWED IT TO THE KIA DEALER. WHER…
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I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING BECAUSE THE CAR DIED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICE ALL THE BELTS AND FRONT OF THE MOTOR FELL OFF AND WAS LAYING AT THE BOTTOM. I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK THEY TOWED IT TO THE KIA DEALER. WHERE THEY TOLD ME ITS A PROBLEM THE 2003 KIA SORENTO HAS. THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE THAT WAS AT 38,000 MILE. NOW THE CAR HAS 72,000 MILES ON IT SO THAT'S 34,000 MILES ON THIS MOTOR NOW THEY TELL ME THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING AND THE MOTOR HAS TO BE REPLACED. SO THE KIA MOTOR IS ONLY GOOD FOR 30,000 MILES THAT'S JUST RIDICULOUS AND THE COST IS ON ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565741
173,174 miles · Jul 7, 2013
EngineService BrakesSteering
AS I WAS LEAVING WORK, THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE,AND THE BOTTOM/PULLEY CAME OUT AND HIT THE ROAD.THANK GOD I WAS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TO HAVE IT FIXED IT ,HAS $ 768.45 PLUS 75.00DOLLARS TO TOW IT. I GOT MY 2003-SORENTO BACK ON 06/20/2013 ON 07/06/2013 I WAS GOING DOWN THE HWY ABOU…
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AS I WAS LEAVING WORK, THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE,AND THE BOTTOM/PULLEY CAME OUT AND HIT THE ROAD.THANK GOD I WAS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAD IT TOWED TO A AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TO HAVE IT FIXED IT ,HAS $ 768.45 PLUS 75.00DOLLARS TO TOW IT. I GOT MY 2003-SORENTO BACK ON 06/20/2013 ON 07/06/2013 I WAS GOING DOWN THE HWY ABOUT 55MPH. AND THE CRANKSHAFT/BOLT BROKE AGAIN AFTER ONLY HAVING DRIVEN 1,674MILES. I AM A SINGLE MOM OF TWO ,LIVING WEEK TO WEEK AND I CAN,T AFFORD TO FIX IT AGAIN AND IT IS OUR ONLY CAR. IF KIA IS NOT GOING TO FIX THE CRANK/SHAFT BOLT ( IT IS A DEALER ITEM ONLY) AND THEY KEEP BREAKING ,JUST LOOK AT ALL THE REPUTE INCIDENTS,OVER AND OVER, THEN THEY NEED TO BE MADE TO DO A RECALL , I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEIR IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10523562
162,000 miles · Jun 10, 2013
Steering
I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND MY POWER STEERING WAS GETTING HARD ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THE EXPRESSWAY, I CHECK POWER STEERING FUEL AND IS FINE, BELT TO POWER STEERING FINE TOO, I JUST WONDER IF THERE IS A RECALL PARTS IN THIS PROBLEM, IM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE MY KIA AGAIN, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10516044
57,000 miles · Apr 15, 2013
EngineSteering
WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL, VEHICLE LOST STEERING IN A TURN CAUSING US TO NARROWLY MISS HITTING A UTILITY POLE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO SERVICE GARAGE WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT HAD BECOME LOOSE CAUSING THE HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY TO WOBBLE, BREAK AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ALL SURROUNDING ENGINE …
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WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL, VEHICLE LOST STEERING IN A TURN CAUSING US TO NARROWLY MISS HITTING A UTILITY POLE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO SERVICE GARAGE WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT HAD BECOME LOOSE CAUSING THE HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY TO WOBBLE, BREAK AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ALL SURROUNDING ENGINE COMPONENTS. $1700.00 REPAIR DID NOT WORK AND ISSUE RECURRED. AFTER A SECOND REPAIR ATTEMPT, SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN THIS TIME WITH THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAVING SHEERED OFF. VEHICLE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, IS NOT DRIVABLE AT THIS TIME, AND WILL THIS TIME COST MINIMALLY $3500.00 FOR A REPLACEMENT MOTOR....AND POTENTIALLY A LIFE. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE NHTSA MANDATE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES AS IT IS LUDICROUS TO WAIT FOR A DEATH OR MULTIPLE DEATHS BEFORE ACTING ON WHAT I AM WELL AWARE IS A COMMONLY REPORTED AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. A GOOD PART OF "SAFETY" OCCURS IN BEING PROACTIVE. THE ABSENCE OF A RECALL ON THIS IS MIND BOGGLING. NHTSA MUST ACT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508347
87,213 miles · Apr 5, 2013
Steering
I HAD JUST PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SORENTO ON FEBRUARY 23 2013 FROM A LOCAL USED CAR DEALER. THE CAR HAD 85,000 MILES AT TIME OF PURCHASE. IT WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL MARCH 31, 2013. AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THEN I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING ALMOST GOING INTO MY NEIGHBORS DITCH. …
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I HAD JUST PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SORENTO ON FEBRUARY 23 2013 FROM A LOCAL USED CAR DEALER. THE CAR HAD 85,000 MILES AT TIME OF PURCHASE. IT WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL MARCH 31, 2013. AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY THE CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THEN I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING ALMOST GOING INTO MY NEIGHBORS DITCH. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC(TOWED) WHERE HE FOUND THAT THE BOLT GOING INTO THE CRANK SHAFT HAD BEEN SHEARED OFF CAUSING THE BELT TO COME OFF. THE PROBLEM IS THAT EVEN AFTER HE FIXES IT (1800.00 +) HE SAID IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN.THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. AFTER READING COUNTLESS ACCOUNTS ONLINE OF OTHER KIA SORENTO OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, I FEEL KIA NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10507297
10 miles · Dec 10, 2012
SteeringStructure
MY 2003 KIA SORENTO START VIBRATING AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND BEFORE I CAN PARK IT I HEARD A LOAD NOISE AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER AND ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AND FOUND THE PULLEY BOLT (HARMONIC BALANCER) BROKE IN HALF. I HAD ALSO CHECK IF THIS IS AN UNUSU…
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MY 2003 KIA SORENTO START VIBRATING AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND BEFORE I CAN PARK IT I HEARD A LOAD NOISE AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER AND ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AND FOUND THE PULLEY BOLT (HARMONIC BALANCER) BROKE IN HALF. I HAD ALSO CHECK IF THIS IS AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM - CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS COULD POTENTIAL DESIGN DEFECT FROM KIA. AS THERE ARE THOUSAND OF THEM THAT HAS SIMILAR PROBLEM COMPLAINED ON THE INTERNET. I HAD CALLED KIA DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE NOT HELPING ON THIS DESIGN FLAW ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487856
120,000 miles · Aug 8, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSteeringInjury
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10469909
93,000 miles · Aug 22, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE DIRECTION IT WAS TURNED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ONLY SPIN IN A CIRCLE DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND ALLOWED TO DRIFT INTO THE PREFERRED PARKING S…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE DIRECTION IT WAS TURNED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ONLY SPIN IN A CIRCLE DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND ALLOWED TO DRIFT INTO THE PREFERRED PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE U JOINT WAS LOOSE ON THE STEERING SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000.
NHTSA ODI #10420967
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSteering
I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA SORENTO ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO AND I'VE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE WORST AND MOST RECENT PROBLEM IS THE GAS SPEWS OUT OF THE TANK EVERY TIME I TRY TO FILL IT. IT RUNS DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND ON MY WHEEL. SOMETIMES IT GETS ON ME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. IF YOU PUMP VERY SLOW AND STO…
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I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA SORENTO ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO AND I'VE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE WORST AND MOST RECENT PROBLEM IS THE GAS SPEWS OUT OF THE TANK EVERY TIME I TRY TO FILL IT. IT RUNS DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND ON MY WHEEL. SOMETIMES IT GETS ON ME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. IF YOU PUMP VERY SLOW AND STOP EVERY .80 CENTS IT LESSENS THE AMOUNT OF TIMES IT SPEWS OUT, BUT THIS IS SO VERY TIMELY. THE GAS GAUGE PERIODICALLY GOES OUT. THE HORN HAS NEVER WORKED. THE POWER STEERING PERIODICALLY GOES OUT. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL IT WILL PERIODICALLY GO OFF ON IT'S OWN. THE PAINT LOOKS HORRIBLE AND HAS PEELED OFF ON THE SIDE MIRRORS. THE LEATHER SEATS HAVE NOT HELD UP WELL. THE DOME LIGHT WILL NOT WORK WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR, BUT IF YOU PRESS THE DOME LIGHT BUTTON IT WILL COME ON. PERIODICALLY THE DASH LIGHTS HAVE FLICKERED AND I'M WONDERING IF THEY ARE ABOUT TO GO OUT. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE AC COMPRESSOR AND THE DRIVE SHAFT, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE REALLY SET ME BACK FINANCIALLY. I REALLY WANT TO GET THE GAS TANK ISSUE FIXED AS IT IS THE WORST ISSUE AT HAND AND I FEAR IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10365305
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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