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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.

About this comparison →
305Owner complaints

Model-year median: 242

1Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
305
2003220
2004307
2005242
2006
Compare all Sorento years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Engine And Engine Cooling
81Engine
43Fuel System, Gasoline
41Fuel/propulsion System
34Steering
31
All reported categories
Air Bags
30Electrical System
29Power Train
22Suspension
17Exterior Lighting
16Service Brakes, Hydraulic
14Structure
12Service Brakes
9Vehicle Speed Control
8Equipment
5Unknown Or Other
5Visibility
4Tires
3Fuel System, Other
2Electronic Stability Control (esc)
1Interior Lighting
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Seat Belts
1Service Brakes, Air
1Visibility/wiper
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

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

Visibility complaints

4 reports
Clear category filter
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

71,233 miles · May 4, 2009
Visibility

THERE IS A PLASTIC CAP HOLDING ON THE ROD TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT WILL POPPED OFF WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, AND THE WIPERS CAME TO A HALT WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING NO VISIBILITY. I THINK THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD REALLY BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCID…

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THERE IS A PLASTIC CAP HOLDING ON THE ROD TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT WILL POPPED OFF WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, AND THE WIPERS CAME TO A HALT WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING NO VISIBILITY. I THINK THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD REALLY BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT AND TAKEN MANY LIVES. THERE WERE NO DEATHS, BUT IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN. BY THE GRACE OF GOD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267689

45,000 miles · Dec 13, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE DEFOGGER/DEFROST SYSTEM, THE HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE, AND NO HEAT WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED ANTIFREEZE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE RESERVOIR TANK BECAUSE IT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE NOT AVAIL…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE DEFOGGER/DEFROST SYSTEM, THE HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE, AND NO HEAT WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED ANTIFREEZE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE RESERVOIR TANK BECAUSE IT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE DEALER, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED, WHO CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO MONITOR THE LEVEL OF ANTIFREEZE FLUID DAILY AND ADD MORE ANTIFREEZE IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ODI #10176072

65,000 miles · Apr 3, 2006
Air BagsVisibility

VEHICLE WENT IN FOR REPAIR OF HEATER CORE AT WHICH TIME THE DASHBOARD WAS REMOVED. 2 DAYS LATER THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS GETTING TO MUCH OF A CHARGE BUT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY THEM. WHEN ASKED WHAT CAUSED IT THEY DO NOT KNOW. THEY SAID IT…

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VEHICLE WENT IN FOR REPAIR OF HEATER CORE AT WHICH TIME THE DASHBOARD WAS REMOVED. 2 DAYS LATER THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS GETTING TO MUCH OF A CHARGE BUT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY THEM. WHEN ASKED WHAT CAUSED IT THEY DO NOT KNOW. THEY SAID IT WAS OK TO DRIVE THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10154454

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.

Go deeper into Kia Sorento problems

Kia Sorento transmission problems →Kia Sorento electrical problems →