NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
305 reports84,000 miles · May 24, 2012
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FELT SPONGY. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CONTACT HAD TO UTILIZE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE LI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FELT SPONGY. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CONTACT HAD TO UTILIZE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND FRACTURED, CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #10459519
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
DRIVING TO STORE AND HEARD NOISE. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING. RETURNED HOME AND FOUND CRANK PULLEY AND BROKEN CRANK PULLEY BOLT LAYING IN THE SKID PLATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456810
85,000 miles · Apr 9, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE REAR AXLE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE REAR AXLE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THE DEFECT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 05/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE AXLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/21/12
NHTSA ODI #10454546
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline
WHEN PUTTING GAS IN THE TANK, THE GAS BLEW BACK OUT WITH A FORCE LIKE SHAKING A SODA CAN AND OPENING IT. TODAY WAS THE 3RD AND WORST TIME. IT STARTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO WITH THE FUEL JUST SPILLING OUT, BUT TONIGHT IT BLEW BACK OUT AT ME WITH SUCH A FORCE AS TO SPRAY GAS ALL OVER THE FRONT OF ME UP TO MY NECK. MY SHIRT WAS SOAK…
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WHEN PUTTING GAS IN THE TANK, THE GAS BLEW BACK OUT WITH A FORCE LIKE SHAKING A SODA CAN AND OPENING IT. TODAY WAS THE 3RD AND WORST TIME. IT STARTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO WITH THE FUEL JUST SPILLING OUT, BUT TONIGHT IT BLEW BACK OUT AT ME WITH SUCH A FORCE AS TO SPRAY GAS ALL OVER THE FRONT OF ME UP TO MY NECK. MY SHIRT WAS SOAKED, THE GAS WAS ALL OVER MY PANTS AND SHOES. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND SHOWER, BURNS FROM THE GAS ON MY SKIN STARTED APPEARING ON MY CHEST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10452835
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2012
Air Bags
4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE USED OFF DEALERSHIP LOT, I WAS HAVING 4 NEW TIRES INSTALLED FOR WINTER. WHEN I CLIMBED BACK INTO THE CAR AND TURNED OVER THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY LIT EVER SINCE. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10452391
83,000 miles · Mar 14, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
NHTSA ODI #10451667
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATES BOLT LOOSENED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMERS HUSBAND SOON DISCOVERED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HER HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE TOUCHED A B…
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2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATES BOLT LOOSENED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMERS HUSBAND SOON DISCOVERED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HER HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE TOUCHED A BOLT, WHICH WAS EXTREMELY HOT, AND IT WAS THE SAME BOLT THAT WAS RECALLED, WHICH HAD BECOME LOOSE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT A COST OF $6,000 EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER WANTED THE BOLT TO BE RE-THREADED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER, THEY DID NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT, TO PERFORM THE RE-THREAD OF THE BOLT, BUT INSTEAD OF NEEDING A NEW ENGINE, THEY COULD REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT AT A COST OF $3,500. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10450958
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline
2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GASOLINE TANK DEFECT. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM KIA MOTORS REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AI FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE IN SEPTEMBER 2011. HOWEVER, WHEN SH…
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2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GASOLINE TANK DEFECT. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM KIA MOTORS REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AI FILTER. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE IN SEPTEMBER 2011. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CONTACTED KIA REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT, SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL OF THAT NATURE. KIA INFORMED THE CONSUMER SHE WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE, DUE TO THE FACT, SHE COULD NOT GET MORE THAN ONE GALLON OF GASOLINE INTO THE TANK WITHOUT IT SPRAYING BACK OUT OF THE TANK. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER FALLING APART AND BLOCKING THE AIR FLOW IN CLOSE VALVE, VENT FILTER AND ROLL OVER VALVE. THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS REMOVED AND THE CHARCOAL CLEANED OUT OF THE FUEL TANK AND ROLL OVER VALVE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10450911
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CRANKSHAFT BOLT RECALLED 2007 THEY BREAK OFF RECALL DONE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE ON 2011CRANKSHAFT BROKE KIA WILL NOT FIX RECALLED PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442185
32,500 miles · Dec 27, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LONG BANG WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AS IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE RECUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LONG BANG WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AS IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH.THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HAD YET AGAIN, DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #10441355
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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