← New search

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 →

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

What owners actually said

305 reports
17,000 miles · Nov 19, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

2003 KIA SORENTO HAS FUEL TANK THAT DOES NOT READ GAS RIGHT. IT WILL TELL YOU EMPTY WHEN IT IS NOT EMPTY THIS GAGE HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO FIX THIS THING BEFORE SOME ONE GET HURT BADLY.

NHTSA ODI #10292932

36,495 miles · Nov 4, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. DURING THIS LAST TIME, THE GAS GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE TANK HAVE LESS THAN 1/8 FULL. WHEN I STARTED TO PUMP GASOLINE TO THE VEHICLE'S TANK, THE GAS PUMP ABRUPTLY STOPPED AS IF THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK IS ALREADY FULL AND GASOLINE SPLASHED BACK OUT OF THE TANK. GASOLINE SPRAYED ALL OV…

Read full complaint

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. DURING THIS LAST TIME, THE GAS GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE TANK HAVE LESS THAN 1/8 FULL. WHEN I STARTED TO PUMP GASOLINE TO THE VEHICLE'S TANK, THE GAS PUMP ABRUPTLY STOPPED AS IF THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK IS ALREADY FULL AND GASOLINE SPLASHED BACK OUT OF THE TANK. GASOLINE SPRAYED ALL OVER INCLUDING MYSELF. I CAUTIOUSLY STARTED TO PUMP GAS TO THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE AND RUINED MY CLOTHES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291000

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2003 KIA SORENTO, MADE 10/12/02, DOES NOT TAKE GAS WELL. WHEN YOU FILL IT, IT PRESSURIZED AND BLOWS GAS BACK AT YOU. THIS IS AN ONGOING FAILURE AND SAFETY ISSUE. A MECHANIC SAYS THIS NEEDS A DIFFERENT FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY AND VALVE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290609

90,000 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHEN I ATTEMPT TO FILL THE GAS TANK IN MY 2003 KIA SORENTO, THE GASOLINE BLOWS BACK AT ME. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ADD GAS. IF I AM NOT CAREFUL IT GETS ON MY CLOTHING, SHOES, OUTSIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND ON THE GROUND. THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED THAT A REPAIR WOULD COST BETWEEN $650.00 AND $850.00 TO FIX IT ALTHOUGH THEY CANNOT …

Read full complaint

WHEN I ATTEMPT TO FILL THE GAS TANK IN MY 2003 KIA SORENTO, THE GASOLINE BLOWS BACK AT ME. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ADD GAS. IF I AM NOT CAREFUL IT GETS ON MY CLOTHING, SHOES, OUTSIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND ON THE GROUND. THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED THAT A REPAIR WOULD COST BETWEEN $650.00 AND $850.00 TO FIX IT ALTHOUGH THEY CANNOT TELL ME FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289298

67,375 miles · Oct 18, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

MY 2003 KIA SORENTO STOPPED WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM AT 67,735 MILES DUE TO WHAT WAS LATER DETERMINED TO BE ENGINE OVERHEATING. AT FIRST THE KIA DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKING AND GOING EMPTY. SINCE THIS IS NOT A PART OF THE ENGINE'S ACTUAL MEANS OF COOLING, THEY CHANGED THEIR STORY T…

Read full complaint

MY 2003 KIA SORENTO STOPPED WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM AT 67,735 MILES DUE TO WHAT WAS LATER DETERMINED TO BE ENGINE OVERHEATING. AT FIRST THE KIA DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKING AND GOING EMPTY. SINCE THIS IS NOT A PART OF THE ENGINE'S ACTUAL MEANS OF COOLING, THEY CHANGED THEIR STORY TO THE THERMOSTAT FAILED. KIA SAID THAT THIS PORTION OF THE WARRANTY PASSED AT 65,000 MILES. THEIR WARRANTY SAYS 100,000 MILES. COST OVER $3,600.00 TO REPAIR, SIMILAR SITUATION AT 80,000 MILES FOR $1,400.00. STILL NO WARRANTY COVERAGE. I HAVE FURNISHED COMPLETE MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWING MAINTENANCE AT EVERY INTERVAL REQUIRED BY KIA. LOOKING FOR SOME ONE TO JOIN IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10288895

105,000 miles · Sep 25, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

2003 KIA SORENTO HARMONIC BALANCER BOLT BROKE OFF REPORTED TO KIA THEY WILL NOT HONOR ANY RECALLS, THEY SAID IT WAS A RECALL FROM SEVERAL YEARS AGO . BUT IF ITS A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS THEY SHOULD TRY HARDER TO INFORM PEOPLE OF THIS BEFORE THERE IS MAJOR ACCIDENT . JUST WISH THEY WOULD HONOR A RECALL THAT THEY HAVE HAD WITH TH…

Read full complaint

2003 KIA SORENTO HARMONIC BALANCER BOLT BROKE OFF REPORTED TO KIA THEY WILL NOT HONOR ANY RECALLS, THEY SAID IT WAS A RECALL FROM SEVERAL YEARS AGO . BUT IF ITS A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS THEY SHOULD TRY HARDER TO INFORM PEOPLE OF THIS BEFORE THERE IS MAJOR ACCIDENT . JUST WISH THEY WOULD HONOR A RECALL THAT THEY HAVE HAD WITH THIS BOLT. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE OR IT IS NOT POSTED ON ANY SITE THAT I COULD FIND, ,JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED WITHOUT A $2900 BILL AT THE END . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10285292

122,000 miles · Aug 31, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

2003/04 KIA SORENTO CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT IS FAILING. THERE WAS A NOTICE SENT BY KIA IN JULY 2007 TO NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF THE ISSUE AND TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE REPLACEMENT BOLTS ARE FAILING. WHEN THE REPLACEMENT BOLTS FAIL IT IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP NO MATTER WHAT SPEED THE DRIVER IS TRAVELING AND THE STEERING IS LOCKI…

Read full complaint

2003/04 KIA SORENTO CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT IS FAILING. THERE WAS A NOTICE SENT BY KIA IN JULY 2007 TO NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF THE ISSUE AND TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE REPLACEMENT BOLTS ARE FAILING. WHEN THE REPLACEMENT BOLTS FAIL IT IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP NO MATTER WHAT SPEED THE DRIVER IS TRAVELING AND THE STEERING IS LOCKING UP. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS. THIS IS A AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. SOME OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PART FAILING UP TO 4 TIMES IN LESS THEN 24 MONTHS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS JUNE 27, 2007 AND THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS 8/27/2009. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10282362

103,365 miles · Aug 27, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

BACK IN OCT 2008 WENT TO CAR AT 5AM TO GO TO WORK STARTED MY 2003 KIA SORENTO HEARD THIS NOISE GOT OUT TO RAISE HOOD BEFORE I COULD SAW COOLANT COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO REALLY INVESTIGATE HAD MY SISTER TAKE ME TO WORK WHEN I CAME HOME HAD CAR TOWED TO KIA DEALER THEY ADVISED ME THAT MY COOLANT RESERVOIR HAD C…

Read full complaint

BACK IN OCT 2008 WENT TO CAR AT 5AM TO GO TO WORK STARTED MY 2003 KIA SORENTO HEARD THIS NOISE GOT OUT TO RAISE HOOD BEFORE I COULD SAW COOLANT COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO REALLY INVESTIGATE HAD MY SISTER TAKE ME TO WORK WHEN I CAME HOME HAD CAR TOWED TO KIA DEALER THEY ADVISED ME THAT MY COOLANT RESERVOIR HAD CRACK AND I NEEDED TO HAVE REPLACED AT 250.XX AT THIS POINT THEY DID TELL ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY SORENTO MADE APPT TO TAKE BACK TO HAVE PART REPLACED NEVER, BEFORE THIS SO CALL RECALL PART WAS REPLACED NEVER HAD ANY WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AFTER THEY SAY THEY REPLACED THE PART MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOOK MY SORENTO BACK TO THE SAME DEALER 5 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD THEY KEPT TELLING ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR SO I LET THE LIGHT STAY ON, MOVED TO A DIFFERENT CITY TIRED OF SEEING THIS LIGHT ON TOOK TO ANOTHER KIA DEALER THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC FOR 125.00 TO TELL ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR BUT I NOTICED WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF WHEN BACK IN TO FIND OUT WHY AND HOW DID THE LIGHT GO OFF HE STATED HE TURNED IT OFF NOW WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH NO WARNING MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF GOT STARTED BACK BUT THIS TIME WITH A LOUD BANGING NOISE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 3 BLOCKS FROM MY HOME SO I DROVE ABOUT 5 MILES PER HR TO GET HOME TO HAVE TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK COME GET MY CAR THE DEALER HAS YET TO LET ME KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281974

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2009
Fuel System, Other

I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST. WHEN GOING ONTO THE WEBSITE FOR RECALLS IT COMES UP THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2005. I NEVER GOT NOTIFIED AND WHEN CALLING KIA THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS NOT MY CAR AS MY CAR WAS BUILT IN A DIFFERENT MONTH, AND I AM TELLING THEM THAT THE RECALL IS COMING UP FOR TH…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST. WHEN GOING ONTO THE WEBSITE FOR RECALLS IT COMES UP THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2005. I NEVER GOT NOTIFIED AND WHEN CALLING KIA THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS NOT MY CAR AS MY CAR WAS BUILT IN A DIFFERENT MONTH, AND I AM TELLING THEM THAT THE RECALL IS COMING UP FOR THE SAME SAFETY/EMISSIONS AND THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME. IF THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE YEAR LISTED AND THE RECALL IS THE EMISSIONS THAT IS MAKING MY CAR FAIL WHAT CAN I DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281887

60,980 miles · Aug 7, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineTires

MY 2003 KIA SORENTO KEPT LOSING ANTIFREEZE AND TO FIND OUT THE RESERVOIR HAD A CRACK IN IT. ALSO, AFTER I PURCHASE BRIDGESTONE FIRE DESTINATION TIRES A YEAR LATER THEY WERE WORN AFTER SPENDING $600.00 I HAD TO HAVE TWO OF THEM REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR. P245/70R16. ALSO 2 DEFECTS RECALLS WHEN MY CAR WAS PUT IN THE SHOP ONE FROM 200…

Read full complaint

MY 2003 KIA SORENTO KEPT LOSING ANTIFREEZE AND TO FIND OUT THE RESERVOIR HAD A CRACK IN IT. ALSO, AFTER I PURCHASE BRIDGESTONE FIRE DESTINATION TIRES A YEAR LATER THEY WERE WORN AFTER SPENDING $600.00 I HAD TO HAVE TWO OF THEM REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR. P245/70R16. ALSO 2 DEFECTS RECALLS WHEN MY CAR WAS PUT IN THE SHOP ONE FROM 2007 SC073 AND SC072 WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS STILL ON AFTER THE CAR WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY QUIRK KIA IN BRAINTREE. WHEN I WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS FINE AND IT WAS JUST A SENSOR AND TO FIX IT THE COST WOULD BE OVER $200. A YEAR LATER, I BROUGHT IT TO GET A STICKER, THEY REJECTED MY FOR ANOTHER RECALL THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN LAST YEAR. THE RECALL WAS FROM 2005. NOW I AM TRYING TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE INCONVENIENCE OF ME GOING TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF LAST YEAR. I WILL NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN, THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CARS OR CUSTOMERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279731

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