NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
305 reports79,000 miles · Apr 9, 2007
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND COULD NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A BOLT AND BALANCER DETACHED FROM THE HINGES. THE CONTACT SUGGESTED THAT THE POWER STEERING MAY HAVE BEEN LOW IN FLUID. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 79,00…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND COULD NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A BOLT AND BALANCER DETACHED FROM THE HINGES. THE CONTACT SUGGESTED THAT THE POWER STEERING MAY HAVE BEEN LOW IN FLUID. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 79,000.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10187317
97,000 miles · Apr 2, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF. KIA DEALER RECOMMENDS ENGINE REPLACEMENT. COST WOULD BE $7000. RESEARCHING THIS TOPIC FIND OTHERS WITH SAME SITUATION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. THE POWER STEERING BECOMES INOPERABLE AND THE POWER SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10186716
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2007
Unknown Or Other
CUSTOMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANY PENDING SAFETY RECALLS OR INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE 2003 KIA SORENTO**CC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10186859
32,247 miles · Mar 18, 2007
Exterior LightingSteeringVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2003 KIA SORENTO LX. I USED IT MAINLY TO GO FROM HOME TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS AGO, MARCH 16, 2006, AT 32247 MILES. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOPLIGHT, I HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, IT WOULD NOT LET ME STOP IT AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, IT KEPT TURNING SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, AND I L…
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I OWN A 2003 KIA SORENTO LX. I USED IT MAINLY TO GO FROM HOME TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED 2 DAYS AGO, MARCH 16, 2006, AT 32247 MILES. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM A STOPLIGHT, I HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, IT WOULD NOT LET ME STOP IT AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, IT KEPT TURNING SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, AND I LANDED ON THE SIDEWALK. LUCKILY, IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS JUST ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD, GOING AT MODERATE SPEED, AND THERE WERE NO CARS BESIDES OR BEHIND ME. TO THINK IF I WERE DRIVING 65-70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVE THIS HAPPENED AND LOSE CONTROL, I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD. BUT IT IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENS IN 3 1/2 YEARS. THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 YEAR AGO, BUT I DID NOT PAY ATTENTION TO IT SINCE I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO WET CONDITIONS. I WAS ENTERING THE MULTI-LEVEL PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK. I WAS GOING UP TO THE 4TH FLOOR WHERE I PARK, AND WHEN I TURNED LEFT ON THE 3RD FLOOR, THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL, KEPT GOING ROUND, AND I COULD NOT STOP. LUCKILY AGAIN, IT WAS SO EARLY IN THE MORNING THAT THERE WERE NO CARS IN THAT FLOOR. SURELY, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. IT HAS HAPPENED ONLY TWICE IN ALL THESE YEARS, BUT, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I WILL NEVER FEEL SAFE ON THIS CAR AGAIN. I CANNOT TAKE ANY OTHER CHANCE OF BEING KILLED BECAUSE OF A CAR'S DEFECT. I WILL BE NOW USING MY HUSBAND'S CAR TO TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. BESIDES THAT BIG PROBLEM, I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OTHER PROBLEM WITH MY SORENTO. THE FRONT AND BACK BULBS BLOW QUITE OFTEN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY TIME IT HAS NEEDED REPLACEMENT, AND I HAVE ALL THE INVOICE SHEETS. I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE SOMEONE CONTACT ME IN SPANISH. THANK YOU KINDLY.
NHTSA ODI #10185439
72,000 miles · Mar 5, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 03 KIA SORENTO. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN 2004. MY HUSBAND CALLED KIA TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE WARRANTIES WHERE TRANSFERABLE AND THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD HIM THEY WERE. SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TAIL/BRAKE LIGHTS 3 TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOL…
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I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 03 KIA SORENTO. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN 2004. MY HUSBAND CALLED KIA TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE WARRANTIES WHERE TRANSFERABLE AND THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD HIM THEY WERE. SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR TAIL/BRAKE LIGHTS 3 TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT BOTTLE, MY ROTORS WERE VIBRATING WHEN I BRAKED SO I HAD THEM SURFACED AND NOW THEY VIBRATE AGAIN. MY BLOWER FAN HAS GONE OUT AND NOW MY CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAS BROKE LAST WEEK. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. I DIDN'T BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANT BECAUSE I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION ECT WAS COVERED UP TO 100,000 OR 5 YEARS, WHICH I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ONLY FOR THE ORIGINAL OWNER. AT FIRST, I WAS JUST THINKING THAT IT WAS JUST MY BAD LUCK, UNTIL I STARTED RESEARCHING IT ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY PEOPLE SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I AM AND THAT IS ONLY THE THOSE OF USE WHO ACTUAL POST IT ON THE INTERNET, I AM SURE THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY MANY MORE THAT ARE NOT REPORTED. AT THIS TIME, I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT FIRST THE DEAL TOLD ME $765.00, THEN THEY SAID MAY BE $3700.00. I THINK IT IS RIDICULES THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BRAKING OFF AND RUINING THE MOTOR OF A VEHICLE THAT IS 3 YEARS OLD AND KIA HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I ALSO HAVE SEEN THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THERE COOLANT BOTTLE LEAKING, AGAIN LIKE MINE, BUT THEY HAVE BLOWN THEIR ENGINES. AGAIN WHY IS IT THAT KIA IS NOT RECALL THIS VEHICLES FOR THESE PROBLEMS. IF MY CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, IT CHILLS ME TO THINK OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED. SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO HELP ALL OF US KIA OWNERS WHO ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184271
87,000 miles · Mar 2, 2007
Electrical System
2003 KIA SORRENTO - CONSTANTLY REPLACING HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM. LIGHTS COME ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT DURING DRIVING AND WHILE HEAT IS ON. DASH LIGHTS GO OUT AND WILL NOT COME ON - NO ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10183984
Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLTS BREAKING OFF IN THE KIA SORENTO'S. THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM, AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY 2003 OVER 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY SERVICE DEPT, DICK EDWARDS KIA, INFORMED ME TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE BOLT EVERYTIME I GO IN FOR SERVICE. KIA SHOULD OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM AND NOT HAVE …
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I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLTS BREAKING OFF IN THE KIA SORENTO'S. THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM, AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY 2003 OVER 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY SERVICE DEPT, DICK EDWARDS KIA, INFORMED ME TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE BOLT EVERYTIME I GO IN FOR SERVICE. KIA SHOULD OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM AND NOT HAVE ITS OWNERS SCARED TO DRIVE IT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10182927
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2003 SORENTO EX PURCHASED NEW. REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, BUT BREAKING HAS RETURNED TO SIGNS OF A WARPED ROTOR AGAIN. VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND LOUD NOISE IN FRONT WHEEL AREA (NON-METAL) SOUND. CAR HAS NEW BRAKE PADS AND RECENT ALIGNMENT. ROTORS ARE NOT LASTING. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10182162
63,760 miles · Feb 3, 2007
Steering
2003 KIA SORENTO WITH HISTORY OF POWER STEERING FAILURES WHICH RESULTED IN NO POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. PROBLEM FIXED MAY 2004 (AFTER THEE VISITS TO DEALER) ALTHOUGH TSB IDENTIFYING CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS ISSUED A YEAR EARLIER. STEERING RACK FOUND TO BE SEEPING FLUID DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION AT 63,7…
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2003 KIA SORENTO WITH HISTORY OF POWER STEERING FAILURES WHICH RESULTED IN NO POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. PROBLEM FIXED MAY 2004 (AFTER THEE VISITS TO DEALER) ALTHOUGH TSB IDENTIFYING CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS ISSUED A YEAR EARLIER. STEERING RACK FOUND TO BE SEEPING FLUID DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION AT 63,760 MI. TAKEN TO DEALER AT 70,000 MILES FOR EVALUATION. DEALER ADVISED THAT SEALS NOT SERVICEABLE, STEERING RACK AND HOSES REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AT COST OF $2000 - NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVISED THAT STEERING RACK COVERED UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL 60,000 MI; NOT PART OF 100,000 MI POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. I HAVE BEGUN A SEARCH FOR A NEW VEHICLE, AND KIA PRODUCTS AREN'T ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10181503
19,000 miles · Feb 3, 2007
Steering
2003 KIA SORENTO WOULD LOOSE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM MODERATE SPEEDS (30-50 MPH) TO LOW SPEED (5-10 MPH), SUCH AS WHEN EXITING A HIGHWAY BY SLOWING IN A CENTER TURNING LANE AND TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FIRST OCCURANCE WAS AT 19,000 MILES (SEPT 2003), KIA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE…
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2003 KIA SORENTO WOULD LOOSE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM MODERATE SPEEDS (30-50 MPH) TO LOW SPEED (5-10 MPH), SUCH AS WHEN EXITING A HIGHWAY BY SLOWING IN A CENTER TURNING LANE AND TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FIRST OCCURANCE WAS AT 19,000 MILES (SEPT 2003), KIA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME. PROBLEM CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL 30,000 MILES (MAY 2004) WHEN I RETURNED TO DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED A TSB ON THIS ISSUE. DEALER REPLACED P/S SENSOR AND LOADED IMPROVED SOFTWARE CODE. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF NEAR COLLISIONS DUE TO THIS FAILURE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10181500
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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