NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
305 reports25,000 miles · May 9, 2006
Air Bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A PAVED STREET AT 35 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE-IMPACT AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMPACT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. NO I…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A PAVED STREET AT 35 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE-IMPACT AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMPACT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. UPON INSPECTION, THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN A MAJOR COLLISION. THE DEALER IS AWAITING APPROVAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE REPAIRS ARE MADE. UPDATED 5/22/2006 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157123
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
2003 KIA SORENTO, HEADLIGHTS SINCE NEW HAVE CONTINUED TO BURN OUT (THEIRS/OURS ANY MANUFACTURE) IT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THEY INSTALL OR WALMART (EXCEPT FOR PRICE$$$) PARTS AND LABOR NOW EXCEEDS $500.00 AND NOW MY WIFE HAS BOTH TO BURN OUT AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. DEALERS (3) HAVE STATED IT WAS THE ALARM WHICH WAS…
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2003 KIA SORENTO, HEADLIGHTS SINCE NEW HAVE CONTINUED TO BURN OUT (THEIRS/OURS ANY MANUFACTURE) IT DOES NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THEY INSTALL OR WALMART (EXCEPT FOR PRICE$$$) PARTS AND LABOR NOW EXCEEDS $500.00 AND NOW MY WIFE HAS BOTH TO BURN OUT AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. DEALERS (3) HAVE STATED IT WAS THE ALARM WHICH WAS INSTALLED WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. THE FRUSTRATION HAS NOW REACHED THE POINT WE MUST GET RID OF IT . *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156920
35,000 miles · May 3, 2006
Structure
RUST SPOTS APPEAR ON THE REAR LIFTGATE WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR PAINT. BOTH AUTO MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP DID NOT FOLLOW UP. THEN THE WARRANTY COVERAGE IS OVER AND THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORST. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156681
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
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2006
Air Bags
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK TO KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED 2003 KIA SORENTO (NEW) WAS TOLD THAT THE "CLOCK SPRING" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS VERY COMMON THAT THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIR. I ASKED IF IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE A LOT WHY HAD I…
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AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. TOOK TO KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED 2003 KIA SORENTO (NEW) WAS TOLD THAT THE "CLOCK SPRING" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS VERY COMMON THAT THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIR. I ASKED IF IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE A LOT WHY HAD IT NOT BEEN A "SAFETY ISSUE" AND A RECALL BEEN ENACTED. THEY DID NOT KNOW. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10152718
30,000 miles · Mar 9, 2006
Electrical System
HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH CLOCK GOING OUT, HEADLAMPS-6 TIMES NOW, AND BRAKE LAMPS 3X IN 3 MONTHS! WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT AT KIA THAT THE CAR OVER CHARGES ITSELF CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WROTE KIA A LETTER TRYING TO GET THEM TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM OR PAY ME BACK FOR THIS CAR AND BUY …
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HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH CLOCK GOING OUT, HEADLAMPS-6 TIMES NOW, AND BRAKE LAMPS 3X IN 3 MONTHS! WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT AT KIA THAT THE CAR OVER CHARGES ITSELF CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WROTE KIA A LETTER TRYING TO GET THEM TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM OR PAY ME BACK FOR THIS CAR AND BUY IT BACK ON 3/7/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10152338
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ROTORS WARP AND CAUSE A VIBRATION DURING BRAKING. FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED AT 18,000 MILES. AT 41,000 MILES, FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND REAR ROTORS TURNED. I AM TAKING IT IN AGAIN AT 51,000 BECAUSE VIBRATION HAS RETURNED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10152042
49,000 miles · Mar 1, 2006
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHT KEEP GOING OUT AND FOG LIGHTS ALSO HAS HAPPENED 8 TIMES NOW. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10151549
5,000 miles · Feb 22, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT KEEPS BURING BULBS, I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND HAVE TO REPLACE BULBS EVERY OTHER MONTH IN MY CAR, THIS IS JUST THE HEADLIGHTS, I HAVE REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHTS TWICE SINCE HAVING MY CAR, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS LAST ONLY 1 MONTH TO 6 WEEKS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10150901
300 miles · Feb 2, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 03. NOT LONG AFTER THAT THERE WAS A STRANGE SOUND, THEN THERE WAS OIL LEAK UNDER THE CAR. TOOK IT IN. CHECKED. DID DYE CHECK. REPLACED SOME BOLTS. REPLACED A PART. EVERY FEW MONTHS UP TO TODAY FEB 2006, THERE HAS BEEN AN OIL LEAK. TAKING CAR AGAIN TO DEALER ON FEB 3, 2006 TO SEE WHAT THEY …
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THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 03. NOT LONG AFTER THAT THERE WAS A STRANGE SOUND, THEN THERE WAS OIL LEAK UNDER THE CAR. TOOK IT IN. CHECKED. DID DYE CHECK. REPLACED SOME BOLTS. REPLACED A PART. EVERY FEW MONTHS UP TO TODAY FEB 2006, THERE HAS BEEN AN OIL LEAK. TAKING CAR AGAIN TO DEALER ON FEB 3, 2006 TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY NOW. THE OIL IS FELT WHEN ONE TOUCHES UNDER THE CAR AND THERE IS A PUDDLE IN THE DRIVEWAY (OIL STAIN). THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY THE KIA MECHANICS AT THE KIA DEALER. CRISWELL KIA AS OF JANUARY 06 NO LONGER SERVICES KIA. I HAVE TO NOW TAKE THE CAR TO FARRISH KIA IN VIRGINIA. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10149279
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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