2003 KIA Sorento
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sorento › 2003
These records cover every 2003 KIA Sorento. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 KIA Sorento. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
305 complaints10 involved a crash3 involved a fire12 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
For some reason, KIA has halted production of the Air Bag Clock Spring mechanism for 2003 Kia Sorento's EX with cruise control. In my opinion, this was a vital component of the Air Bag safety system for any vehicle. So why the halt in the production of this vital part. Kia part #93490-3E160. Maybe the NHTSA can get an answer to this. I'm sure I not the only one driving a 2003 with the Air Bag light illuminated.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. the vehicle stalled and lost motive power while driving the contact was concerned for his safety when the vehicle stall the contact was concerned that it was related to the fuel system while driving at approximately 60 mph, the sputtered and…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. the vehicle stalled and lost motive power while driving the contact was concerned for his safety when the vehicle stall the contact was concerned that it was related to the fuel system while driving at approximately 60 mph, the sputtered and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where the fuel pump was replaced, a tune up was performed, the camshaft sensor, and timing belt was also replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated was concerned that the fuel system was the cause of the failure. Lakeshore KIA, 330 e howze beach rd #2, slidell, la 70461, (888) 220-8645, was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted nor informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2003 KIA sorento. While driving at 60 mph, the contact stated that smoke came from out of the vents. The contact pulled over on the shoulder and exited the vehicle. There were sparks coming from the engine and the vehicle caught on fire. A police report was filed and there…
TL* the contact owned a 2003 KIA sorento. While driving at 60 mph, the contact stated that smoke came from out of the vents. The contact pulled over on the shoulder and exited the vehicle. There were sparks coming from the engine and the vehicle caught on fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was totaled and towed away. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Th vin was not available.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorrento. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also mentioned that a 'snow' warning light illuminated as well. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,699.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. The contact stated that the rpms would not go over 4,000 and smoke appeared from the engine. The contact stated that the speed would not exceed 40 mph and the engine was draining the oil. The vehicle was taken to peak KIA (5077 s wadsworth blvd, littleton…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. The contact stated that the rpms would not go over 4,000 and smoke appeared from the engine. The contact stated that the speed would not exceed 40 mph and the engine was draining the oil. The vehicle was taken to peak KIA (5077 s wadsworth blvd, littleton, co 80123, (303) 904-7800) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the dealer. The failure mileage was 56,300. *Dt
- Fuel/propulsion system
When pumping gas there IS a sudden spewing of gasoline out of the tank and all over me. I managed several times to get a few gallons in by pumping slowly but the next day the gas gage reads empty and has actually run out of gas several times! So not only am I having a problem putting gas in, it IS immediately draining or leaking out!
- Fuel/propulsion system
After purchasing car from private seller I discovered that when trying to pump gas, my fuel sprays back out all over myself, my vehicle, and the ground. Have even had it spray into my eyes. Did research and saw that this IS a very common occurrence for this year/make/model. I believe its a fire and safety hazard and should have been recalled years ago!
- Air bags
Takata recall. my car will not pass inspection due to a problem with one of the airbags. the car hasn't been in an accident but the airbag light IS on and I'm told it will not inflate. I was told to check for recalls.
- Steering
Takata recall the crankshaft pulley bolt keeps coming lose and this causes the steering wheel to become stiff. This happened in the middle of traffic and had to get it towed to a friends house. currently the car IS not driveable for over two weeks.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
My 2003 KIA sorento drives for 15 minutes and stalls out. I wait 5 min and it'll start and drive for a block or 2AND continues to that until I get it towed home
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. While driving 65 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and crankshaft bolt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine
Engine crank shaft has broken four time , air compresser two time
- Suspension
Rust and corrosion rear axle bracket and trailing arm mount. Rear axle bracket broke at highway speeds.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension · Unknown or other
The 2003 KIA sorento has a problem with extensive frame rusting, to the point where some owners have had the suspension detach from the frame. One owner in particular has had issues with the gas tank needing to be replaced, and KIA motors refuses to do anything about the problem. They built the…
The 2003 KIA sorento has a problem with extensive frame rusting, to the point where some owners have had the suspension detach from the frame. One owner in particular has had issues with the gas tank needing to be replaced, and KIA motors refuses to do anything about the problem. They built the car, sold it to people, and when consumers have complaints about their vehicle, they (KIA) says that they're not responsible. You need to examine this, because people could get killed by operating an unsafe vehicle. Do something about this now, before it becomes the next pinto. Make KIA fix the [xxx] vehicles now!!! parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Power train
Vehicle broke down in traffic. Froze up,stalled. Loss of steering. Had it towed to shop & was told the crank shaft sensor & related parts to the crank shaft had to be replaced. Cost for towing & repairs were over $700.
- Fuel/propulsion system
While fueling up the sorento, the fuel spit out every time even while fueling at slow speeds. very frustrating , and dangerous, especially when the fuel gets on my skin & clothes, the vehicle, and at times leaves a huge puddle on the ground which could be a fire hazard. the dealership was contacted and will not help me even though there was a recall issued for the fuel filter, which I mentioned.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When I pump gas into my car, the fuel spits back out at me. I have to pump real slow for this not to happen. This IS dangerous, gas gets on my hands and car,i have to carry soap and water to wash this off of my car. I called about this and was told because my car vin # was not on the their list there was nothing they could do for me
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle decelerated and stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. In addition, when the contact inserted fuel in the vehicle, fuel spewed out the fuel tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Takata recall...rear suspension always rots out. The sub frame IS bad.
- Engine
While under motion on highway at 65+ mph, lost power steering due to crank shaft bolt and pulley failure, resulting in complete loss of accessory functions.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA sorento. When refueling the vehicle, fuel ejected out of the refueling hole. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,300.
- Air bags
Air bags coil spring has been replaced 4 times. The air bag warning light IS always on and KIA refuses to fix the problem. I don't know if the air bags will deploy in case of a accident. This IS been a problem from the day I purchase the car. I don't know the maker of the air bag sistem.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Every time I have to fill the gas tank on my KIA sorento 2003 it shoots back the gasoline like a proyectile. it takes an eternity to fill the gas tank if you don't want to have gas all over you. I have even being kicked out of some service stations because spiling so much gas IS a hazard. IS there any safety recall for this problem? I have not heard a word from KIA.
- Electrical system
The driver door cannot be opened from inside or outside. I understand this IS a common problem with KIA sorentos.
- Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
While driving I heard a clunk and a the car began rolling side to side. I limped to a mechanic and was told that the frame where the suspension and all parts connect was rusted out. Frame repair said this can not be fixed as the frame IS rusted out. Where the stabilizer and suspension connects. Teh…
While driving I heard a clunk and a the car began rolling side to side. I limped to a mechanic and was told that the frame where the suspension and all parts connect was rusted out. Frame repair said this can not be fixed as the frame IS rusted out. Where the stabilizer and suspension connects. Teh car only has 149,ooo miles and IS in north carolina. I have read other reports of a rusted out support frame on this site. will the manufacturer replace this frame.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel Spill During Refueling
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10090606Pitstop: unusual fuel trim values and/or misfire codes after incorrect engine repair - this outlines the procedure to follow if after an engine repair you encounter a complaint relating to mil on (dtc p)#)x) with a misfire during acceleration and/or you find unusual fuel trim values outside the normal parameters.
- 10060226Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10043654KIA: see document search button for owner letter. Fuel tank air filter replacement.
- 10037693KIA: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. This IS caused by a problem within the transfer motor.
- 10037420KIA: fuel tank air filter reminder. The air filter can accumulate dirt over time and needs to be maintained.
- 10034246KIA: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may cause the mil to illuminate and a dtc p1330 (spark timing adjust) to be stored.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10028268KIA: head light bulb life concern. There may be concerns of short headlamp bulb life in vehicles. A new resistive wire harness has been introduced to extend the life of the low beam bulbs.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10025153Sorento icv replacement.
- 10022518Crankshaft bolt replacement.
- 10021446Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5L engines.
- 10019926Crankshaft bolt torque.
- 100185062003-2005 clocks not holding time or resetting - frequently asked questions.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
- 10015248This bulletin provides information related to replacement of the air bag diagnostic unit (adu). Some owners may complain of the srs warning light illumination resulting in one or more seat track position sensor diagnostic trouble codes (dtc).
- 10001682Hood anti-corrosion treatment.
- 10001170Subject regarding the driver side seat belt wire harness.
- 10001041Service campaign to inspect and reposition the driver seat belt buckle wire harness.
- 10001029Rattle noise from the jack compartment when driving on rough road surfaces.
- 10000034Electronic power steering (eps) logic change to improve steering feel.
- 637380Subject regarding sorento highlights.
- 637365Subject regarding accessories for the 2003 sorento.
- 637362Subject regarding 2003 sorento training.
- 637360Information on the new 2003 KIA sorento.
Every KIA Sorento model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.