2003 Kia Sorento problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling (35) · Fuel/Propulsion System (32) · Fuel System, Gasoline (30)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Kia Sorento model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
241 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (30)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure 2021-09-13 · TSB_BOD055_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
technical 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 tha
Engine And Engine Cooling 2018-03-02 · PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
pitstop - 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.
Equipment:mechanical 2017-01-18 · TSB-GEN085R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
tsb: 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, washe
Latches/Locks/Linkages 2016-11-04 · TSB-GEN085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
tsb: 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
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2016-04-04 · PS443 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
tsb - 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 cab
Engine 2013-01-17 · PS233 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
pitstop: 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 norm
Showing the 6 most recent of 30 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-03-20 · 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 …”
2019-10-01 · Engine · 115,000 mi“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.…”
2019-08-30 · Engine · 60,000 mi · 💥 crash“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 a…”
2019-05-13 · Engine · 202,699 mi“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 w…”
2019-04-26 · Engine · 56,300 mi“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 tha…”
2018-11-06 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 150,000 mi“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!…”
2018-05-16 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 155,000 mi“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 …”
2018-01-29 · 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.…”
2017-11-23 · Steering · 129,500 mi“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.…”
2017-11-06 · Power Train · 93,632 mi“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.