IllustrationTAKATA RECALL...REAR SUSPENSION ALWAYS ROTS OUT. THE SUB FRAME IS BAD.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
350–25K
3725–50K
5050–75K
4275–100K
57100–150K
22150K+
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
Structure complaints
12 reportsWHILE 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…
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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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARMONICA BALANCE IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARMONICA BALANCE IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARMONICA BALANCE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE REAR AXLE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
APPROX. A WEEK PRIOR HEARD A NOISE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE AND BEATING UNDERNEATH THE CAR ONLY AT TIMES. TOOK IT TO LOCAL GARAGE AND PUT IT ON RACK AND THE MECHANIC HAD ME TO COME LOOK FOR MYSELF. MY HEART DROPPED. THE FRAME IS SHOT. IT'S EAT UP. HE ASKED ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR? AND AS FAR AS I KNOW THERE ISN'T, B…
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APPROX. A WEEK PRIOR HEARD A NOISE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE AND BEATING UNDERNEATH THE CAR ONLY AT TIMES. TOOK IT TO LOCAL GARAGE AND PUT IT ON RACK AND THE MECHANIC HAD ME TO COME LOOK FOR MYSELF. MY HEART DROPPED. THE FRAME IS SHOT. IT'S EAT UP. HE ASKED ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR? AND AS FAR AS I KNOW THERE ISN'T, BUT FOR SURE, SHOULD BE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. ONE BIG BUMP AND THE WHOLE THING IS GONE. YOU CAN TOUCH IT AND THE METAL FLAKES OFF. THIS CAR RUNS SO GOOD AND STILL IS A GOOD LOOKING CAR. HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN A GARAGE NEVER LEFT OUT IN THE WEATHER. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY DON'T MAKE CARS LIKE THEY USED TOO. MY ANSWER WAS MAYBE SO, BUT THIS IS WHAT GETS PEOPLE KILLED, I AM A PERSON THAT WHEN SOMETHING I KNOW IS NOT RIGHT OR HEAR A NOISE I KNOW THAT SHOULDN'T BE THAT WAY!! I GET IT CHECKED OUT. NOW SOME PEOPLE DON'T THAT'S WHY THERE'S SO MANY PEOPLE KILLED ON THE ROADS DUE TO DEFECTS ON CARS THEY PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR. I NEED HELP!! WHAT DO I DO NOW? I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT TO MAILBOX AND BACK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION THAT FRACTURED THE SUBFRAME AND DAMAGED THE BRAKE LINES. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE BRAKES ENGAGED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION THAT FRACTURED THE SUBFRAME AND DAMAGED THE BRAKE LINES. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE CENTER SECTION OF THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE CUT AND REPLACED. THE SUBFRAME WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE THE TECH NOTICED A COUPLE OF BRAKE LINES LOOKED WET, WHEN THEY WHERE CHECKING THE LINES THEY NOTICED THE REAR SUB-FRAME WHICH THE LINES WERE CONNECTED TOO WAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT. THE CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS SUB-FRAME HOLDS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IN PLACE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR SUB FRAME HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF LANE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR SUB FRAME HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 7/1/13 *CN UPDATED 07/17/2013*JS
WAS HAVING MY TIRES CHANGED WHEN MECHANIC NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ROT ON THE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR WHERE THE ARM CONNECTS TO THE FRAME. HIGH POTENTIAL FOR THE ARM TO PULL OUT OF FRAME WHICH COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CAR STARTED RUSTING AROUND FENDERS AND ROCKERS 4 YEARS AGO. THIS FRAME ROT I…
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WAS HAVING MY TIRES CHANGED WHEN MECHANIC NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ROT ON THE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR WHERE THE ARM CONNECTS TO THE FRAME. HIGH POTENTIAL FOR THE ARM TO PULL OUT OF FRAME WHICH COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CAR STARTED RUSTING AROUND FENDERS AND ROCKERS 4 YEARS AGO. THIS FRAME ROT IS A STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY ISSUE. CONTACTED KIA AND SAID THAT DUE TO MILEAGE AND YEAR THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE REGARDLESS OF THE 3 PREVIOUS CLAIMS I FOUND ON THE NHTSA SITE AND THE FACT THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT. *TR
MY 2003 KIA SORENTO START VIBRATING AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND BEFORE I CAN PARK IT I HEARD A LOAD NOISE AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER AND ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AND FOUND THE PULLEY BOLT (HARMONIC BALANCER) BROKE IN HALF. I HAD ALSO CHECK IF THIS IS AN UNUSU…
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MY 2003 KIA SORENTO START VIBRATING AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND BEFORE I CAN PARK IT I HEARD A LOAD NOISE AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER AND ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AND FOUND THE PULLEY BOLT (HARMONIC BALANCER) BROKE IN HALF. I HAD ALSO CHECK IF THIS IS AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM - CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS COULD POTENTIAL DESIGN DEFECT FROM KIA. AS THERE ARE THOUSAND OF THEM THAT HAS SIMILAR PROBLEM COMPLAINED ON THE INTERNET. I HAD CALLED KIA DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE NOT HELPING ON THIS DESIGN FLAW ISSUE. *TR
I PURCHASED MY 03 KIA SORENTO IN 2004 AND HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES SINCE THEN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LIGHTS FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK NUMEROUS TIMES. I'VE BEEN DRIVING DOWN OUR REMOTE COUNTRY ROAD AT NIGHT AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. MY COOLANT TANK CRACKED AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON ANOTHER COUNTRY ROAD IN THE SNOW LAST YEAR. I LAT…
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I PURCHASED MY 03 KIA SORENTO IN 2004 AND HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES SINCE THEN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LIGHTS FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK NUMEROUS TIMES. I'VE BEEN DRIVING DOWN OUR REMOTE COUNTRY ROAD AT NIGHT AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. MY COOLANT TANK CRACKED AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON ANOTHER COUNTRY ROAD IN THE SNOW LAST YEAR. I LATER FOUND OUT IT WAS RECALLED FOR THAT PARTICULAR DEFECT; AFTER I HAD IT REPLACED. THE LIGHTING ISSUE IS MY BIGGEST CONCERN RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF WHERE I LIVE (REMOTE COUNTRY ROADS, DEER AT NIGHT, ETC) I HAVE TO HAVE PROPERLY FUNCTIONING HEADLIGHTS AT ALL TIMES. NOW, I AM HAVING PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE BEARINGS ON IT. IT MAKES A HORRIBLE SCREECHING NOISE THAT IS NOW; ALMOST CONTINUOUS. IT DOESN'T MATTER THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE, DRIVING CONDITIONS, ETC. IT HAS BECOME HARDER TO STEER AND THE POWER STEERING FLUID IS FINE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE, AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO JUST GO OUT AND BUY SOMETHING NEW. I JUST ASK THAT IF FAULT LIES WITH KIA; THEN THEY SHOULD FIX IT AT THEIR EXPENSE....NOT MINE! I HAVE INVESTED WAY TOO MUCH TIME, MONEY AND PATIENCE THUS FAR AND FEEL IT'S KIA'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THEY CREATE A VEHICLE THAT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY. AND WHEN THEY DON'T...FIX IT!!! AS FOR THE QUESTIONS BELOW; WAS THERE A FIRE?...NOT YET!!! WAS THERE PROPERTY DAMAGE?....THERE PROBABLY WILL BE WHEN MY BEARINGS GO OUT AND THE WHEELS FALL OFF! WHERE THERE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES?....DEAR LORD, I PRAY EVERY TIME I GET IN MY TRUCK THAT NOTHING LIKE THAT EVER HAPPENS TO ME OR MY SON....BUT; WITH AN UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT HAS CONSTANT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PROBLEM; THEN WHO KNOWS.... *TR
Official recalls
105V353000 · 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
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.