NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
305 reports69,000 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SERENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLT TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER WOULD FRACTURE AT ANYTIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE ONCE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SERENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLT TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER WOULD FRACTURE AT ANYTIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE ONCE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10440483
127,000 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Power Train
I BROUGHT THE KIA SORENTO USED IN 2/2011 WITH 108,00 MILES AND REPLACED ALL BELTS,TRANSMISSION CHANGE,FRONT BRAKES,DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR. NOW HAS 127,000 MILES AND EVERY MONTH I HAVE BEEN REPLACING PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440437
109,333 miles · Oct 14, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING,THE INJECTOR WOULD LEAK FUEL AT ANY TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,333 AND THE CURRENT MILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING,THE INJECTOR WOULD LEAK FUEL AT ANY TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,333 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,433.
NHTSA ODI #10430259
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
WITHOUT NOTICE THIS VEHICLE STOPPED ACCEPTING FUEL PROPERLY. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO REFUEL, GASOLINE DOESN'T LEAK OUT, IT SPRAYS AS IF UNDER PRESSURE. MY WIFE, DAUGHTER AND I HAVE EACH BEEN SPRAYED ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. EVEN FILLING VERY SLOWLY CAUSES FUEL TO SPRAY FROM VEHICLE. I WOULD BE GLAD TO VIDEO IT AS IT OCCURS. IT OCCURS…
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WITHOUT NOTICE THIS VEHICLE STOPPED ACCEPTING FUEL PROPERLY. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO REFUEL, GASOLINE DOESN'T LEAK OUT, IT SPRAYS AS IF UNDER PRESSURE. MY WIFE, DAUGHTER AND I HAVE EACH BEEN SPRAYED ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. EVEN FILLING VERY SLOWLY CAUSES FUEL TO SPRAY FROM VEHICLE. I WOULD BE GLAD TO VIDEO IT AS IT OCCURS. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME AND CREATES A VERY SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD FOR MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHER CUSTOMERS AT THE FILLING STATION. I RECENTLY HAD AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN EVALUATE THE VEHICLE AND NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. THIS WAS GOING TO BE MY DAUGHTERS FIRST CAR BUT I DON'T FEEL ITS SAFE FOR HER AND WOULDN'T WANT TO TRADE IT TO SOMEONE AND ENDANGER THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10429172
140,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WAS DRIVING APPROX 60 MILES PER HOUR AND FUEL PRESSURE DROPPED; ENGINE SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE BUT FOR ONLY A FEW MILES AT THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED OVER COURSE OF COUPLE OF DAYS. HAD FUEL PUMPED REPLACED. AFTER FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED I HAD PROBLEMS FUELING VEHICLE. GAS WOULD BUBBLE UP AND SPRAY OUT OF GAS TANK. HA…
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WAS DRIVING APPROX 60 MILES PER HOUR AND FUEL PRESSURE DROPPED; ENGINE SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE BUT FOR ONLY A FEW MILES AT THE TIME. THIS HAPPENED OVER COURSE OF COUPLE OF DAYS. HAD FUEL PUMPED REPLACED. AFTER FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED I HAD PROBLEMS FUELING VEHICLE. GAS WOULD BUBBLE UP AND SPRAY OUT OF GAS TANK. HAD TO PUMP SLOWLY. GAS WOULD GET ALL OVER ME, VEHICLE AND GROUND. RETURNED VEHICLE BACK TO REPAIR SHOP SIX TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF SIX WEEKS; HAD OTHER PART REPLACED. VEHICLE STILL LOSING FUEL PRESSURE, SHUTTING OFF AND NOT ABLE TO PUMP GAS WITHOUT IT SPURTING OUT OF TANK. VEHICLE PARKED AS I FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR ME OR DAUGHTER. OUT OF 600 DOLLARS AND NOT VEHICLE TO DRIVE. SOMETHING FROM MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE DONE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM AFRAID OF VEHICLE STARTING A FIRE WITH ME IN IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10428862
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
WHENEVER I ATTEMPT TO PUT GAS IN MY TRUCK, THE GAS ALWAYS COMES BACK OUT. I TRIED TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT NO ONE EVER HEARD OF A GAS TANK DOING THIS UNLESS IT'S FULL ALL READY WHICH I KNOW. I MEAN THE GAS WOULD JUST FLOW OUT REALLY BAD. SOME GAS STATIONS WON'T EVEN ALLOW ME TO USE THEIR STATION IN FEAR OF A FIRE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10427526
102,500 miles · Sep 22, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SMELL OF FUEL WAS EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY CONFIRMED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUELTANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,500 AND T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SMELL OF FUEL WAS EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY CONFIRMED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUELTANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,700.
NHTSA ODI #10426739
120,000 miles · Sep 2, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
CRANKSHAFT BOLT WAS REPLACED AFTER RECALL IN 2007. CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2011 AFTER MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT AT ANYTIME, INCLUDING WHILE DOING 65 ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE DRIVING A FEW DAYS BACK, SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHER…
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CRANKSHAFT BOLT WAS REPLACED AFTER RECALL IN 2007. CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2011 AFTER MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING CAR TO STALL OUT AT ANYTIME, INCLUDING WHILE DOING 65 ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE DRIVING A FEW DAYS BACK, SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BOLT, WHICH HAD BEEN REPLACED PER THE RECALL, HAD BROKEN, BUT THE WARRANTY ON THE REPLACED BOLT IS ONLY 1 YEAR. NOW REPAIR ON THIS WILL COST OVER $300 AND NEW BOLT WILL STILL ONLY BE WARRANTIED FOR ONE YEAR. SO THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS FAULTY PART COULD CONTINUE, BUT THE PART IS ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR ONE YEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10423101
136,000 miles · Aug 22, 2011
Equipment
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO..CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE, STEERING WENT OUT, BELTS AND BOLT FELL OFF AND AIR STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. THE RESULT OF THIS PROBLEMS CAUSED ME TO BUY A NEW SENOR THAT WAS $400. AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HUNDREDS AND …
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I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO..CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE, STEERING WENT OUT, BELTS AND BOLT FELL OFF AND AIR STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. THE RESULT OF THIS PROBLEMS CAUSED ME TO BUY A NEW SENOR THAT WAS $400. AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HUNDREDS AND MAYBE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN MY STEERING WENT OUT AND I COULD BARELY TURN THE CAR BECAUSE THE STEERING HAD LOCKED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD POTENTIALLY INJURE SOMEONE OR OTHERS AROUND THEM..PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS CASE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10421063
93,000 miles · Aug 22, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE DIRECTION IT WAS TURNED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ONLY SPIN IN A CIRCLE DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND ALLOWED TO DRIFT INTO THE PREFERRED PARKING S…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE DIRECTION IT WAS TURNED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ONLY SPIN IN A CIRCLE DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND ALLOWED TO DRIFT INTO THE PREFERRED PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE U JOINT WAS LOOSE ON THE STEERING SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000.
NHTSA ODI #10420967
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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