IllustrationTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
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
What owners actually said
305 reportsTHERE IS A PLASTIC CAP HOLDING ON THE ROD TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT WILL POPPED OFF WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, AND THE WIPERS CAME TO A HALT WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING NO VISIBILITY. I THINK THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD REALLY BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCID…
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THERE IS A PLASTIC CAP HOLDING ON THE ROD TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT WILL POPPED OFF WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, AND THE WIPERS CAME TO A HALT WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING NO VISIBILITY. I THINK THAT THIS MATTER SHOULD REALLY BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT AND TAKEN MANY LIVES. THERE WERE NO DEATHS, BUT IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN. BY THE GRACE OF GOD. *TR
GAS SPEWS OUT WHILE TRYING TO REFUEL, DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S ALMOST EMPTY OR HALF FULL,GETS ALL OVER CAR,GROUND AND ME. HAVE TO DRIBBLE FUEL IN TANK AND TAKES 15 MIN. JUST TO PUT A 1\4 TANK IN. I DON'T LIKE SMELLING OF GAS AND BEING A WALKING FIRE HAZARD. *TR
MY CAR HAD A HORRIBLE NOISE & I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT. I GOT A FRIEND TO DRIVE IT TO A KIA KENDALL AND THEY WERE TO WARRANTY THE PART THAT WAS DEFECTIVE. IN THE PROCESS OF DRIVING CAR TO DEALER IT CAME APART HIT THE BOTTOM OF CAR DEPLOYED AIR BAGS, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, GAS TANK ALSO CRACKED. THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE DE…
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MY CAR HAD A HORRIBLE NOISE & I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT. I GOT A FRIEND TO DRIVE IT TO A KIA KENDALL AND THEY WERE TO WARRANTY THE PART THAT WAS DEFECTIVE. IN THE PROCESS OF DRIVING CAR TO DEALER IT CAME APART HIT THE BOTTOM OF CAR DEPLOYED AIR BAGS, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, GAS TANK ALSO CRACKED. THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE DEALER PART AND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE WARRANTIED. NOW IT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO INSURANCE AND IN THE PROCESS OF FIXING THIS ITEM THEY BROKE A PLASTIC HOSE FROM THE RADIATOR AND THEN CLAMPED IT & PUT A SCREW IN MY RADIATOR. THEY KNOW THAT THIS WAS GOING TO CAUSE A PROBLEM & DID NOT EVEN CARE. *TR
2003 KIA SORENTO, PURCHASED USED WITH 11,000 MILES ON IT. HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT! HEAD GASKETS WARPED AT 28,000 MILES, OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING, NO SPIKE IN TEMP GAUGE, WHAM SMOKE FROM EVERYWHERE AND EVEN WITH PROOF OF MAINTENANCE UPKEEP IT TOOK KIA 2 MONTHS TO DECIDE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THIS WAS …
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2003 KIA SORENTO, PURCHASED USED WITH 11,000 MILES ON IT. HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT! HEAD GASKETS WARPED AT 28,000 MILES, OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING, NO SPIKE IN TEMP GAUGE, WHAM SMOKE FROM EVERYWHERE AND EVEN WITH PROOF OF MAINTENANCE UPKEEP IT TOOK KIA 2 MONTHS TO DECIDE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THIS WAS AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON EVERY TWO SECONDS AND HAVE TO BE IN THE SHOP FOR MONTHS FOR THEM TO SAY NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, EVEN WHEN IT WAS TOWED IN EVERY TIME BECAUSE IT WOULD JUST SHUT OFF. THEN THE HEADLIGHT ISSUES ARE INSANE. EVERY OTHER MONTH AND THAT IS NO EXAGGERATION I HAVE TO REPLACE EITHER LOW BEAMS, HIGH BEAMS, BRAKE LIGHTS & TAIL LIGHTS. *TR
KIA INFORMED ME OF A "CRANK SHAFT BOLT" RECALL FOR MY 2003 SORENTO LX. 3 DAYS AFTER HAVING THIS REPAIR PERFORMED, MY CAR BEGAN TO JUST "DIE" AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY, BUT IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM IF THEY COULDN'T RECREATE IT. AN INTERNET SEARCH O…
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KIA INFORMED ME OF A "CRANK SHAFT BOLT" RECALL FOR MY 2003 SORENTO LX. 3 DAYS AFTER HAVING THIS REPAIR PERFORMED, MY CAR BEGAN TO JUST "DIE" AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY, BUT IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM IF THEY COULDN'T RECREATE IT. AN INTERNET SEARCH ON THE ISSUE REVEALS MANY CONSUMERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM WHICH ULTIMATELY TURNS OUT TO BE A DEFECTIVE "CRANK SHAFT SENSOR" -- BUT KIA SERVICE JERKS PEOPLE AROUND AND KEEPS THEIR CARS FOR DAYS/WEEKS SAYING THAT THEY "CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM". THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR VEHICLE JUST SUDDENLY DIES ON THE FREEWAY WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING... NOT EVEN SPUTTERING. I PRINTED OUT SEVERAL CONSUMER ACCOUNTS DESCRIBING MY EXACT PROBLEM--REVEALING IT'S ULTIMATELY THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, AND KIA IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEIR REPAIR WORK AND THE LIKELIHOOD THAT IT'S THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR -- ADMITTEDLY HOLDING MY VEHICLE WITHOUT EVEN REVIEWING THE BASIC DIAGNOSTICS. *TR
PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN NOVEMBER 2008 - KIA SORENTO 2003. I NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL SHORTLY AFTER THE PURCHASE, BUT DIDN'T THINK IT WAS FROM MY VEHICLE. LAST WEEK NOTICED A DAMP SPOT UNDER MY CAR, CHECKED IT, FOUND GASOLINE LEAKING FROM MY TANK. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THEY FOUND A CRACK ALONG A SEA…
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PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN NOVEMBER 2008 - KIA SORENTO 2003. I NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL SHORTLY AFTER THE PURCHASE, BUT DIDN'T THINK IT WAS FROM MY VEHICLE. LAST WEEK NOTICED A DAMP SPOT UNDER MY CAR, CHECKED IT, FOUND GASOLINE LEAKING FROM MY TANK. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THEY FOUND A CRACK ALONG A SEAM IN THE GAS TANK AND REPLACED IT. *TR
MY ENGINE BLEW ON THE CAR IT ONLY HAS ABOUT 78,000 MILES ON IT GETS REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE NEVER HAD A WARNING LIGHT COME ON AS TO INDICATE I HAD SOME OIL OR ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT AND BEEN SITTING SINCE 12/15 I JUST GOT IT BACK ON 01/23 AND THE ENGINE BLOW…
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MY ENGINE BLEW ON THE CAR IT ONLY HAS ABOUT 78,000 MILES ON IT GETS REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE NEVER HAD A WARNING LIGHT COME ON AS TO INDICATE I HAD SOME OIL OR ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT AND BEEN SITTING SINCE 12/15 I JUST GOT IT BACK ON 01/23 AND THE ENGINE BLOWS ON 01/30 AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $5,000 TO REPLACE ......I HAVE HEARD THINGS ABOUT KIA ENGINES BUT MY SUV WAS IN FINE CONDITION AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINES BLOWS....SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT TO ME. *TR
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY A DEALERSHIP AND THEY DON'T KNOW THE PROBLEM, THE FRONT HEADLAMPS KEEP BURNING OUT. *TR
HEADLIGHTS/FOG LIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW SO I KNOW IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF ANYONE ELSE, OTHER THAN THE MANUFACTURER. EACH BULB COSTS APPROXIMATELY $19.00 [DEPENDING ON BRAND AND TYPE OF BULB}. I KNOW I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON BULBS SINCE 2003; IT IS NOW 2009. *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.