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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 reports
61,000 miles · Jul 15, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

NO WARNING OF FAILURE. HAPPENED AT 61000 MILES 1000 OVER WARRANTY. CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE , AND THE MECHANIC SAD HE NEVER SAW SOMETHING LIKE THIS. SO I THINK KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE ..HE GOT THE PARTS FROM KIA, AND ON 7/15/07 THE BOLT CAME OFF AGAIN WHILE CAR WAS IN PARKING LOT OF WIFE'S WORK PLACE. KIA SHOULD FIX IT …

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NO WARNING OF FAILURE. HAPPENED AT 61000 MILES 1000 OVER WARRANTY. CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE , AND THE MECHANIC SAD HE NEVER SAW SOMETHING LIKE THIS. SO I THINK KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE ..HE GOT THE PARTS FROM KIA, AND ON 7/15/07 THE BOLT CAME OFF AGAIN WHILE CAR WAS IN PARKING LOT OF WIFE'S WORK PLACE. KIA SHOULD FIX IT . I WAS PLANNING ON GETTING A MINI VAN, AND IT WON'T BE A KIA, DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY DO ABOUT MY SERENTO. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10196384

24,000 miles · Jul 14, 2007
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

BOTH REAR INTERIOR DOOR PANELS AND LIFTGATE ARE RUSTING OUT ON VEHICLE THAT IS 1.5 YEARS OLD (AND GARAGE KEPT). KIA STATES THEY HAVE A "5-YEAR/50K MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY" FOR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP & FAULTY MATERIALS. APPARENTLY, A BRAND NEW VEHICLE RUSTING OUT DOESN'T MEET KIA'S DEFINITION AS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WILL…

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BOTH REAR INTERIOR DOOR PANELS AND LIFTGATE ARE RUSTING OUT ON VEHICLE THAT IS 1.5 YEARS OLD (AND GARAGE KEPT). KIA STATES THEY HAVE A "5-YEAR/50K MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY" FOR POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP & FAULTY MATERIALS. APPARENTLY, A BRAND NEW VEHICLE RUSTING OUT DOESN'T MEET KIA'S DEFINITION AS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WILL NOT FIX IT. KIA'S WARRANTY IS OVERSTATED. NO VEHICLE (EVEN ONE'S BUILT INTO 1950'S RUST OUT WITH IN A YEAR. POOR MATERIALS....LOUSY WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10196334

54,700 miles · Jul 10, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

LAST FEB. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKED, LOST ALL COOLANT. TOWED TO DEALER. THEY FIXED IT AND TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW BELT. I DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING MORE TO HAPPEN AS I TAKE MY 90 YEAR OLD MOM AROUND, THEY REPLACED ONE BELT FOR $120. NEVER RAN RIGHT AFTER THAT, WITH SCREECHING NOISES AND NO MORE A/C. TODAY, JUST AS I WAS D…

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LAST FEB. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR CRACKED, LOST ALL COOLANT. TOWED TO DEALER. THEY FIXED IT AND TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW BELT. I DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING MORE TO HAPPEN AS I TAKE MY 90 YEAR OLD MOM AROUND, THEY REPLACED ONE BELT FOR $120. NEVER RAN RIGHT AFTER THAT, WITH SCREECHING NOISES AND NO MORE A/C. TODAY, JUST AS I WAS DRIVING ONTO THE HIGHWAY-I STARTED LOSING MY STEERING AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER OFF THE RAMP, THEN IT STALLED AS I WAS PULLING OVER. I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE AND WAS JUST WAITING FOR IT TO HAPPEN. WELL IT DID AND THANK GOD I WASN'T GOING 70 ON THE HIGHWAY YET. IT HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BOLT ON THE DRIVE SHAFT THAT BROKE. THEN HE SAID THAT SINCE I'M ONLY 8000 MILES AWAY FROM 60K, THEN I SHOULD JUST DO THE TIMING BELT SERVICE NOW BECAUSE IF I DON'T AND IT GOES, THEN MY ENGINE WILL BLOW. SO I GUESS THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO WAIT TO HAPPEN NEXT AND I'M SURE IT WILL. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CAN'T BE WRONG. DON'T BUY A KIA!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10196002

48,438 miles · Jul 3, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CRANK SHAFT FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE TOTAL COST OF THE RENTAL EXPENSE WAS $600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED, HE WAS STRANDED. THE KIA DEALER CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT WHEN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CRANK SHAFT FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE TOTAL COST OF THE RENTAL EXPENSE WAS $600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED, HE WAS STRANDED. THE KIA DEALER CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRESENT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT BE OF ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 48,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER RECALL, SINCE A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER HE IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RENTAL CAR. THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK AT THE LOWER SEAM. UPDATED

NHTSA ODI #10195221

33,000 miles · May 22, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

CRANKSHSFT PULLEY BOLT BROKE ON 2003 KIA SORENTO V6 MODEL. THIS CAUSED LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10191455

34,600 miles · May 17, 2007
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HE GETS AN OIL CHANGE, THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS BLOW OUT. AS OF MAY 17, 2007, THE DOME LIGHT IS CURRENTLY OUT AND HAS BEEN SINCE NOVEMBER 25, 2005. KIA MOTORS STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH HER VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, SHE STILL HAD TO PAY FOR…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HE GETS AN OIL CHANGE, THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS BLOW OUT. AS OF MAY 17, 2007, THE DOME LIGHT IS CURRENTLY OUT AND HAS BEEN SINCE NOVEMBER 25, 2005. KIA MOTORS STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH HER VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, SHE STILL HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. KIA ALSO STATED THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP HER WARRANTY, THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO PAY $1,000 PLUS THE REPAIR COSTS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT PROVIDED A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES. SHE STATED THAT THE BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ALSO STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,600. THE DEALER STATED GAS PEDAL STICKS WHEN ACCELERATING . THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HD TO PURCHASE 2 BATTERIES. UPDATED 06/07/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10190995

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

COOLANT TANK CRACKED. CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BUT THAT THE PART HAD BEEN RE DESIGNED. SO I GUESS THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TANKS. BUT KIA WOULD NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TANK.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10190810

63,333 miles · May 8, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

"THE BATTERY AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE AREA AND FOUND THE ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF ITS PULLEY. THE POWER STEERING BELT RAN OFF THE ALTERNATOR BELT. THIS WAS WHY THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING. CHECKED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY, AND FOUND…

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"THE BATTERY AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE AREA AND FOUND THE ALTERNATOR BELT FELL OFF ITS PULLEY. THE POWER STEERING BELT RAN OFF THE ALTERNATOR BELT. THIS WAS WHY THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING. CHECKED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY, AND FOUND THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY HAD PLAY, AND THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BACKED OUT OF PLACE. KIA HAS A PIT STOP HIGHLIGHT , STATING THAT THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT BACKED OUT OF PLACE DUE TO IMPROPER TORQUE SETTINGS ON THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT. HIGHLIGHT KT2006042501. REMOVED THE RADIATOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY. REMOVED THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY AND INSPECTED. FOUND THE CRANK SHAFT SPROCKET PIN SHEARED OFF DUE TO THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BACKING OUT PLACE. THE CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET HOLDS THE PULLEY IN PLACE. THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY, SPROCKET, AND BOLT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. REMOVED THE TIMING BELT AND TO REPLACE THE SPROCKET. INSTALLED EVERYTHING BACK IN PLACE AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. OIL WAS NOW LEAKING FROM BEHIND THE TIMING COVER. REMOVED ALL PARTS AGAIN TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE TIMING BELT. FOUND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM BEHIND THE TIMING SPROCKET. REMOVED THE SPROCKET, AND FOUND THE CRANK SHAFT RUBBER SEAL HAD SIGNS OF WEAR AND WAS SLIGHTLY BENT. REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT RUBBER SEAL, AND REINSTALLED SPROCKET AND TIMING BELT. STARTED VEHICLE, AND NO SIGNS OF LEAKS WERE NOTICED. ROAD TESTED VEHICLE , AND VEHICLE DROVE PROPERLY. THE OWNER COMPLAINED AND QUESTIONED THE RESULT OF THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO THE IMPROPER TORQUE SETTING ON THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT AS SUGGESTED BY THE NARRATIVE OF THE MECHANIC'S REPORT AND AS STATED ABOVE. IF IT WAS SO DOES THE OWNER HAVE REMEDY IN CONTACTING KIA OR THE DEALERSHIP )FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PART OF MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10190138

64,000 miles · May 5, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SAFETY (JUST BY SHEER LUCK) AND CALLED KIA 1-800 FOR TOWING SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. I WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. SUPPOSEDLY THE ANALYZER SHOWED T…

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AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SAFETY (JUST BY SHEER LUCK) AND CALLED KIA 1-800 FOR TOWING SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. I WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. SUPPOSEDLY THE ANALYZER SHOWED THAT THERE WERE "MULTIPLE MISFIRES. I WAS ASKED IF THE CAR WAS MISSING PRIOR TO THE STALL. I TOLD THEM IT RAN AS SMOOTH AS SILK. I AUTHORIZED THEM TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT HAD BEEN REPLACED AS PART OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TWO MONTHS EARLIER. THE DEALERSHIP THEN CALLED AND TOLD ME THEY HAD "GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS". THE TIMING BELT WAS REPAIRED BUT IT APPEARED THE HEAD WAS BLOWN AND THAT KIA REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THE OVERFLOW BOTTLE WAS CRACKED. THEY STATED THAT THE HEAD BLEW BECAUSE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS CAUSED BY MY NEGLIGENCE. THE GAUGES NEVER INDICATED THAT THE CAR OVERHEATED. THEY ARE UNABLE TO TELL ME HOW MUCH THE REPAIRS WILL COST BECAUSE THERE MAY BE FURTHER DAMAGE ONCE THEY TEAR IT DOWN. THE ESTIMATE IS BETWEEN $2500 AND "WORE CASE SCENARIO" $4700 I AM FURIOUS. THE CAR IS NOT YET FOUR YEARS OLD AND STILL HAS 36,000 MILES LEFT ON THE WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10189875

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE NOW HAD THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BREAK 3 TIMES, THE ENGINE AND OTHER PARTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS. IT MAKES THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY INOPERABLE AND UNSAFE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10188200

Official recalls

1

05V353000 · 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

1

PE10023 · 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.

Go deeper into Kia Sorento problems