Illustration1) UPON PURCHASE, EXHAUST SMELL WAS STRONG INSIDE SUV, LEADING TO HEADACHES AND QUEASINESS. 2) TOOK IT IN WITHIN WEEKS (?) 3) A CORRECTION WAS MADE, PART REPLACED. SINCE THEN, THE EXHAUST SMELL IS INTERMITTENT, AND NOT AS STRONG. SERVICE DOES NOT SEE FURTHER ISSUE. *JB
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 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS A NOISE AND A VIBRATION WAS NOTICED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, UNUSUAL WEAR ON THE INNER TREAD OF THE FRONT TIRES WAS ALSO NOTICED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 9/11/2006 - THE LEFT FRONT STRUT WAS NOISY DUE TO LOOSE BOT…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS A NOISE AND A VIBRATION WAS NOTICED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, UNUSUAL WEAR ON THE INNER TREAD OF THE FRONT TIRES WAS ALSO NOTICED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 9/11/2006 - THE LEFT FRONT STRUT WAS NOISY DUE TO LOOSE BOTTOM STRUT BOLT. THE DEALER TIGHTENED END AND SECURED BOLT. THE CONSUMER FELT VIBRATION IN BRAKE PEDAL WHEN REVERSING AND MAKING TURNS. THE DEALER RESURFACED THE BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. THE VIBRATION RETURNED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND REPLACED THEM. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE MADE NOISE. THE DEALER ADJUSTED ALL THE BELTS. THE CD PLAYER WOULD NOT EJECT PROPERLY. *NM
I AM THE ATTORNEY FOR THREE MINOR CHILDREN. THEY WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED, AND THEIR FATHER WAS KILLED IN A ROLLOVER IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA IN FEBRUARY, 2006. THE REAR B.F. GOODRICH TIRE ON THE 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT THE FATHER WAS DRIVING BLEW OUT AND SEPARATED, RESULTING IN THE ROLLOVER. THE TIRE WAS APPARENTLY PLUGGED THE DAY BEFO…
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I AM THE ATTORNEY FOR THREE MINOR CHILDREN. THEY WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED, AND THEIR FATHER WAS KILLED IN A ROLLOVER IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA IN FEBRUARY, 2006. THE REAR B.F. GOODRICH TIRE ON THE 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT THE FATHER WAS DRIVING BLEW OUT AND SEPARATED, RESULTING IN THE ROLLOVER. THE TIRE WAS APPARENTLY PLUGGED THE DAY BEFORE AT A LAS VEGAS TIRE SHOP. *JB
VEHICLE IS A 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH 70,000 MILES, PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE, TO DATE, REPLACED LIGHT BULBS APPROXIMATELY 38 TIMES. THIS INCLUDES HEAD LIGHT BULBS (HIGH AND LOW), FOG LIGHT BULBS, TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND BRAKE LIGHT BULBS. ALSO THE CLOCK ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE …
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VEHICLE IS A 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH 70,000 MILES, PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE APPEARS TO HAVE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAVE, TO DATE, REPLACED LIGHT BULBS APPROXIMATELY 38 TIMES. THIS INCLUDES HEAD LIGHT BULBS (HIGH AND LOW), FOG LIGHT BULBS, TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND BRAKE LIGHT BULBS. ALSO THE CLOCK ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER SUN ROOF HAS CEASED WORKING. DEALER OFFERS NO SOLUTION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP. *NM
THE RESERVOIR ON MY 2003 KIA SORENTO RUPTURED AND ALL THE COOLANT LEAKED OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A GAS STATION AND THE LET THE CAR COOL. I THEN ADDED IN ANTI- FREEZE AND FILLED IT WITH WATER AND DROVE ANOTHER 10 MILES AND DROPPED THE CAR AT A REPAIR SHOP. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START…
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THE RESERVOIR ON MY 2003 KIA SORENTO RUPTURED AND ALL THE COOLANT LEAKED OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A GAS STATION AND THE LET THE CAR COOL. I THEN ADDED IN ANTI- FREEZE AND FILLED IT WITH WATER AND DROVE ANOTHER 10 MILES AND DROPPED THE CAR AT A REPAIR SHOP. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE KIA DEALERSHIP IS SAYING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
I HAVE HAD MY KIA SORENTO FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD TO CHANGE THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. AT LEAST 8 TIMES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS AND 4 FOR THE TAIL. *NM
I PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH 17,000 MILES ON IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AND/OR RESURFACE MY ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. I HAVE TALKED TO TWO KIA DEALERSHIPS (ONE IN CLARKSVILLE, TN - THE OTHER IN MEMPHIS, TN) AND BOTH LIED TO ME AND SAID THEY DIDN'…
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I PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH 17,000 MILES ON IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AND/OR RESURFACE MY ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN TWO YEARS. I HAVE TALKED TO TWO KIA DEALERSHIPS (ONE IN CLARKSVILLE, TN - THE OTHER IN MEMPHIS, TN) AND BOTH LIED TO ME AND SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE THAT TYPE OF PROBLEM EVER. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO TWO OTHER MECHANICS THAT I TRUST AND THEY HAVE TURNED MY ROTORS, REPLACED MY ROTORS WITH GENUINE KIA PARTS AND NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP. JUST THIS WEEK, I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN AGAIN. AT THAT TIME, MY MECHANIC TALKED TO OUR LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP, WHO THEN TOLD HIM THAT THEY NOW SEE THIS PROBLEM FREQUENTLY. I AM TIRED OF SPENDING MY OWN MONEY ON THIS PROBLEM THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A KIA DEFECT. KIA KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I WILL NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN. I ONLY WISH I HAD RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I BOUGHT MY CAR. THEN I WOULD HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST KIA AT ONE TIME OVER THEIR SEPHIA HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND HAS A 1995 FORD RANGER AND WE'VE NEVER HAD TO DO ANY BRAKE REPAIR.
WHILE DRIVING ON SATURDAY, 7/15/06, I NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED NOISE WHILE STEERING. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE AND CAPPING OFF MY FLUIDS, THE NOISE CONTINUES AND REMAINS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR OVER THE RADIO AND THE AIR CONDITIONER AT THE SAME …
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WHILE DRIVING ON SATURDAY, 7/15/06, I NOTICED A HIGH PITCHED NOISE WHILE STEERING. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE AND CAPPING OFF MY FLUIDS, THE NOISE CONTINUES AND REMAINS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR OVER THE RADIO AND THE AIR CONDITIONER AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE PLACED THIS CAR IN THE SHOP FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS SINCE ITS PURCHASE IN 2003 AND HAVE SPENT COUNTLESS AMOUNTS OF MONEY ON VARIOUS PROBLEMS, INCLUDING REPLACING THE BULBS, REPAIRING THE BRAKS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR REMAINS ON AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. I HAVE PLACED NUMEROUS COMPLAINS TO KIA DIRECTLY AS WELL AS FILED A COMPLIANT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TO NO AVAIL. IT WOULD BE MY ASSUMPTION THAT KIA WILL ONLY BE CONCERNED ABOUT FIXING THESE ISSUES OR RECALLING THESE VEHICLES ONLY AFTER SOME SERIOUS INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THERE WAS A SCREECHING NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BOLT ON THE DRIVE SHAFT PULLEY HAD SHEARED OFF AND THAT THE CRANK SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 7/13/2006 - *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM. THE FOURTH TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, WHICH DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2003…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM. THE FOURTH TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, WHICH DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 KIA SARENTO.*AK
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.