2003 Kia Sorento: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 305 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 305 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“For some reason, KIA has halted production of the Air Bag Clock Spring mechanism for 2003 Kia Sorento's EX with cruise control. In my opinion, this was a vital component of the Air Bag safety system for any vehicle. So why the halt in the production of this vital part. Kia part #93490-3E160. Maybe the NHTSA can get an answer to this. I'm sure I not the only one driving a 2003 with the Air Bag light illuminated.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2025
“Tl* the contact owned a 2003 kia sorento. While driving at 60 mph, the contact stated that smoke came from out of the vents. The contact pulled over on the shoulder and exited the vehicle. There were sparks coming from the engine and the vehicle caught on fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was totaled and towed away. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Th VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorrento. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also mentioned that a 'snow' warning light illuminated as well. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,699.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“When pumping gas there is a sudden spewing of gasoline out of the tank and all over me. I managed several times to get a few gallons in by pumping slowly but the next day the gas gage reads empty and has actually run out of gas several times! So not only am I having a problem putting gas in, it is immediately draining or leaking out!”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. The contact stated that the rpms would not go over 4,000 and smoke appeared from the engine. The contact stated that the speed would not exceed 40 mph and the engine was draining the oil. The vehicle was taken to peak kia (5077 s wadsworth blvd, littleton, co 80123, (303) 904-7800) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the dealer. The failure mileage was 56,300. *dt”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2018
“After purchasing car from private seller I discovered that when trying to pump gas, my fuel sprays back out all over myself, my vehicle, and the ground. Have even had it spray into my eyes. Did research and saw that this is a very common occurrence for this year/make/model. I believe its a fire and safety hazard and should have been recalled years ago!”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2018
“Takata recall. My car will not pass inspection due to a problem with one of the airbags. The car hasn't been in an accident but the airbag light is on and I'm told it will not inflate. I was told to check for recalls.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2017
“Takata recall the crankshaft pulley bolt keeps coming lose and this causes the steering wheel to become stiff. This happened in the middle of traffic and had to get it towed to a friends house. Currently the car is not driveable for over two weeks.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2017
“My 2003 kia sorento drives for 15 minutes and stalls out. I wait 5 min and it'll start and drive for a block or 2and continues to that until I get it towed home”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. While driving 65 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and crankshaft bolt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sorento by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Kia Sorento reliable?
NHTSA has 305 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Kia Sorento. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Kia Sorento problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Kia Sorento have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.