NHTSA lists 305 complaints for the 2003 Kia Sorento, 10 of them mention a crash and 3 mention a fire. 8 complaints mention an injury, with 12 injuries and 1 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as KIA SORENTO.
Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. The required sales year is missing.
| System | Complaints | Share of this vehicle's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 81 | 26.6% |
| ENGINE | 43 | 14.1% |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 41 | 13.4% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 34 | 11.1% |
| STEERING | 31 | 10.2% |
| AIR BAGS | 30 | 9.8% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29 | 9.5% |
| POWER TRAIN | 22 | 7.2% |
| SUSPENSION | 17 | 5.6% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 16 | 5.2% |
| System | Subsystem | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ENGINE | 18 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | COOLING SYSTEM | 13 |
| AIR BAGS | FRONTAL | 11 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 10 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | EXHAUST SYSTEM | 6 |
| STRUCTURE | BODY | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN | DRIVELINE | 5 |
| STEERING | HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 5 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | DELIVERY | 4 |
One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
See new recalls and investigations this week.
1 recalls.
Date: 2005-08-04. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
Defect: 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: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
1 investigations; 0 open.
Opened: 2010-07-12. Closed: 2011-12-21.
Fuel Spill During Refueling
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
Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
30 manufacturer communications.
| System | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
| EQUIPMENT | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 3 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 2 |
Date: 2021-09-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models tha
Date: 2018-03-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
Date: 2017-01-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washe
Date: 2016-11-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other
Date: 2016-04-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cab
Date: 2013-01-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
PITSTOP: UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES AND/OR MISFIRE CODES AFTER INCORRECT ENGINE REPAIR - THIS OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR YOU ENCOUNTER A COMPLAINT RELATING TO MIL ON (DTC P)#)X) WITH A MISFIRE DURING ACCELERATION AND/OR YOU FIND UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES OUTSIDE THE NORM
Date: 2013-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
Date: 2012-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
KIA: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. FUEL TANK AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT. *KB
Date: 2011-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
KIA: THERE MAY BE ERRATIC SHIFTING, SHIFT SHOCK, AND A MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. THIS IS CAUSED BY A PROBLEM WITHIN THE TRANSFER MOTOR. *RM
Date: 2010-11-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER.
KIA: FUEL TANK AIR FILTER REMINDER. THE AIR FILTER CAN ACCUMULATE DIRT OVER TIME AND NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. *RM
None listed.
| NHTSA model label | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SORENTO | 305 |
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