2003 Kia Sorento Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Kia Sorento recalls

Most common 2003 Kia Sorento problems

Problem areas named in the 305 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	83
Engine	43
Fuel System, Gasoline	41
Fuel/Propulsion System	34
Air Bags	32
Steering	31
Electrical System	30
Power Train	23
Suspension	17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	16

What owners report

2025-03-20, Air Bags
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.

2019-10-01, Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST MOTIVE POWER WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALL THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, A TUNE UP WAS PERFORMED, THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, AND TIMING BELT WAS ALSO REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE

2019-08-30, Engine
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.

2019-05-13, Engine
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.

2019-04-26, Engine
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

2003 Kia Sorento questions

Does the 2003 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Kia Sorento: Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sorento?

Based on 305 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (83), Engine (43), Fuel System, Gasoline (41).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Kia Sorento has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.