Most common 2003 Kia Sorento problems
Share of the 305 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Sorento complaints by model year
Best Sorento years: 2020, 2018, 2024. Years to avoid: 2011, 2016, 2017, 2013, 2014. Compare all years →
2003 Kia Sorento recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Kia Sorento:
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 things, manages…
What 2003 Kia Sorento owners say
Engine & cooling all 124 →
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.
Crankshaft bolt backed out lost power steering brakes,Kia is aware of this problem from 2002 to 2009 many reports have been filed,its the manufacturing of the bolt which is to small,they are not standing by this defect,there is no permenant fix for this and Kia isn't warning anyone of this problem which could lead into a fatile accident with injuries and death.going at a high rate of speed there would be no control even at slow there is no easy turning the wheel.now im stuck with this problem and a temp fix wont fix it,so now I have no vehicle or anyway to get one,no way to work,no money to temp fix it,this is unjust and this vehicle should have never passed specs to be on the road.Kia should step up and honor there products,they are deceiving buyers and putting there life in danger and u don't know it till it happens,I didn't...I was taking my daughter to school I am thankful I wasn't …
Fuel & propulsion system all 77 →
I attempted to fill my 2003 Kia soento ex and after pumpming about $2.75 worth of gas, the fuel began to spit back up through the filler hose and spurted/ gush back out on to me. It gives you a false sense that the tank is full but it's not. I attempted to re-fuel and again, the gas spurt/ gush back out. I could get no more than $5.00 dollars in the car. I spoke with the Kia dealership in lithonia, georgia and they told me that they have never heard of such a matter. I was instructed to bring the vehicle back. However, I began to research this matter and it was investigated by you all. Kia did state that they would look into the matter. I'm not confident that will happen. There are thousands of complaints out there among consumers about this same vehicle between the 2003 through 2006. Please investigate! I do believe that this is a recall item. …
I have fuel still spitting out of the fuel tank, even after the supposed tank air filter replacement by bill Dodge Kia, saco, me. I can only trickle fuel in the vehicle without it spitting back out on me and the ground. I have already had a bad rash due to fuel spilling on me with shorts on last summer. The vehicle is not repaired as stated. I refuse to start trying to just throw money at it and not knowing if it will fix the problem or not. I seen a lot of other complaints even after the tank air filter replacement, the EVAP system should not be located under the vehicle to begin with, due to moisture getting into the air filter then the charcoal canister and everything else. I have also replaced the closed valve which is located before the tank air filter to no avail this vehicle is a health and fire hazard period !
Steering all 31 →
Crankshaft bolt backed out lost power steering brakes,Kia is aware of this problem from 2002 to 2009 many reports have been filed,its the manufacturing of the bolt which is to small,they are not standing by this defect,there is no permenant fix for this and Kia isn't warning anyone of this problem which could lead into a fatile accident with injuries and death.going at a high rate of speed there would be no control even at slow there is no easy turning the wheel.now im stuck with this problem and a temp fix wont fix it,so now I have no vehicle or anyway to get one,no way to work,no money to temp fix it,this is unjust and this vehicle should have never passed specs to be on the road.Kia should step up and honor there products,they are deceiving buyers and putting there life in danger and u don't know it till it happens,I didn't...I was taking my daughter to school I am thankful I wasn't …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sorento. While driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the harmonica balance in the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the harmonica balance needed to be replaced and the rear axle corroded and needed to be welded. The vehicle was repaired; however, while at an independent mechanic for routine service, the mechanic stated that the subframe was corroded. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
2003 Kia Sorento engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Kia Sorento a good car?
Based on 305 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Sorento rates better than average: 68% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sorento at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kia Sorento?
The engine & cooling — 124 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (77) and steering (31).
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sorento have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 Kia Sorento, the most recent from August 4, 2005 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Sorento?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2018 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2016, 2017, 2013 and 2014. See the full Kia Sorento years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Kia Sorento problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.