Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 …
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. …
Power brake system failed when attempting to brake while going 15 MPH. Took vehicle to service center. They reported that the brake lines had rusted through causing total loss of brake fluid and brake system functionality. Once the brake line was perforated it completely rendered all but the emergency brake inoperable. Luckily I was able to stop using the emergency brake because of the low rate of speed. Had this occurred at a higher rate of speed (e.g. 65 MPH) it could have been disastrous. All brake lines had to be replaced at a cost of $670. I've owned many vehicles in my lifetime with similar age and mileage, but have never had brake lines rust through. I live in a northern climate (ny state), but this should not happen. Friends of ours bought their 2003 Kia Sorento one week after we did. …
As I was leaving work, the crankshaft bolt broke,and the bottom/pulley came out and hit the road.thank god I was still in the parking lot. I had it towed to a automotive shop to have it fixed it ,has $ 768.45 plus 75.00dollars to tow it. I got my 2003-Sorento back on 06/20/2013 on 07/06/2013 I was going down the hwy about 55mph. And the crankshaft/bolt broke again after only having driven 1,674miles. I am a single mom of two ,living week to week and I can,t afford to fix it again and it is our only car. If Kia is not going to fix the crank/shaft bolt ( it is a dealer item only) and they keep breaking ,just look at all the repute incidents,over and over, then they need to be made to do a recall , I would like to know if their is a class action law suit on this matter.
At 12000 miles I have had to have the front brake rotors on my 2003 Kia Sorento machined twice due to warping and resultant brake pulsing/vibration. Due to required rotor thickness, the next episode will necessitate rotor replacement. The need to do this at such low mileage indicates a severe deficiency, probably relating to faulty design or a metallurgical problem with the rotors. The Sorento is a new model and I suspect that as miles are accumulated this problem will become more evident fleet-wide. I am submitting this complaint due to the critical nature of the brake system and the high potential for disaster resulting from any kind of brake malfunction. There is anecdotal evidence that I am not the only Sorento owner encountering this difficulty.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal noise when the battery and another unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact had to pump the brake pedal several times before the vehicle would stop and the power steering stop working. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the crank shaft pulley bolt was holding too much weight causing it to fracture. The vehicle had been repaired but the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
We had a vibration in the front end of the car when we stopped. We took it to the local Kia dealer. We were told that the rotors were warped. We bought the car new, it only had 33,000 miles on it. Was told that the rotors warranty was 5yr/50000 miles, but only on defects. Since most rotors wear out at 65K or 70K miles I said it was a defect. Dealer refused repair under warranty. Called Kia national office, was told they can't make dealer do repairs, its up to the dealer to decide if warranty or not! Kia does not back up the warranty's and will not support consumers.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sorento. While exiting the driveway with the brakes engaged, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was excessive corrosion that fractured the subframe and damaged the brake lines. As a result, the brake lines needed to be replaced and the center section of the frame needed to be cut and replaced. The subframe was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while exiting a parking lot at 10 MPH, the brakes were depressed and felt spongy. The vehicle failed to respond and the contact had to utilize the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised the contact that the brake lines were rusted and fractured, causing the loss of brake pressure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Brake complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 8% of the model year's 305 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Kia Sorento brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2003 Kia Sorento, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Kia Sorento brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 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.