MYRModel Year Report

2003 Kia Sorento

● Typical for this model
2003 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sorento Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2003: 305 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2005: 307 complaints 2006: 242 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 215 complaints 2009: 55 complaints 2009 2010: 3 complaints 2011: 1516 complaints 2012: 875 complaints 2012 2013: 977 complaints 2014: 976 complaints 2015: 745 complaints 2015 2016: 1236 complaints 2017: 788 complaints 2018: 248 complaints 2018 2019: 414 complaints 2020: 128 complaints 2021: 225 complaints 2021 2022: 181 complaints 2023: 104 complaints 2024: 36 complaints 2024 2025: 67 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2003: 305 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2003305
2004220
2005307
2006242
2007154
2008215
200955
20103
20111516
2012875
2013977
2014976
2015745
20161236
2017788
2018248
2019414
2020128
2021225
2022181
2023104
202436
202567
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 46 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE 14%

14% of complaints: engine — 43 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190830

WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 275 AT 60 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120808

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 34 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180516

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11%

11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 33 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 24 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 275 AT 60 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120808

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20051010 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 05V353000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20100712 — PE (closed 20111221)

Fuel Spill During Refueling

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (46 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V353000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Kia Sorento reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".

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

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sorento have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.