2003 Kia Sorento
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.
- Complaints
- 305
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 305 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
27% · 83 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and engine.
Engine
14% · 43 reportsShow 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, 2019-08-30
While driving on hwy 275 at 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-08
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and steering
Fuel system, gasoline
13% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Fuel/propulsion system
11% · 34 reportsShow 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, 2018-05-16
Air bags
10% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
On Saturday, April 3, 2004, my 2003 Kia sorrento was parked in the middle of my driveway while I moved the lawn. After returning my lawn mower to the garage, I got into the sorrento to move it back into the garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-12
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
The vehicle was involved in an accident, and none of the air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-22
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-20
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2005-10-10Fuel system, gasoline05V353000 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.
-
I
2010-07-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-12-21 Fuel Spill During Refueling
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 83 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 41 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V353000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
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 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sorento have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.