2003 Kia Sportage
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 4 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
April 11, 2011 to whom it may concern, this letter is to officially submit a complaint about the safety of our 2003 Kia sorento with mileage of 109209 my husband and I purchased this vehicle before the birth of our baby back in May 2010,...
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-11
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that a couple of years ago, the blades on his cooling fan began to come off, causing the vehicle to overheat. The dealer could not find anything wrong with the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-14
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Kia Sportage reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sportage have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.