2003 KIA Sorento

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2015· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET IT BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE . THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,361. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

• 12/27/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LONG BANG WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AS IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH.THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HAD YET AGAIN, DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

• 12/27/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 11/25/02. VEHICLE TURNS OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 3 TIMES. PROBLEM IS THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP, BUT DEALER CAN NOT REPAIR. TS

• 12/26/2003· AIR BAGS

  1. (11/03/03 1ST INCIDENT) "AIR BAG" SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFFERY KIA FOR REPAIR. I WAS CALLED TO PICKUP VEHICLE TWO DAYS LATER. (UNAWARE AT THE TIME THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM HAD BEEN DISABLED) WEEK LATER RECEIVED CALL THAT AIR BAG WAS IN AND TO RETURN VEHICLE FOR AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. REPAIR COMPLETED AND VEHICLE RETURNED NEXT DAY. 2.) (2ND INCIDENT) ON VACATION IN STARKE, FA., DECEMBER 24, 2003 "AIR BAG" SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. TOLD TO RETURN TO DEALER (KIA HOTLINE) DROVE 16 HOURS 12/25/03 TO GET VEHICLE TO JEFFERY KIA AND DELIVERED TO DEALER 12/26/03. I AM DISTURBED THAT VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY RETURNED TO ME IN UNSAFE CONDITION AND UNSATISFACTORILY REPAIRED AND PLACED MY GRAND CHILDREN IN JEOPARDY.*AK

• 12/24/2014· STRUCTURE

  APPROX. A WEEK PRIOR HEARD A NOISE LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE AND BEATING UNDERNEATH THE CAR ONLY AT TIMES. TOOK IT TO LOCAL GARAGE AND PUT IT ON RACK AND THE MECHANIC HAD ME TO COME LOOK FOR MYSELF. MY HEART DROPPED. THE FRAME IS SHOT. IT'S EAT UP. HE ASKED ME IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR? AND AS FAR AS I KNOW THERE ISN'T, BUT FOR SURE, SHOULD BE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. ONE BIG BUMP AND THE WHOLE THING IS GONE. YOU CAN TOUCH IT AND THE METAL FLAKES OFF. THIS CAR RUNS SO GOOD AND STILL IS A GOOD LOOKING CAR. HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN A GARAGE NEVER LEFT OUT IN THE WEATHER. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY DON'T MAKE CARS LIKE THEY USED TOO. MY ANSWER WAS MAYBE SO, BUT THIS IS WHAT GETS PEOPLE KILLED, I AM A PERSON THAT WHEN SOMETHING I KNOW IS NOT RIGHT OR HEAR A NOISE I KNOW THAT SHOULDN'T BE THAT WAY!! I GET IT CHECKED OUT. NOW SOME PEOPLE DON'T THAT'S WHY THERE'S SO MANY PEOPLE KILLED ON THE ROADS DUE TO DEFECTS ON CARS THEY PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR. I NEED HELP!! WHAT DO I DO NOW? I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT TO MAILBOX AND BACK. *TR

• 12/23/2008· AIR BAGSCrash

  REFERENCE NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10015248 -- TSB# 029 2003 KIA SORENTO -- AIR BAGS PURCHASED CAR IN 8/2003 AND HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAG COMING ON AND OFF OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS. NOW THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS THREE MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT INCLINED TO COVER THE EXPENSE TO REPLACE THE "ADU" BUT RATHER WISHES TO CHARGE ME MORE THAN $500. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A SCARY ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

• 12/22/2015· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPEWED BACK OUT OF THE FILLER NECK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUEL SPLASHED ALL OVER THE FLOOR AND HIS CLOTHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

• 12/22/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  2003 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE PIN THAT HELD THE CRANKSHAFT TOGETHER BROKE LOOSE. THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR LOCATED BEHIND THE TIMING BELT FAILED. *JB

• 12/22/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING

  I PURCHASED MY 03 KIA SORENTO IN 2004 AND HAVE HAD MANY ISSUES SINCE THEN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LIGHTS FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK NUMEROUS TIMES. I'VE BEEN DRIVING DOWN OUR REMOTE COUNTRY ROAD AT NIGHT AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. MY COOLANT TANK CRACKED AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON ANOTHER COUNTRY ROAD IN THE SNOW LAST YEAR. I LATER FOUND OUT IT WAS RECALLED FOR THAT PARTICULAR DEFECT; AFTER I HAD IT REPLACED. THE LIGHTING ISSUE IS MY BIGGEST CONCERN RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF WHERE I LIVE (REMOTE COUNTRY ROADS, DEER AT NIGHT, ETC) I HAVE TO HAVE PROPERLY FUNCTIONING HEADLIGHTS AT ALL TIMES. NOW, I AM HAVING PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE BEARINGS ON IT. IT MAKES A HORRIBLE SCREECHING NOISE THAT IS NOW; ALMOST CONTINUOUS. IT DOESN'T MATTER THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE, DRIVING CONDITIONS, ETC. IT HAS BECOME HARDER TO STEER AND THE POWER STEERING FLUID IS FINE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE, AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO JUST GO OUT AND BUY SOMETHING NEW. I JUST ASK THAT IF FAULT LIES WITH KIA; THEN THEY SHOULD FIX IT AT THEIR EXPENSE....NOT MINE! I HAVE INVESTED WAY TOO MUCH TIME, MONEY AND PATIENCE THUS FAR AND FEEL IT'S KIA'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THEY CREATE A VEHICLE THAT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY. AND WHEN THEY DON'T...FIX IT!!! AS FOR THE QUESTIONS BELOW; WAS THERE A FIRE?...NOT YET!!! WAS THERE PROPERTY DAMAGE?....THERE PROBABLY WILL BE WHEN MY BEARINGS GO OUT AND THE WHEELS FALL OFF! WHERE THERE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES?....DEAR LORD, I PRAY EVERY TIME I GET IN MY TRUCK THAT NOTHING LIKE THAT EVER HAPPENS TO ME OR MY SON....BUT; WITH AN UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT HAS CONSTANT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PROBLEM; THEN WHO KNOWS.... *TR

• 12/22/2004· STEERING

  ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING. FEELS LIKE ENGINE IS STALLING AND POWER STEERING IS LOCKING UP WHEN MAKING TURNS AT LOW SPEED. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. *JB

• 12/21/2015· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  WHEN FUELING, AFTER ABOUT 45 SECONDS, GAS SPRAYS BACK UP AND OUT ALL OVER ME AND THE CAR AND THE GROUND. IF THE FUEL PUMP HANDLE IS BARELY DEPRESSED, WHICH PUMPS THE GAS VERY VERY SLOWLY, FUEL WILL BE ACCEPTED. TAKES FOREVER - TIRED OF GAS-SOAKED CLOTHES AND GAS-SOAKED SHOES; TIRED OF SPILLING GAS ALL OVER THE CAR AND WASTING ON THE CONCRETE; - TIRED OF DANGEROUS SITUATION!! NEED KIA TO ISSUE A RECALL ON WHATEVER IS CAUSING THE FUEL REJECTION.

• 12/19/2011· POWER TRAIN

  I BROUGHT THE KIA SORENTO USED IN 2/2011 WITH 108,00 MILES AND REPLACED ALL BELTS,TRANSMISSION CHANGE,FRONT BRAKES,DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR. NOW HAS 127,000 MILES AND EVERY MONTH I HAVE BEEN REPLACING PARTS. *TR

• 12/19/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SERENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLT TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER WOULD FRACTURE AT ANYTIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE ONCE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 12/17/2015· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  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 ON THE HIGHWAY POSSIBLE RESULTING IN MY FAMILYS LIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD,WITH NO CONTROL ALL BECAUSE OF THERE NEGLIGENCE NOT CARING FOR PEOPLES LIFES BUT FOR MONEY,ITS SAD .IF U PULL UP CRANKSHAFT BOLT FOR KIA IT WILL SHOW YOU ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND A DANGEROUS DEFECT,BECAUSE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF HANDILING OF YOUR VEHICLE.

• 12/17/2004· AIR BAGS

  THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AFTER BEING SERVICED NINE TIMES. *JB

• 12/14/2012· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  WE HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO, AND SINCE NOVEMBER WHILE PUMPING GAS, FUEL SUDDENLY SPEWS OUT -- LIKE A SODA CAN THAT HAD BEEN SHAKEN. ONLINE WE CAN FIND OTHER 2003 KIA SORENTOS ALSO COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT'S KNOWN AS FUEL SPIT-BACK. . THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION INVESTIGATED OVER 100 COMPLAINTS OF SPIT-BACK ON 2003 KIA SORENTOS. 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. CONSUMERS REPORT THAT THE SPILLED FUEL CAN SPLASH ON THE PERSON FUELING THE VEHICLE, OR ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE GROUND. JUST LIKE OURS. THEN IN JANUARY 2012, KIA'S TESTING FOUND THAT IF THE CANISTER FILTER BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY CLOGGED, EXCESS PRESSURE CAN BUILD UP IN THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSE FUEL TO SPIT BACK FROM THE FILLER PORT DURING REFUELING. TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING, KIA CONDUCTED A SERVICE CAMPAIGN OF APPROXIMATELY 86,000 MY 2003 AND 2004 KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE CAMPAIGN WILL PROVIDE A ONE-TIME REPLACEMENT OF THE CANISTER FILTER, AT NO COST TO THE OWNER -- THIS WAS DONE ON OUR CAR ON MARCH 6, 2012. BEFORE THIS SERVICE, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH FUEL SPIT-BACK, NOW IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME WE FUEL UP. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE US TO FIX IT, THE COMPANY IS OF NO HELP YOUR AGENCY CLOSED ITS INVESTIGATION, BUT IT SEEMS YOU MUST REOPEN IT. AGAIN, WE DID NOT HAVE THE FUEL SPIT-BACK PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THE SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

• 12/14/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  2003 KIA SORENTO GAS TANK DOES NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY. AFTER ABOUT 3/4 FULL, IT DROPS TO READ "EMPTY". THIS STARTED HAPPENING AFTER THE CAR WAS ONLY A YEAR OLD. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX IT AND TO JUST TRY TO GAUGE WHEN THE CAR WAS GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY. I TRAVEL QUITE A BIT FOR MY JOB AND HAVE BEEN STRANDED ABOUT 4-5 TIMES AT NIGHT WITH AN EMPTY GAS TANK....NOT THE SAFEST OF SITUATIONS. *TR

• 12/13/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE DEFOGGER/DEFROST SYSTEM, THE HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE, AND NO HEAT WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED ANTIFREEZE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE RESERVOIR TANK BECAUSE IT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE DEALER, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED, WHO CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO MONITOR THE LEVEL OF ANTIFREEZE FLUID DAILY AND ADD MORE ANTIFREEZE IF NEEDED.

• 12/11/2008· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKELIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE (2003 KIA SORENTO EX) GO OUT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM AT LEAST 12 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE IN 2005. I HAVE HAD THE BULBS REPLACED BY THE DEALER 3 TIMES JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS DONE CORRECTLY AND WITH THE KIA PARTS AND THEY STILL BLEW OUT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO KIA 4 TIMES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE PUT IN AND I AM REQUIRED TO DRIVE QUITE OFTEN AT NIGHT. SEVERAL TIMES I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY MY HEADLIGHTS OR BRAKELIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS ALSO DANGEROUS AND INCONVENIENT. I FEEL THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BASED ON MY RESEARCH AND TAKING TO THE KIA DEALER IT IS A COMMON AND WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2003 KIA SORENTOS THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKELIGHTS GO OUT ALL THE TIME. *TR

• 12/10/2014· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I BOUGHT MY KIA SORENTO 2003 IN NOVEMBER 2013. IN JANUARY OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR I NOTICED A GAS SMELL. I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A FEW DRIPS ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH, WHICH WAS GAS. I HAD THE LINE UNDER THE CAB ALONG SIDE DOOR REPLACED. I AM NOTICING A STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE SIDE TOWARD FRONT AND CAN'T SEE ANYTHING LEAKING. I SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE SO I CALLED KIA AND ASKED THEM IS MY VEHICLE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND THEY SAID NO AFTER GIVING THEM MY VIN NUMBER. I SEE THAT ITS NOT JUST THE 2003 VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE. JUST BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT VIN NUMBER THEY SHOULD STILL HONOR MY COMPLAINT. REGARDLESS I'M STILL HAVING THE SAME FUEL ISSUES AS THE ONES ON RECALL. *TR

• 12/10/2012· STEERING,STRUCTURE

  MY 2003 KIA SORENTO START VIBRATING AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND BEFORE I CAN PARK IT I HEARD A LOAD NOISE AND MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER AND ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AND FOUND THE PULLEY BOLT (HARMONIC BALANCER) BROKE IN HALF. I HAD ALSO CHECK IF THIS IS AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM - CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS COULD POTENTIAL DESIGN DEFECT FROM KIA. AS THERE ARE THOUSAND OF THEM THAT HAS SIMILAR PROBLEM COMPLAINED ON THE INTERNET. I HAD CALLED KIA DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE NOT HELPING ON THIS DESIGN FLAW ISSUE. *TR

• 12/08/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT BOLT FAILED IN AUGUST OF 2008. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT BOLT FOUR TIMES. THE REPAIRS DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTINUOUS FAILURES WERE DEALER ERROR, AND THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,404 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

• 12/05/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  FIRST INCIDENT - CAR STALLED AND FLUID STEAMED FROM THE HOOD. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AFTER SEVERAL RESTARTS TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS CRACKED. THIS PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND I HAVE SO FAR BEEN WAITING APPROX. FOUR WEEKS FOR THE PART. THE DEALER SAID KIA HAS HALTED MANUFACTURING/DISTRIBUTING THE PART JUST FOR NEW CARS AND REQUESTED THAT THE PARTS BE SHIPPED TO THE DEALERS FOR REPAIR INSTALLATIONS. THE DEALER CUSTOMER SERVICE IS GREAT AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINT ABOUT THE DEALER. *NM

• 12/05/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  I HAD A 1 YEAR OLD BATTERY REPLACED, WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE (NON-KIA DEALER). AFTERWARDS, I NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. KIA DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO A BAD SENSOR ($300 PART, $300 LABOR). IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME TO PURSUE CORRECTING. I TOLD THE DEALER TO FORGET THE REPAIR. *NM

• 12/05/2005· SUSPENSION,TIRES

  VIBRATION AT 70+ MPH. *JB

• 12/03/2002· POWER TRAIN

  VEHICLE DRIVESHAFT INSTALLED 180 DEGREES OUT (UPSIDE DOWN) CAUSING SEVERE VIBRATION. DRIVESHAFT TURNED 180 DEGREES. STILL HAS VIBRATION. DEALER NOT SURE OF CAUSE. DT

• 12/01/2004· POWER TRAIN

  I HAVE A 2003 KIA SORENTO THAT I PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003. I BOUGHT THE SORENTO WITH 5000 MILES ON IT AND FROM THE TIME I GOT IT HOME, IT DEVELOPED PROBLEMS. EVERYTIME I START MY SORENTO AND PUT IT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND BACK-UP OR DRIVE FORWARD, I HEAR THIS AWFUL HUM NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR THAT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IS NORMAL THAT IT'S THE ABS RESETTING ITSELF AND THAT IT'S SOMETIMES NOISIER IN SOME SORENTO'S THAN IN OTHER'S (NO OTHER SORENTO OWNER THAT I KNOW HAS THIS NOISE) I FELT A VIBRATION WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT WOULD HAPPEN BETWEEN 68 AND 72 MPH. IT WOULD NOT VIBRATE IF I WAS DRIVING ABOVE OR BELOW THIS SPEED. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO ROTATE AND BALANCE MY TIRES AND I TOLD THEM THAT I ALREADY DID THAT. WELL COME TO FIND OUT AFTER I HAD TO PUT IT INTO THE SHOP, THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE DRIVE SHAFT, IT WAS BENT (MANUFACTURER DEFECT THEY SAID.) SECOND, MY CONSOLE BROKE AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT INSIDE MY CAR, STILL WAITING ON THAT TO BE FIXED, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT LIGHTS TWICE THUS FAR. REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER KEEPS GETTING STUCK EVEN AFTER HAVING THE DEALERSHIP ADJUST IT. *AK

• 11/30/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  LIKE MANY 2003 KIA SORENTO OWNERS THE OVERFLOW TANK IN MINE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE BOTTOM THAT IS ONLY VISIBLE WHEN IT IS PRESSURIZED. ALTHOUGH KIA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OVERFLOW TANK IN MOST IF NOT ALL 2003 KIA SORENTO'S AND HAS SENT OUT A TSB TO THEIR MECHANICS OVER HOW TO REPLACE IT. AS SOON AS MY CAR HAD OVERHEATED DUE TO THE LEAK, I HAD TO PAY AROUND $100 TO BUY A NEW TANK FROM THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP BUT ALAS AFTER OVER HEATING MY CAR DEVELOPED MORE PROBLEMS AND ENGINE HAVING TO BE THROWN OUT. THIS HAS COST ME OVER $4300 IN REPAIRS SO FAR, AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR I AM STILL MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON IN NINE MONTHS. NONE OF WHICH ARE COVERED TO THE WARRANTY DUE TO THEIR "10 YEAR 100,000 MILE" POWERTRAIN WARRANTY NOT BEING TRANSFERABLE TO THOSE WHO BUY THE CAR USED. *TR

• 11/29/2004· POWER TRAINFire

  WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THEN, SMOKE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, TRANSMISSION FAILED AND FLAMES EMANATED FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE. *AK

• 11/28/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE FUEL HAS BEEN SPRAYING BACK OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK IF THE FUEL IS PUMPED AT A NORMAL RATE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE WELL BEFORE THE 1ST INCIDENT DATE. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE FUEL FROM SPRAYING OUT IS TO PUMP THE FUEL VERY SLOWLY AND STOP. FUEL WOULD SPRAY ALL OVER ME, MY WIFE AND THE VEHICLE. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE FUEL GAUGE REGISTERS 3/4 FULL AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING UPHILL THE VEHICLE RPM'S WILL DROP, THE THROTTLE BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE AND THE VEHICLE LOSSES SPEED. THE VEHICLE WILL RECOVER AFTER REACHING LEVEL GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA AND NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING FOR THE HOLIDAYS ON 11/24/10 AND 11/28/10 THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE REGISTERED 3/4 FULL AND IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-65 ALMOST CAUSING VEHICLES TO RUN OVER ME DUE TO MY SPEED DROPPING ABRUPTLY. I REACHED THE NEAREST FUEL STATION AND FILLED THE TANK UP. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ABOVE 3/4 FULL. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN. THE PROBLEM WITH FUELING THE VEHICLE IS ALL THE TIME.

• 11/25/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING OFF & ON LIKE STROBE LIGHTS AT A DISCO. I TRIED TURNING THEM OFF, NOTHING. IT SEEMED RELATED TO THE DIMMER SWITCH BECAUSE IF I KEPT PRESSURE ON IT TO THE LOWEST DEGREE, THE FLASHING STOPPED. FOR AWHILE I WEDGED A PIN IN THE SWITCH & THAT WORKED. EVENTUALLY, THOUGH THAT STOPPED WORKING & THE LIGHT SHOW WOULD BEGIN. IT HAPPENED DAY & NIGHT, JUST MORE NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT. I FINALLY REMOVED THE FUSE FOR THE CABIN LIGHTS & AS A RESULT, HAVE NO DASH LIGHTS EITHER WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK. I'VE NOT GONE TO KIA AS I AM SURE IT WILL COST WAY MORE THAN I CAN AFFORD. I'M REDUCED TO USING A FLASHLIGHT WHEN ON LONG ROAD TRIPS TO CHECK GAS GAUGE & SPEEDOMETER. *TR

• 11/25/2012· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ONE DAY I WAS FILLING UP WITH GAS, HAD PUMPED LESS THAN A GALLON WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE GAS CAME SHOOTING BACK OUT OF THE TANK ALL OVER ME, THE CAR, THE GROUND, EVERYWHERE. I TRIED MORE GAS AS I WAS ALMOST ON EMPTY, & IT HAPPENED OVER & OVER. FINALLY, I HAD TO PULL THE NOZZLE MOST OF THE WAY OUT OF THE TANK, & PUMP AS SLOWLY AS POSSIBLE. I LEARNED THAT IF I LISTENED CAREFULLY, I COULD HEAR THE GAS APPROACHING THE TOP OF THE NECK & IF I WAS QUICK ENOUGH, COULD KEEP THE "BLOW BACK" DOWN TO A TRICKLE & ONLY HAVE IT ON THE VEHICLE & THE GROUND & NOT ON ME. MY SON REFUSES TO DRIVE IT IF IT NEEDS TO BE GASSED UP. IT MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS TO PUMP GAS LIKE THIS. WHAT IF THERE IS A RANDOM SPARK? I NOTICED IN 2005 (LONG BEFORE I PURCHASED) THERE WAS SOME SORT OF FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS RECALL FROM HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2003/KIA/SORENTO/RECALLS/ DOES THAT RECALL COVER THIS ISSUE? I READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. *TR

• 11/23/2017· STEERING

  TAKATA RECALL THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT KEEPS COMING LOSE AND THIS CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME STIFF. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS.

• 11/22/2013· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND MY BATTERY, BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I POPPED THE HOOD AND REALIZED THAT I HAD LOST 2-3 BELTS. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP, NATIONAL CHAIN WHO SAID THE HARMONIC BALANCER HAD FALLEN OFF. UPON INSPECTION, THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT HAD BROKEN. MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLINE. *TR

• 11/20/2015· POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  WHEN GO TO SHIFT TRUCK IN DRIVE IT MAKES A CLANK SOUND AND WHEN DRIVING AT A SPEED BETWEEN 65-70 THE TRUCK STARTS VIBRATING, AND WHEN IN REVERSE IT SQUEAKS WHEN BACK UP,AT FIRST MY WIFE IT WAS THE U JOINTS SO WE HAD IT REPLACED BUT IT ALL STARTED HAPPING AGAIN. NEXT OUR BATTERY DIE HAD IT REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE NOW THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE BEST TIME AND AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE GETS STUCK AT TIMES.

• 11/20/2009· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

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

• 11/20/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  OVERHEATING , THE OVERFLOW AND FILLER TANK CRACKING OPEN ON THE BOTTOM OUT OF SIGHT . CAUSED ME TO REPLACE THE WATERPUMP AND THERMOSTAT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND LEFT MYSELF AND FAMILY STRANDED. TOOK TO DEALER WHO FOUND THE CRACK AFTER CHECKING AND STATED THEY NATIONWIDE THEY HAD TO REPLACE OVER A HALF A MILLION TANKS ON THESE VEHICLES AT $200.PLUS PER JOB NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF CREATED PROBLEMS FROM THE OVERHEAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT MULTI MILLIONS OF LOSS TO CONSUMERS . *TR

• 11/19/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  2003 KIA SORENTO HAS FUEL TANK THAT DOES NOT READ GAS RIGHT. IT WILL TELL YOU EMPTY WHEN IT IS NOT EMPTY THIS GAGE HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED TO FIX THIS THING BEFORE SOME ONE GET HURT BADLY.

• 11/18/2014· STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

  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.

• 11/18/2013· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BOTH REAR AXLES WERE FRACTURED DUE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

• 11/17/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  ROTORS WARPING AT 16000 MILES CAUSING HIGH SHUDDER AT STOPPING. REPAIR BY DEALER AT A COST AND IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN AT 27000 MILES HAVE TALKED TO OTHER SORENTO OWNERS AND SOME HAVE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. *JB

• 11/14/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ENGINE COOLANT OVERFLOW CONTAINER IS CRACKED. *TR

• 11/12/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING , THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE COILS BURNED OUT. *AK ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH O-RING LEAKING GAS INTO THE AIR VENTS. *LA *JB

• 11/10/2015· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE BRAKE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

• 11/10/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DISPENSING THE GASOLINE BACK OUT TOWARDS HER AS SHE ADDED GASOLINE. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE THE FUEL GAUGE READS FULL WHEN IT WAS NOT COMPLETELY FULL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS IN REFERENCE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,500.

• 11/10/2010· STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA SORENTO ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO AND I'VE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE WORST AND MOST RECENT PROBLEM IS THE GAS SPEWS OUT OF THE TANK EVERY TIME I TRY TO FILL IT. IT RUNS DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND ON MY WHEEL. SOMETIMES IT GETS ON ME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. IF YOU PUMP VERY SLOW AND STOP EVERY .80 CENTS IT LESSENS THE AMOUNT OF TIMES IT SPEWS OUT, BUT THIS IS SO VERY TIMELY. THE GAS GAUGE PERIODICALLY GOES OUT. THE HORN HAS NEVER WORKED. THE POWER STEERING PERIODICALLY GOES OUT. WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL IT WILL PERIODICALLY GO OFF ON IT'S OWN. THE PAINT LOOKS HORRIBLE AND HAS PEELED OFF ON THE SIDE MIRRORS. THE LEATHER SEATS HAVE NOT HELD UP WELL. THE DOME LIGHT WILL NOT WORK WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR, BUT IF YOU PRESS THE DOME LIGHT BUTTON IT WILL COME ON. PERIODICALLY THE DASH LIGHTS HAVE FLICKERED AND I'M WONDERING IF THEY ARE ABOUT TO GO OUT. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE AC COMPRESSOR AND THE DRIVE SHAFT, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE REALLY SET ME BACK FINANCIALLY. I REALLY WANT TO GET THE GAS TANK ISSUE FIXED AS IT IS THE WORST ISSUE AT HAND AND I FEAR IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. *TR

• 11/10/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM. *JB

• 11/10/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHERE DO I START?....WELL NOT LONG AFTER WE GOT THE PIECE OF JUNK WE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE KIA DEALER BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE THE GAS CAP WASN'T BEING TWISTED ENOUGH AND AIR GOT IN. WELL FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED OFF, WE TOOK IT BACK NUMEROUS TIMES BUT IT KEPT COMING BACK ON. THEN ON ONE OCCASION I WAS STRANDED ABOUT 40 MILES FROM HOME...THE CAR WAS DEAD, WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER, ALL THE BELTS HAD COME OFF, THEY TRIED TO MAKE EXCUSES WHY KIA WOULDN'T FIX IT UNDER THE WARRANTY, THANK GOD WE WON THAT BATTLE...KEEP IN MIND, THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON AT THIS POINT. NOW THIS YEAR THE HEATER WON'T STAY HOT AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS IT TURNS COLD, AS COLD AS THE AIR. THEN WITH NO WARNING THE CAR OVER HEATS AND DIES ON ME. WE HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER THEY SAY IT IS MY FAULT BECAUSE WHEN I SEEN THE LIGHT COME ON I SHOULD HAVE PULLED OVER, "THE LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF" KIA WON'T FIX IT UNLESS WE PAY FOR IT, AND THE COST IS $10,000. WE HAVE ONE YEAR LEFT AND IT WOULD BE PAID OFF...LESS THAN $7,000 AND NOW THIS. I AM SO ANGRY, THIS IS NOT RIGHT. I THINK THE KIA COMPANY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE THEY ARE RIPPING EVERYONE OFF. TAKING MONEY FROM WORKING PEOPLE AND SCAMMING THEM. THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THIEVES AND LIARS. THEY ARE SELLING A PRODUCT ALONG WITH A PROMISE TO SERVICE IT SHOULD SOMETHING GO WRONG BUT NOT HONORING THAT PROMISE. OH AND DID I MENTION THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS GOING OUT? *JB

• 11/09/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY

  I HAVE HAD MY 2003 KIA SORENTO SINCE MARCH 2010. IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 32,000 MILES ON IT, AND AS OF THE END OF OCTOBER 2010, IT HAD 36,000 MILES. SO FAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED. I WAS DRIVING, AND IT OVERHEATED OUT OF NOWHERE. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR FOUR DAYS, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER DOING SEVERAL PRESSURIZED SYSTEMS TESTS. AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2010, I HAD TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP, BECAUSE IT HAD A CRACK IN IT. NO ONE ANYWHERE I CALLED COULD BELIEVE I HAD TO REPLACE AN OIL PUMP. ALL THE MECHANICS STATED THAT'S ONE OF THE FEW THINGS THEY NEVER HAVE TO REPLACE ON ANY VEHICLE, AND CERTAINLY NOT AT 36,000 MILES. ANYWAY, DUE TO OIL LEAKING ONTO THE TIMING BELT, THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THE TIMING BELT WAS IN FINE CONDITION OTHERWISE. CONSEQUENTLY, I NOW HAVE ENGINE PROBLEMS. I'M SURE THE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED FROM OVERHEATING AND THEN HAVING NO OIL. AT HIGH RPMS, YOU CAN HEAR A SLIGHT TICK, WHICH I'M PRETTY SURE IS A LIFTER ISSUE. HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT QUICKLY. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY, AND BOTH BURNT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I HAD TO DRIVE ON HIGH BEAMS IN THE CITY. CONSTANT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH. DASH LIGHTS RARELY WORK, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE LIGHTS WILL START FLASHING HERE AND THERE - DASH LIGHTS FLASH ON/OFF, CEILING LIGHT FLASHES ON/OFF, ALL BACK AND FORTH WHILE I'M DRIVING IN THE DARK. VERY DISTRACTING, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC. THE TRUCK ITSELF (SEATS, COMFORT, ETC.) IS AWESOME, BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY MANUFACTURED POORLY. WORST PURCHASE EVER. GLAD I BOUGHT THE 5 STAR WARRANTY OR I'D BE PAYING FOR A TRUCK I CAN'T DRIVE. *TR

• 11/07/2012· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  EACH TIME WE GO TO PUT FUEL INTO THE GAS TANK IT FLIES BACK OUT. SOMETIMES AS MUCH AS A FOOT OR MORE OUT OF THE GAS TANK OPENING. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR MORE THAN A FEW MONTHS NOW. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH KIA SORENTOS AROUND THIS YEAR MODEL WITH AROUND THE SAME AMOUNT OF MILES AS OURS. *TR