CarRecallDB

2003 Kia Sorento recalls and problems

1 recall and 305 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Kia Sorento.

1
recalls
305
owner complaints
10
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Kia Sorento recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 05V353000 · reported August 4, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 2,935 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 20, 2025 · Air bags

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. So why the halt in the production of this vital part. Kia part #93490-3E160. Maybe the NHTSA can get an…

Oct 1, 2019 · Engine · 115,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST MOTIVE POWER WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALL THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO…

Aug 30, 2019 · Engine · 60,000 miles · crash reported

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. THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES…

May 13, 2019 · Engine · 202,699 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A 'SNOW' WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST…

Apr 26, 2019 · Engine · 56,300 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS WOULD NOT GO OVER 4,000 AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED WOULD NOT EXCEED 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE WAS DRAINING THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEAK KIA (5077 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO 80123, [phone…

Sorento model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 1305103
2004 02201112
2005 0307175
2006 1242128

Across all years, the 2011 Sorento has the most complaints (1,520). All Kia Sorento years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Kia Sorento, the most recent reported on August 4, 2005 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sorento?
Owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (81 complaints), followed by engine (43).
How many 2003 Kia Sorento complaints mention a crash or fire?
10 of 305 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 20, 2025.