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 federal safety agency can get an answer to this. I'm sure I not the only one driving a 2003 with the Air Bag light illuminated.
The worst 2003 Kia Sorento problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine124
- Fuel system77
- Steering31
- Airbags30
- Electrical29
- Brakes24
- Transmission22
- Lights17
- Suspension17
- Body12
- Acceleration8
- Visibility5
- Tires3
- Driver assistance1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Kia Sorento
Airbag light 22Check engine light 22Headlights 20Power steering loss 20Stalling 20Loss of power 18Engine failure 17Overheating 13Won't start 8Fuel pump 7Warning lights 7Fire or smoke 5Fuel gauge 5Fuel smell 5Steering lock-up 5
Recalls 1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- 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.
Recall number 05V353000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2003 Kia Sorento
Defect investigations
Fuel Spill During Refueling
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 (subject 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.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.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.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct 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.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE10023
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Kia Sorento 30
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Pitstop: unusual fuel trim values and/or misfire codes after incorrect engine repair - this outlines the...
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Kia: fuel tank air filter replacement
- Kia: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes
- Kia: fuel tank air filter reminder
2003 Kia Sorento fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18 | 15 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 15 |
What 2003 Kia Sorento owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where the fuel pump was replaced, a tune up was performed, the camshaft sensor, and timing belt was also replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated was concerned that the fuel system was the cause of the failure. Lakeshore kia, 330 e howze beach rd #2, slidell, la 70461, (888) 220-8645, was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted nor informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
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 reported. The vehicle was totaled and towed away. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Th VIN was not available.
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 or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,699.
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, (303) 904-7800) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the dealer. The failure mileage was 56,300.
When pumping gas there is a sudden spewing of gasoline out of the tank and all over me. I managed several times to get a few gallons in by pumping slowly but the next day the gas gage reads empty and has actually run out of gas several times! So not only am I having a problem putting gas in, it is immediately draining or leaking out!
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. Did research and saw that this is a very common occurrence for this year/make/model. I believe its a fire and safety hazard and should have been recalled years ago!
Takata recall. My car will not pass inspection due to a problem with one of the airbags. The car hasn't been in an accident but the airbag light is on and I'm told it will not inflate. I was told to check for recalls.
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.
My 2003 kia sorento drives for 15 minutes and stalls out. I wait 5 min and it'll start and drive for a block or 2and continues to that until I get it towed home
Compare the 2003 Kia Sorento
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Other model years
200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2003 Kia Sorento
Is the 2003 Kia Sorento reliable?
Owners have filed 305 complaints about the 2003 Kia Sorento, 1.2 times a typical Sorento model year.
What is the 2003 Kia Sorento year score?
The 2003 Kia Sorento scores 69 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sorento: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kia Sorento?
Engine and cooling, with 124 complaints, typically around 73,000 miles. Next is fuel system (77).
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sorento have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Kia Sorento have bad engine?
The Kia Sorento model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (722 complaints), 2013 (516 complaints) and 2012 (475 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Sorento get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Kia Sorento range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 18 highway.
VIN decoder
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