2003 Kia Sorento: engine overheating

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 155,000 miles · MN

The bolt on the crankshaft pulley as well as the pin broke off causing the motor to stop and overheat dumping all the antifreeze and stopping all belts. My mother could have been injured while driving but it ended up being she was just blocking traffic thankfully and not on the highway. This seems to be a very common issue with hundreds if not thousands complaining about the crankshaft pulley bolt and pin. Kia says they won't do anything as it is out of warranty and I am not the original owner. This may have been fixed once before on the vehicle due to failure and I am very worried this may happen again with worse consequences. My mechanic was able to provide a temporary/permanent fix but we really dodged a bullet and it could have caused immediate catastrophic damage. I'm disappointed with all of the serious complaints that kia still has not recalled it for 2002-2009 sorento models.

Filed Nov 9, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 36,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Oct 18, 2009 · Engine · 67,375 miles · TX

My 2003 kia sorento stopped with no warning or indication of a problem at 67,735 miles due to what was later determined to be engine overheating. At first the kia dealer said it was due to the coolant reservoir cracking and going empty. Since this is not a part of the engine's actual means of cooling, they changed their story to the thermostat failed. Kia said that this portion of the warranty passed at 65,000 miles. Their warranty says 100,000 miles. Cost over $3,600.00 to repair, similar situation at 80,000 miles for $1,400.00. Still no warranty coverage. I have furnished complete maintenance records showing maintenance at every interval required by kia. Looking for some one to join in a class action suit.

Filed Apr 16, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · MD

2003 kia sorento, purchased used with 11,000 miles on it. Has been a nightmare since the day I bought it! Head gaskets warped at 28,000 miles, overheated without warning, no spike in temp gauge, wham smoke from everywhere and even with proof of maintenance upkeep it took kia 2 months to decide to honor the warranty. This was after the check engine light would come on every two seconds and have to be in the shop for months for them to say nothing wrong with it, even when it was towed in every time because it would just shut off. Then the headlight issues are insane. Every other month and that is no exaggeration I have to replace either low beams, high beams, brake lights & tail lights.

Filed Nov 20, 2008 · Engine · 73,000 miles · VA

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 .

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Engine · 66,000 miles · KS

Engine coolant leaking. Car parked in garage at 66,000 miles. Won't hold coolant is leaking at heated coil. I have taken this kia to the dealership and have not received the source of the problem yet. I saw and read the many complaints and similar problem with the kia sorento cooling system. That is why I am entering another complaint to help get something done. With every vehicle there will be problems. However, this sorento seems to have a ton of engine coolant problems. The only recall I have on this 2003 kia sorento is a fuel assembly issue. I would love to receive a list of any and all recalls. Hopefully add the engine cooling system to it.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Engine · 67,000 miles · OK

While driving the sorento to his girlfriends house my son noticed that the temperature gage was higher than normal. He wasn't to far from town so he called and I told him to get some 50/50 antifreeze to put in the reservoir. He did this and had no more problems until the next day on his way home. His girl lives about 20 miles from us. About halfway home the vehicle just died. Had the vehicle towed to kia dealership and was told that the engine needed to be replaced. No warning lights or gauges identified anything wrong. Was also told that engine was driven while excessively hot. Not because a warning light or gauge told us so! If all of this cost to us is due to a small piece of plastic someone needs to take kia out to the woodshed. "the contact stated that the coolant tank was cracked and all of the coolant leaks out the vehicle. When this occurs, the temperature sensor stops working. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle overheats without the contacts knowledge; therefore, he continues to drive until it fails. The dealer did not want to repair the vehicle because of the engine failure and no recording of prior maintenance. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2008 · Engine · 71,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. The contact stated that the coolant tank was cracked and all of the coolant leaks out the vehicle. When this occurs, the temperature sensor stops working. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle overheats without the contact's knowledge; therefore, he continues to drive until it fails. The dealer did not want to repair the vehicle because of the engine failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 72,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia sorrento. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat. The contact inspected the vehicle and notice the coolant was low. Approximately a week later he inspected the vehicle again noticed that there was a crack in the reservoir tank. He replaced the reservoir tank. As of april 15, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. In addition, the driver side headlights, tail lights and brake lights failed intermittently. As of april 15, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle for this failure. The contact felt that the electrical system caused the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 76,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Engine · 66,400 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that they would have to disassemble the engine at the cost of $861. The dealer replaced the head gaskets, water pump assembly, and the coolant tank reservoir. The total repair cost was $1,691. After returning home, the contact had to take the vehicle to his local dealer two weeks later and they stated that they would have to disassemble the engine in order to locate the failure. The dealer identified warped cylinders as being the failure component, and the head gaskets, pump assembly, and the coolant tank reservoir were replaced again. The vehicle is currently at the dealer being repaired. The failure mileage was 66,400 and current mileage is 66,800. The coolant reservoir leaked which caused the vehicle to overheat. Updated 05/13/08.

Filed Nov 30, 2007 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

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.

Filed May 5, 2007 · Engine · 64,000 miles · TX

As I was driving down the freeway, the engine stalled and all lights on the dash came on. I was able to pull to safety (just by sheer luck) and called kia 1-800 for towing service. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership. I was initially told that the timing belt was malfunctioning. Supposedly the analyzer showed that there were "multiple misfires. I was asked if the car was missing prior to the stall. I told them it ran as smooth as silk. I authorized them to replace the timing belt despite the fact that it had been replaced as part of scheduled maintenance two months earlier. The dealership then called and told me they had "good news and bad news". The timing belt was repaired but it appeared the head was blown and that kia refused to pay for repairs because the overflow bottle was cracked. They stated that the head blew because the engine overheated and was caused by my negligence. The gauges never indicated that the car overheated. They are unable to tell me how much the repairs will cost because there may be further damage once they tear it down. The estimate is between $2500 and "wore case scenario" $4700 I am furious. The car is not yet four years old and still has 36,000 miles left on the warranty.