2003 Kia Sorento lights problems

Filed Nov 25, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 107,000 miles · FL

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.

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 Dec 22, 2009 · Body, Electrical · 45,000 miles · IN

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....

Filed Feb 19, 2009 · Engine, Lights · 105,000 miles · NE

The check engine light keeps coming on and it has been checked by a dealership and they don't know the problem, the front headlamps keep burning out.

Filed Feb 16, 2009 · Lights · 5,000 miles · GA

Headlights/fog lights need to be replaced every 3-4 months. I bought my car new so I know it is not the fault of anyone else, other than the manufacturer. Each bulb costs approximately $19.00 [depending on brand and type of bulb}. I know I have spent hundreds of dollars on bulbs since 2003; it is now 2009.

Filed Dec 11, 2008 · Lights · OK

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.

Filed Jul 10, 2007 · Engine, Lights · 54,700 miles · MA

Last feb. The coolant reservoir cracked, lost all coolant. Towed to dealer. They fixed it and told me that I needed a new belt. I didn't want anything more to happen as I take my 90 year old mom around, they replaced one belt for $120. Never ran right after that, with screeching noises and no more A/C. Today, just as I was driving onto the highway-I started losing my steering and I immediately pulled over off the ramp, then it stalled as I was pulling over. I have read about this happening to a lot of people and was just waiting for it to happen. Well it did and thank god I wasn't going 70 on the highway yet. It has been towed to dealer and they said it was the bolt on the drive shaft that broke. Then he said that since I'm only 8000 miles away from 60k, then I should just do the timing belt service now because if I don't and it goes, then my engine will blow. So I guess this is what I have to wait to happen next and I'm sure it will. Thousands of people can't be wrong. Don't buy a kia!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Mar 18, 2007 · Acceleration, Lights · 32,247 miles · FL

I own a 2003 kia sorento lx. I used it mainly to go from home to work. This happened 2 days ago, march 16, 2006, at 32247 miles. While making a right turn from a stoplight, I had complete loss of vehicle control, it would not let me stop it and I could not control the steering wheel, it kept turning sharply to the right, and I landed on the sidewalk. Luckily, it happened when I was just entering my neighborhood, going at moderate speed, and there were no cars besides or behind me. To think if I were driving 65-70 MPH on the highway and have this happened and lose control, I would have been dead. But it is the second time it happens in 3 1/2 years. The first time was about 1 1/2 year ago, but I did not pay attention to it since I thought it was due to wet conditions. I was entering the multi-level parking lot where I work. I was going up to the 4th floor where I park, and when I turned left on the 3rd floor, the car went out of control, kept going round, and I could not stop. Luckily again, it was so early in the morning that there were no cars in that floor. Surely, a safety-related defect exists. What happened friday almost got me killed. It has happened only twice in all these years, but, no matter what happens, I will never feel safe on this car again. I cannot take any other chance of being killed because of a car's defect. I will be now using my husband's car to travel back and forth to work. Besides that big problem, I have encountered other problem with my sorento. The front and back bulbs blow quite often. I have taken the car to the dealership every time it has needed replacement, and I have all the invoice sheets. I would prefer to have someone contact me in spanish. Thank you kindly.

Filed Aug 2, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 1,500 miles · OK

Vehicle is a 2003 kia sorento with 70,000 miles, purchased new. Vehicle appears to have serious electrical issues. I have, to date, replaced light bulbs approximately 38 times. This includes head light bulbs (high and low), fog light bulbs, tail light bulbs and brake light bulbs. Also the clock only works intermittently and the power sun roof has ceased working. Dealer offers no solution. This has been ongoing since the first month of ownership.

Filed Jul 22, 2006 · Lights · NC

I have had my kia sorento for almost a year and I have repeatedly had to change the headlights and tail lights. At least 8 times for the headlights and 4 for the tail.