2003 Kia Sorento: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Aug 16, 2014 · Airbags, Brakes · 140,000 miles · VA

I was coming home from work one day ,when the crankshaft bolt came out of my car .I barely made it home .but the front end was jarring my airbag light came on my breaks like same one and I did not have no control of my steering .then it cost me 1700 .then one day I was in town and the crankshaft bolt came out of my car again which this time I did not have no control of the steering it took every muscle that I had to keep it in the road the front and shook so bad it jarred everything I lose my airbag light came on my brake lights came on seat belt light came on it was a hazardous on the highway seriously killed me or someone else or really badly hurt them.then I took it back to the mechanic again and he said welcome it's going to cost you 1700 more which I did not have so I let the bank have it back which now it has run my credit because I didn't have the money to get it fixed and I lost my credit because of thisso yes they need to do a recall on the crankshaft bolt before it does kill someone is that what they're waiting for for someone to die before they do something about.and I keep on replacing bugs brake lights headlights and everything they keep on blowing in this in the kia and I keep on putting money in it for me to get it inspected it cost me a hundred sixty two dollars and 22 dish to replace bulbs that I just replace not even a month before that I have receipts I am so tired of putting money into this kia I didn't have no other choice but to let them take it because it c and the tires at 8 my tires up and I put new tires on which cost me 800 800 again to put in800 again to put inand when this bit when this happened I called kia in charlottesville virginia and they said they put a new crank bolt in at the kids embrace chevrolet before I boarded so this would make three times the crankshaft bolt had been replaced I want this kia..................

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 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 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 Jan 31, 2009 · Engine · 50,000 miles · WA

Check engine light will not shut off. Vehicle has been to the dealer several times. Dealership has at times been rude and the problem still exists. They do not know how to fix it. Also have problems with headlights burning out very regularly and the back hatch will no longer open.

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 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 Mar 2, 2007 · Electrical · 87,000 miles · VA

2003 kia sorrento - constantly replacing headlights and tail lights. Recently started experiencing interior lighting problem. Lights come on and will not go out during driving and while heat is on. Dash lights go out and will not come on - no assistance from the dealership.

Filed Nov 10, 2006 · Engine · 40,000 miles · IL

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?

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.