2003 KIA Sorento problems
Owners have filed 421 complaints about the 2003 KIA Sorento with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 19.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 10.2%.
Complaints421
Crashes13
Fires3
Injuries17
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 19.7% · 83
Engine 10.2% · 43
Fuel system, gasoline 9.7% · 41
Fuel/propulsion system 8.1% · 34
Air bags 7.6% · 32
Steering 7.4% · 31
Electrical system 7.1% · 30
Power train 5.5% · 23
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire, 17 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 20 model years of the KIA Sorento in this data, 2003 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 71 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 72,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 KIA Sorento. The engine crankshaft bolt failed in august of 2008. The dealer replaced the engine crankshaft bolt four times. The repairs didn't correct the failure. The manufacturer stated that the continuous failures were dealer error, and they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 111,404 and the current mileage was 118,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 111,404 miles
While driving, the engine blew out the first time on 10-04-04. It was replaced and it blew again on 01-21-05. The vehicle is on its third engine. *Ak the key became stuck in the ignition, the vehicle shifted out of park. The consumer stated he has had transmissions and engine problems since he purchased the vehicle. The front wheel bearings were damaged. The fog light was inoperative. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 58,947 miles
The reservoir on my 2003 KIA Sorento ruptured and all the coolant leaked out while I was driving. I pulled off the highway and into a gas station and the let the car cool. I then added in anti- freeze and filled it with water and drove another 10 miles and dropped the car at a repair shop. The next day the car would not start. The KIA dealership is saying it is not covered under warranty. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 73,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…