The 2003 Kia Sorento has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 2,935 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 421 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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,…”
“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…”
“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.”
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…
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…
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…
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…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Kia Sorento as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.