2003 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Kia Sorento: 1 recall, 305 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #05V353000 · 2005 · 2,935 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace a section of the fuel line. The recall began on October 10, 2005.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (81): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (18), noise or vibration (16).
- Engine (43): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (18), warning light on (7).
- Fuel system (41): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), leaks (8), won't start (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (34): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), fire / smoke (4), leaks (3).
The 2003 Kia Sorento has 305 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 425). Complaints peaked in 2007 (35 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 74,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (220 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Kia Sorento.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (81), engine (43), fuel system (41).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Kia Sorento repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.