Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2003 Kia Sorento recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component1
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 |
Safety recalls1
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Aug 4, 200505V353000 | Fuel system, gasoline: delivery hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DetailsHide details for campaign 05V353000
|
Buying a used 2003 Kia Sorento? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure
Owner complaints by component308
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 82 | 27 |
| Engine | 43 | 14 |
| Fuel system | 43 | 14 |
| Gasoline | 41 | 13 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 34 | 11 |
| Steering | 31 | 10 |
| Air bags | 30 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 29 | 9 |
| Service brakes | 25 | 8 |
| Power train | 22 | 7 |
| Suspension | 17 | 6 |
| Exterior lighting | 17 | 6 |
| Hydraulic | 15 | 5 |
| Structure | 12 | 4 |
| Equipment | 10 | 3 |
11 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Air bags
“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.”
- Engine
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. The vehicle stalled and lost motive power while driving the contact was concerned for his safety when the vehicle stall the contact was concerned that it was related to the fuel…”
- Engine
“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.”
Other Kia Sorento model years
- 20074 recalls154 complaints
- 20061 recall242 complaints
- 20050 recalls307 complaints
- 20040 recalls220 complaints
- 20031 recall305 complaints
All years: 2026 · 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2003
Other Kia models
- 2003 Optima2 recalls141 complaints
- 2003 Sedona5 recalls197 complaints
- 2003 Rio3 recalls82 complaints
- 2003 Spectra0 recalls90 complaints
- 2010 Soul3 recalls135 complaints
- 2002 Sportage1 recall234 complaints
- 2010 Forte3 recalls232 complaints
- 2020 Telluride7 recalls773 complaints
- 2017 Niro5 recalls101 complaints
- 2021 K56 recalls169 complaints
- 2022 Carnival6 recalls136 complaints
- 2022 EV64 recalls278 complaints
2003 Kia Sorento recall questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2003 Kia Sorento. The most recent, 05V353000 (reported August 4, 2005), concerns fuel system, gasoline. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Kia Sorento?
Engine and engine cooling is the most-reported component, named in 82 complaints out of 308 filed with NHTSA (27%). Across all complaints, owners reported 10 crashs and 3 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 Kia Sorento?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Kia dealer.
Check a specific Kia by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Kia build sheet & window sticker guide.