Model year
2003 Kia Sorento
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 305 complaints for the 2003 Kia Sorento (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (46), ENGINE (43), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (34). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,450, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2003 305 complaints
- 2004 220 complaints
- 2005 307 complaints
- 2006 242 complaints
- 2007 154 complaints
- 2008 217 complaints
- 2009 55 complaints
- 2011 1,520 complaints
- 2012 880 complaints
- 2013 982 complaints
- 2014 988 complaints
- 2015 754 complaints
- 2016 1,258 complaints
- 2017 808 complaints
- 2018 255 complaints
- 2019 433 complaints
- 2020 138 complaints
- 2021 254 complaints
- 2022 193 complaints
- 2023 125 complaints
- 2024 43 complaints
- 2025 76 complaints
- 2026 6 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
05V353000 · Aug 4, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Complaints
305 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 10, fire flag on 3, injury field 12, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10023 | Fuel Spill During Refueling · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP;… | Jul 12, 2010 | Dec 21, 2011 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento 2WD · 3.5L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
| Sorento 4WD · 3.5L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Kia Sorento at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.