2003 Kia Sorento problems
The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.
First generation (BL; 2002)
2002–2006
Debuting in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.
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Common 2003 Kia Sorento problems
Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, here are the common problems reported by owners of the 2003 Kia Sorento:
- Faulty Doors: Owners have complained that the doors of the 2003 Sorento may not open when accessed from the outside. Additionally, those using the child-lock feature have faced frustrations due to faulty door handles.
- Headlight Bulbs Burning Out: Many consumers reported premature burning out of headlight bulbs in the 2003 Sorento, particularly in models from 2002 to 2009. Some accounts mentioned that components of the headlights were also melted, requiring replacement bulbs at a cost of $100 to $600.
- Vibrations/Noises from A/C Compressor: The A/C compressor in the 2003 Sorento, especially in models from 2002 to 2009, has been prone to failure, leading to vibrations and noises. This issue can impact the overall driving experience and comfort of the vehicle .
These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the 2003 Kia Sorento. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring proper maintenance can help mitigate potential costly repairs and ensure a smoother driving experience.
How many miles can a 2003 Kia Sorento last?
It is much easier to keep a Kia SUV on the road with the help of an expert. An estimated average lifespan of 200,000 miles equates to about 13 to 17 years on the road. Vehicles tend to drive 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. A well-maintained Kia SUV could even last 250,000 miles.
What is the biggest problem with Kia Sorento?
The common issues include engine problems, electrical problems, airbag problems, seat belt problems, lights problems, and body/paint problems. The worst issue that plagues these Kia Sorento models is engine failure. This occurs when most consumers have accumulated an average of 62,000 miles.
Are there any recalls on the 2003 Kia Sorento?
2003 Kia Sorento Recalls
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.
Is the Kia Sorento a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 81.0/100
The 2024 Kia Sorento has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
2003 Kia Sorento car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sorento problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Kia Sorento vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Kia Sorento
The NHTSA has received 307 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Kia Sorento. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-15
- VIN: KNDJC733X35
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, A TUNE UP WAS PERFORMED, THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, AND TIMING BELT WAS ALSO REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. LAKESHORE KIA, 330 E HOWZE BEACH RD #2, SLIDELL, LA 70461, (888) 220-8645, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-29
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. TH VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-10
- VIN: KNDJD733535
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,699.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-11
- VIN: 5XYKTCA63EG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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, CO 80123, (303) 904-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,300. *DT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-02
- VIN: KNDJC733335
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 IMMEDIATELY DRAINING OR LEAKING OUT!
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDJD733635
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 AND SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-08
- VIN: KNDJC733535
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-08
- VIN: KNDJD733935
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-01
- VIN: KNDJC336350
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 2003 KIA SORENTO DRIVES FOR 15 MINUTES AND STALLS OUT. I WAIT 5 MIN AND IT'LL START AND DRIVE FOR A BLOCK OR 2AND CONTINUES TO THAT UNTIL I GET IT TOWED HOME
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-23
- VIN: KNDJD733035
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CRANKSHAFT BOLT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-14
- VIN: KNDJC733035
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE CRANK SHAFT HAS BROKEN FOUR TIME , AIR COMPRESSER TWO TIME
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-05
- VIN: KNDJC733835
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RUST AND CORROSION REAR AXLE BRACKET AND TRAILING ARM MOUNT. REAR AXLE BRACKET BROKE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-19
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE 2003 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH EXTENSIVE FRAME RUSTING, TO THE POINT WHERE SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SUSPENSION DETACH FROM THE FRAME. ONE OWNER IN PARTICULAR HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AND KIA MOTORS REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY BUILT THE CAR, SOLD IT TO PEOPLE, AND WHEN CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR VEHICLE, THEY (KIA) SAYS THAT THEY'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE. YOU NEED TO EXAMINE THIS, BECAUSE PEOPLE COULD GET KILLED BY OPERATING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NOW, BEFORE IT BECOMES THE NEXT PINTO. MAKE KIA FIX THE [XXX] VEHICLES NOW!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-28
- VIN: KNDJC733935
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC. FROZE UP,STALLED. LOSS OF STEERING. HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP & WAS TOLD THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR & RELATED PARTS TO THE CRANK SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED. COST FOR TOWING & REPAIRS WERE OVER $700.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-01
- VIN: KNDJC733335
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE FUELING UP THE SORENTO, THE FUEL SPIT OUT EVERY TIME EVEN WHILE FUELING AT SLOW SPEEDS. VERY FRUSTRATING , AND DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FUEL GETS ON MY SKIN & CLOTHES, THE VEHICLE, AND AT TIMES LEAVES A HUGE PUDDLE ON THE GROUND WHICH COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND WILL NOT HELP ME EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE FUEL FILTER, WHICH I MENTIONED.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-01
- VIN: KNDJC733335
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN I PUMP GAS INTO MY CAR, THE FUEL SPITS BACK OUT AT ME. I HAVE TO PUMP REAL SLOW FOR THIS NOT TO HAPPEN. THIS IS DANGEROUS, GAS GETS ON MY HANDS AND CAR,I HAVE TO CARRY SOAP AND WATER TO WASH THIS OFF OF MY CAR. I CALLED ABOUT THIS AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE MY CAR VIN # WAS NOT ON THE THEIR LIST THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-15
- VIN: KNDJD733X35
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, FUEL SPEWED OUT THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-03
- VIN: KNDJC733735
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL...REAR SUSPENSION ALWAYS ROTS OUT. THE SUB FRAME IS BAD.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-30
- VIN: KNDJC733035
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE UNDER MOTION ON HIGHWAY AT 65+ MPH, LOST POWER STEERING DUE TO CRANK SHAFT BOLT AND PULLEY FAILURE, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCESSORY FUNCTIONS.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-01
- VIN: KNDJD733345
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL EJECTED OUT OF THE REFUELING HOLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,300.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-03
- VIN: KNDJC733935
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAGS COIL SPRING HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND KIA REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY IN CASE OF A ACCIDENT. THIS IS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE DAY I PURCHASE THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW THE MAKER OF THE AIR BAG SISTEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-17
- VIN: KNDJC733X35
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE DRIVER DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA SORENTOS.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-03
- VIN: KNDJD733335
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: EVERY TIME I HAVE TO FILL THE GAS TANK ON MY KIA SORENTO 2003 IT SHOOTS BACK THE GASOLINE LIKE A PROYECTILE. IT TAKES AN ETERNITY TO FILL THE GAS TANK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE GAS ALL OVER YOU. I HAVE EVEN BEING KICKED OUT OF SOME SERVICE STATIONS BECAUSE SPILING SO MUCH GAS IS A HAZARD. IS THERE ANY SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE NOT HEARD A WORD FROM KIA.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-20
- VIN: KNDJC733X35
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A CLUNK AND A THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING SIDE TO SIDE. I LIMPED TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME WHERE THE SUSPENSION AND ALL PARTS CONNECT WAS RUSTED OUT. FRAME REPAIR SAID THIS CAN NOT BE FIXED AS THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. WHERE THE STABILIZER AND SUSPENSION CONNECTS. TEH CAR ONLY HAS 149,OOO MILES AND IS IN NORTH CAROLINA. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS OF A RUSTED OUT SUPPORT FRAME ON THIS SITE. WILL THE MANUFACTURER REPLACE THIS FRAME.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-24
- VIN: KNDJD733045
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE SPEWED FUEL ONTO THE GROUND WHEN FUEL WAS BEING ADDED. THIS ISSUE RECURRED REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL BEING ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
2003 Kia Sorento recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Kia Sorento.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2003 Kia Sorento car reviews
Positive 2003 Kia Sorento car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the SUV we purchased for our trip to CT last December. We did a side-by-side comparison on the internet and found that factors such as hip and shoulder room were major considerations for us. When we went for a test drive, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it exceeded our expectations. We don't drive our vehicles hard, so we're getting around 18 mpg in the city and 21.5 mpg on the highway. We're still discovering little features that make us smile. And to top it off, we're also saving some money. Thanks for listening!
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I've been searching for a mid-size SUV for a year. I came across the Sorento online and was pleasantly surprised. It has great looks and is well-built! It handles just as well, if not better, than my wife's 99 Honda Accord. However, the fuel economy could be better. Nonetheless, it offers the best warranty and standard features for the price.
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Overall great value! Although it hasn't snowed yet to test the 4WD, it works well off-road. You can't beat the price, warranty, or overall value in this class of SUVs. Get one and enjoy! Kia is going to win a lot of people over with the Sorento!
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I have owned many new cars in the past, including Mark 7's, Cadillacs, and Bonnevilles. This particular model has everything I could ask for. It seems like a clone of the RX300, and the quality is just as good, with the exception of the leather seats. The car is only 1 inch shorter than the RX300, 300 pounds heavier, has 20 horsepower less, and is $14,000 less expensive. Despite this, it still provides a very nice ride, and the V6 engine has plenty of power. I am still amazed at how great of a car it is for the price!
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I recently purchased a Luxury Group and ABS for 25,485..500 dollars overinvoice. While I had to haggle with dealers in the Boston area, I found that Herb Chambers offered the best price. However, I would recommend staying away from Boch as they were not willing to negotiate and were actually trying to sell the car for 2% over sticker price.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Kia Sorento problems:
Common Problems With '03 Sorento | Kia Forum
Apr 6, 2006 ... I bought my 2003 Kia Sorento EX late, last summer with about 53,000 miles on it. I noticed a clunking in the drivetrain and took it into the ...
2003 Kia Sorento Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Kia Sorento? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Kia Sorento.
2003 Kia Sorento Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2003 Kia Sorento? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2003 Kia Sorento Reliability - Consumer Reports
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. Read Recall Details. Summary:.
2003 Kia Sorento | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
Very common problem in these Sorento is the crank sensor. I love the space, and comfort it provides. I dislike how much gas I go thru in a very short trip. Also ...
Other years of Kia Sorento
Are you having problems with your 2003 Kia Sorento?
Tito Romaguera 2024-05-10
We bought the Sorento after looking at the Nissan Xterra, Honda CRV, and Toyota Rav4. A big plus for us was the exterior body style. I was also pleasantly surprised with the performance and the fit and finish of the interior. I never dreamed I would purchase a KIA for anything other than a work car. The warranty is just icing on the cake.
Hazle Hudson 2024-04-03
Despite the challenges I faced with my 1.5 year old Sorento, I remain confident in my decision to purchase this SUV. While driving through 50 cm deep water, the car unfortunately stopped running, but I took it to the Dealer/Importer for repairs. Despite their efforts, the car has not been running for over 6 months, even after I paid for a new computer. I believe that the location of the air intake and computer in this SUV could be improved for better performance. However, I remain confident that a solution will be found and my Sorento will be running smoothly once again.
Jayce Sipes 2024-02-28
My wife purchased our car brand new in 2003. We have put 70K miles on it and I must say, I am pleasantly surprised by how reliable it has been. However, the maintenance schedule can be quite unreasonable and expensive, and unfortunately, the dealerships have not been very competent. In fact, the last three times I had to take the car back for maintenance, it was due to dealer error. On the bright side, we have taken the car off-road on NE beaches for 5 summers, about 60 trips in total, and have never had any off-road performance issues. We chose this car over the 4Runner because it offered leather, a moonroof, and a warranty for a few thousand dollars less. It is worth noting that a stripped 4Runner is now worth $4,000 more at trade-in than our KIA. However, if you can do without some of the options, there are better cars with better resale value than KIA.