2003 Kia Sorento Kia Sorento 2003

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2003 Kia Sorento repairs by problem area

Engine (43%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (17%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (19%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 112 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Kia Sorento.

2003 Kia Sorento electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (6%)

$1000 - $2499 (6%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (44%)

< $100 (33%)

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Chart based on 18 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Kia Sorento

Engine not specified

106000 mi

US $400
CAR RETURNED TO FACTORY FOR AIR BAG DEFECTS IDIOT LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN CAR WAS PURCHASED THE LIGHT WAS OFF BUT SINCE A YEAR IT HAS BEEN ON. KIA REPS WILL DO NOTHING EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FACTORY FIXED,KIA DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR WORK 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

turbocharged 138hp 2.5L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range

42160 mi Aircon thermostat fixed 
46460 mi Refitting of receptacle of rear plate light. Resetting of mechanical thermostat of cabin air conditioning to minimum. 
57040 mi

$2800
Halfway in a trip, the air con failed. At service it was seen that the compressor clutch was broken into pieces, leaving only the central part. Repaired for 3 hours including stuck up bolts and nuts, replacement of surplus clutch, oil, R-134? 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

turbocharged 138hp 2.5L I4 Diesel 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

74900 mi needed new alternator 
119660 mi

€841
The car would not start I thourght it was the immo, the car was taken to main dealer 60 kilometres away, the had to replace the starter motor after after having the car for 9 Days the service was very slow 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

192-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

291100 mi

US $250
Alternator replaced. 
86000 mi

US $470
ac clutch bad,complete compressor kit on order 
113500 mi

US $50
O rings at both ends of suction hose right off the A/C compressor 
118000 mi

US $120
Replaced suction side hose off of compressor. Had a pin hole leak. Replaced oil in compressor also. 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

192-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic AWD w/low range

63000 mi Over drive off switch failed. Was not properly repaired. 
67500 mi

US $100
Recharge air conditioning. 
120000 mi Needed a new A/C compressor. 
31000 mi

US $1550
Discovered dealer had drained AC (both caps missing) during the 60K service. 2 weeks until hot weather to discover Never taking car back there again. Paid $200 to a repair shop to test cooling system (OK) and refill with fluid. Never going back to Kia. 
108500 mi

C $220
Blower Transistor resistor, fans would not turn off. 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

192-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

131440 mi

C $350
Compressor was seized. 
75020 mi

C $35
Low beams burn out at least every 3-4 months replaced wiring with one that was stated in a TSB- so far so good. 
119600 mi

US $525
The air conditioning compressor was bad. 
110000 mi

US $130
Head light bulbs also replaced 
144000 mi Airbag warning light on. No diagnosis, no repair. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.

2003 Kia Sorento Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Kia Sorento problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.