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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.

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2003 Kia Sorento repair cost distribution

$2500+ (7%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (22%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (28%)

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Chart based on 94 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Kia Sorento model years.

Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010 120000 mi	Major engine failure while driving - car quit. Car dealer says needs new engine. Will junk out - too much problems with this car since the get go.

Kia Sorento in New York, United States Jul 2010 - Sep 2010
Sep 2010 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

Kia Sorento in California, United States Dec 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011 44000 mi US $950	Crankshaft sensor failed. Replaced by dealer. Timing belt replaced at same time as preventative measure.

Kia Sorento in Texas, United States May 2009 - Mar 2010
Jun 2009 71000 mi US $550	Headliner was coming down and a new one had to be ordered for replacement.

Kia Sorento in Kansas, United States Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010 102000 mi US $800	The universal joint went out and there is no replacement offered by Kia so I was forced to have the entire driveshaft replaced. This is rediculous to have to replace the entire driveshaft due to a small universal joint.

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Kia Sorento in Philippines Mar 2012 - Jun 2018
Mar 2013 40920 mi	Clutch master cylinder becomes stiff when engine gets hot (3 hours highway, one hour city). Mechanic recommended replacing. Instead I wrapped it with double aluminum sided insulation foam, about 10 mm thick, at least about 3/4 of it is wrapped.
Jun 2013 42160 mi	Aircon thermostat fixed
Apr 2014 48560 mi	The clutch master cylinder has malfunctioned lately. I had it fixed with a new repair gasket kit. When in heavy idling conditions in mid-day traffic, the engine heat affects the gaskets or something in the fluid perhaps.
Sep 2014 50840 mi $5000	Bushings for upper eyes of front swing arm of suspension, both sides. part purchased at Davao City @ 130 kms. more delay due to having purchased a size for Sorento but the eye size is for Sportage.
Nov 2015 54840 mi	Replacement of rear door stays.
Jan 2016 55480 mi	Refitting of receptacle of rear plate light. Resetting of mechanical thermostat of cabin air conditioning to minimum.
Feb 2016 56420 mi	No more engine off during bumps after replacement of fuel filter with sensor receptacle. Previous filter lacked attachment point for sensor, so the sensor got bumped around. Mechanic's opinion that the actuator needs replacement is not correct).
Mar 2016 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?
Jun 2016 58280 mi $700	upon leaving the garage, engine stopped. Restarted and started the 3rd time, with the engine check up indicated. The computer indicated something like: u0002 high speed can bus performance. mechanic just said he just disabled the same?
Sep 2016 60140 mi $4000	Solenoid valve assembly, otherwise known as actuator for the crdi. The old part was already sensitive to shock that when hurdling potholes at high speed, the engine sounds choked, losing power. After turning engine off, power is restored Replaced the upper control arm ASSEMBLY on passenger side, problem solved. Previously, only the bushings were replaced, using Sportage bushing. 6 months later, Sorento bushing which the bores are undersized, thus needed machining. as reported earlier, I replaced the solenoid valve assembly with new replacement from mobis, costing Php4000. Presto, the problem is solved! No more of the "ngorrrrk" sound of the engine after turning off, no more engine choking after shock
Feb 2018 68820 mi $1700	Removal of fuel pump assembly. Draining fuel. Cleaning of tank. Removing black gelatin-like residues (about 1 cup) inside the pump assembly. Blowing fuel lines clear. Replaced with clean diesel and a new fuel filter. CHECK ENGINE sign off and no more fuel starve stops.
Apr 2018 70060 mi $1000	removal, cleaning re-installation of exhaust gas recirculation valve.
Jun 2018 70680 mi $5000	clutch master cylinder leak, despite replacement of rubber cups.

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Kia Sorento in Malaysia Jan 2014 - Jun 2018
Jan 2014 94240 mi $800	water coolant overflow when the engine getting hot but temperature meter is below half level
Aug 2014 101000 mi $4035	WATER COME OUT FROM COOLING TANK
Mar 2015 108500 mi	top overhaul
Jun 2015 109120 mi $1456	water mix up with the engine oil

Kia Sorento in France Jun 2011 - Jul 2018
Jul 2011 71920 mi €870	Wheel bearing drivers side RHD car +hub+ back plate do not know what it is called the wheel had come loose mechanic foud it when i took it in for new pads but he said i could drive it and he ordered the bearing and when trying to replace
Aug 2011 72520 mi €207	the engine light came on and I had to limp home over 10 miles I had to restart 20 times breakdown assistance collected the car from my home took it to KIA dealer 50miles away I picked it up next day
Nov 2011 74900 mi	needed new alternator
Sep 2012 80600 mi €214	car would not start towed to dealer,put it on the computer no joy they changed fuel fillter last one fitted 6mths ago car started after six turns ,pressure tested fuel line car started straight away. I returned home to France on the second day I tried to start the car and not response the car was towed to a local garage they could not fix it then towed to a Kia dealer , they found the problem I needed three fuel injectors reconditioned
Jun 2013 86180 mi €140	I had to replace the header tank
Oct 2013 88340 mi €900	failed MOT needed new bearing + hub passenger side same as 2011 drivers side
Dec 2014 97340 mi €800	new shock absorbers and stabilizer
Sep 2015 100440 mi €550	Driver side wheel hub and bearing replaced four year before
Mar 2017 111600 mi €250	fuel blockage. I think it was a new filter plus something to do with the sensors it kept stopping every 100 metres.
Jul 2018 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

Kia Sorento in New Hampshire, United States Jun 2011 - Jul 2011
Jul 2011 144000 mi US $250	Front driveshaft shot

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Kia Sorento in California, United States May 2010 - Dec 2011
Jul 2010 113500 mi US $50	O rings at both ends of suction hose right off the A/C compressor
Feb 2011 118000 mi US $120	Replaced leaking valve cover gaskets. Replaced suction side hose off of compressor. Had a pin hole leak. Replaced oil in compressor also.
Apr 2011 118000 mi US $10	P/S idler pulley was noisy. Bought new bearing and replaced by pressing out old and pressing in new.
Jul 2011 118300 mi US $10	A/C idler pulley was noisy. Bought new bearing and replaced by pressing out old and pressing in new. Outcome: Repaired
Sep 2011 120000 mi	P0125 code. Slow warm up. Suspected stuck open thermostat. Removed thermostat and found small piece of old radiator drain plug that broke off. It was stuck in the open position. Removed, tested and returned to service.

Kia Sorento in Georgia, United States Jul 2010 - Dec 2016
Dec 2014 275000 mi US $200	Entire windshield wiper assembly replaced.
Nov 2015 291100 mi US $250	Alternator replaced.
Dec 2016 304000 mi US $550	Valve cover and manifold gaskets.

Kia Sorento in California, United States Oct 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011 89000 mi	Died while driving due to fuel system problem. On the way to having it checked out for the first problem, plastic hose bracket broke off radiator. Would have to replace entire radiator. Selling dealer let me trade it rather than have it fixed.

Kia Sorento in South Carolina, United States May 2010 - Dec 2012
Jul 2010 86000 mi US $470	ac clutch bad,complete compressor kit on order
Nov 2012 107900 mi US $409	overhaul and balance drive shaft

Kia Sorento in California, United States Mar 2015 - Apr 2015
Apr 2015 118000 mi US $454	back u-joint needed to be replaced - was in bad shape

Kia Sorento in Florida, United States Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Jan 2018 145000 mi	Clean fuel tank

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Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States Apr 2009 - Sep 2011
May 2009 63000 mi	Over drive off switch failed. Was not properly repaired.
Jun 2009 65000 mi US $140	Over drive switch replaced.
Aug 2009 67500 mi US $100	Recharge air conditioning.

Kia Sorento in Illinois, United States May 2009 - Sep 2018
Jun 2009 74000 mi US $330	Two exhaust hangers rusted off, and the additional weight of the exhaust system on both (there are two on this vehicle) flex tubes caused them to flex and rust apart. Saved close to 1K over having the dealer replace parts, by reusing good components!

Kia Sorento in Great Britain Apr 2009 - Dec 2013
Sep 2011 75000 mi £95	Exhaust front pipe flexible blown.replacement welded in by exhaust specialist.
May 2013 99000 mi	Cracked/broken offside exhaust manifold.New manifold and heat shield fitted.
Jul 2013 100500 mi £3100	Crankshaft pulley bolt sheared. Replacement engine required. Also replaced radiator. Shop also said the transmission needed work, but when I told them to do nothing else it was suddenly ready.
Oct 2013 101300 mi	Original repair in June was poorly carried out and crankshaft bearings failed after 1000miles.Crankshaft was unrepairable and a low mileage secondhand engine was fitted.This engine seized after 40 miles.The car is still in the repairshop! new crankshaft and bearings.

Kia Sorento in New Brunswick, Canada Dec 2010 - May 2012
Jan 2011 91760 mi C $500	Intake repaired by dealer. There were no signs of an issue, but they wanted to do the repair to prevent possible engine damage. Brake lines replaced due to corrosion discovered during annual MVI.
Jul 2011 94860 mi C $10	power steering line rusted thru. fluid leaked. line was replaced, fluid flushed and replaced.

Kia Sorento in Virginia, United States Feb 2009 - Jan 2015
Mar 2009 115000 mi	Front transfer case replacement, estimate for repair $4K....and coolant leak....est for repair $500 didnt repair due to cost, needed new front transfer case, part $3200 plus labor, also needed a coolant connector replace, labor 5 hours, again didnt repair due to cost, vehicle donated
Sep 2009 115000 mi US $1500	front differential rebuilt, two new tires and battery required to pass state inspection
Aug 2013 205000 mi US $450	Replacement right rear wheel bearing and hub.
Mar 2014 230000 mi US $150	Exhaust system repair
Jan 2015 178000 mi	Front differential no longer engaging. Needed a new A/C compressor.

Kia Sorento in Ontario, Canada May 2009 - Jan 2013
Jun 2009 85560 mi C $2700	Transfer case went bad, i have the TOD 4x4 and it would not come out of 4x4 so they removed front driveshaft because repair would have been $4,500. Found used transfer case for $2000 plus $700 labour
Dec 2009 90520 mi C $300	had to replace stabalizer arms front and rear.
Sep 2010 96100 mi C $500	had to replace upper ball joints, left wheel hub assembly, outer tie rod ends.
Mar 2011 97340 mi C $450	Crank sensor went and left me stranded
Nov 2011 108500 mi C $220	Blower Transistor resistor, fans would not turn off.

Kia Sorento in Alberta, Canada Nov 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013 C $350	Faulty TCCU (transfer case control module), ground open EMC (electro-magnetic clutch). $1,500 + $1,600 to fix at dealer, not worth it given age and miles.

Kia Sorento in Pennsylvania, United States Feb 2006 - Mar 2012
May 2006 35000 mi US $450	Aftermarket shocks and struts fitted OME (Australia) brand. Much better ride and handling after they were fitted - recommended
Feb 2009 61000 mi US $770	timing belt replacement, front differential serviced - shudder from front end when turning. front brakes replaced and rotors surfaced
Mar 2009 31000 mi US $1550	Front axle (AWD)bind up when cornering. Axle lubed - seemed to fix problem. 60K service performed at same time also new timing belt.2 weeks after the visit noticed they had drained the AC (both caps missing) - $200 to refill AC - I'm pissed with dealer. 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.
Jun 2009 62000 mi US $320	Both headlights have badly darkened lenses purchased new headlights with clear lenses
Jul 2009 63000 mi US $290	Replaced both headlights because the headlight lenses had fogged badly. UV maybe? New headlights make the car see better at night and improve the look of the vehicle to like new.
Nov 2009 66000 mi US $18	fluid burning smell a month ago - cold weather onset. No visible leaks, found Power steering reservoir was very low. Added Lucas leak sealer fluid. Keeping an eye on the situation. won't go back to Kia dealer as they were incompetent on last repair
Jun 2011 78000 mi US $125	Power steering system was leaking badly - had to fill the reservoir every day. Mechanic found the low pressure return hose was leaking and replaced it.
Oct 2011 78000 mi US $740	Power steering hose developed a leak again after a couple months. Dealer replaced hoses and refilled power steering system. Steering wheel now crooked - not level when driving straight - and loose.
Mar 2012 81000 mi	Leaking again - dealer unable to fix the probelm - traded the car for a 2012 Sportage

Kia Sorento in British Columbia, Canada Jul 2009 - Feb 2010
Dec 2009 91140 mi C $330	Check engine light came on - Diagnosed as a faulty throttle position sensor. No after market parts available so a new one was ordered from Kia. Part arrived four days later and was quickly installed. Problem solved.
Jan 2010 C $300	Sorento stalled in an intersection and would not start - had towed to favourite mechanic - said it was possibly fuel pump but didn't want to replace parts without being sure and since it was running so well at the time, decided to trade for a new one.

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Kia Sorento in Georgia, United States May 2009 - Jun 2010
Jun 2009 127000 mi
Mar 2010 139000 mi US $870

Kia Sorento in British Columbia, Canada May 2015 - Dec 2015
Jul 2015 131440 mi C $350	Compressor was seized.

Kia Sorento in Ontario, Canada Feb 2009 - Apr 2013
Mar 2009 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.
Sep 2011 93000 mi C $800	plastic heater hose section broke exhast hanger rusted and caused the y pipe to flex and crack - replaced
Dec 2011 93000 mi C $600	Change plugs change out 1 coil rad flush

Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States Feb 2009 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014 US $300	Replaced radiator, hoses, gaskets and cap

Kia Sorento in Wisconsin, United States Dec 2010 - Jun 2022
Aug 2012 119600 mi US $525	The air conditioning compressor was bad.
Feb 2014 152900 mi US $1100	replaced the part that tells the transmission when to shift.
Dec 2014 167000 mi US $83	Spark plugs
Mar 2016 189000 mi US $40	Both sway bar links were broken. I replaced them.
Dec 2017 225000 mi US $190	Front brake pads were bad.

Kia Sorento in Colorado, United States Apr 2005 - Jun 2013
Jul 2005 35000 mi	Warranty replacement of front differential. Symptom was small oil leak and hot oil odor from oil hitting exhaust pipe. Could not get info about cause or frequency of this problem from dealer. Have since reached over 88K miles with no other problems.
May 2006 48400 mi	Warranty replacement of gas cap. Symptom: Check Engine light came on after brief engine stumble. Next morning it ran very roughly then normally after a restart. Code scan indicated a small emissions system problem. Dealer said tighten gas cap correctly.
Feb 2010 110000 mi US $130	Code indicating emission problem for sensors Bank 1 & 2. Owner decided Catalytic Converter needed replacement. Head light bulbs also replaced
Jun 2013 144000 mi	Airbag warning light on. No diagnosis, no repair.

Kia Sorento in Ontario, Canada Sep 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011 117800 mi C $498	cam angle sensor

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Kia Sorento in California, United States Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010 87000 mi US $550	Turned ignition key off, pulled out key, car continued running. Had to pull main fuse and battery to turn car off.

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2003 Kia Sorento repairs by problem area

2003 Kia Sorento repair cost distribution

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