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 suspension repair cost distribution

$2500+ (12%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (41%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (24%)

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Chart based on 17 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

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. 
60140 mi

$4000
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. 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

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 
88340 mi

€900
failed MOT needed new bearing + hub passenger side same as 2011 drivers side 
97340 mi

€800
new shock absorbers and stabilizer 
100440 mi

€550
Driver side wheel hub and bearing replaced four year before 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

205000 mi

US $450
Replacement right rear wheel bearing and hub. 
94860 mi

C $10
power steering line rusted thru. fluid leaked. line was replaced, fluid flushed and replaced. 
90520 mi

C $300
had to replace stabalizer arms front and rear. 
96100 mi

C $500
had to replace upper ball joints, left wheel hub assembly, outer tie rod ends. 
35000 mi

US $450
Aftermarket shocks and struts fitted OME (Australia) brand. Much better ride and handling after they were fitted - recommended 
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 
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. 
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. 
81000 mi Leaking again - dealer unable to fix the probelm - traded the car for a 2012 Sportage 

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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

139000 mi

US $870
 
189000 mi

US $40
Both sway bar links were broken. I replaced them. 

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2003 Kia Sorento Suspension 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.