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%)

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

2003 Kia Sorento repair cost distribution

$2500+ (7%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (22%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (28%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

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.

2003 Kia Sorento

Engine not specified

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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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

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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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

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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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

192-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

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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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

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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2003 Kia Sorento 4dr SUV

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

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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2003 Kia Sorento 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

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 Repair Histories

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