2003 Kia SorentoKia Sorento 2003

Vehicle Details: Recalls, Fuel Economy, Emissions, Crash Tests, Investigations, Consumer Complaints, Decoded VIN Details, Service Bulletins

Kia Logo

Below you will find all available information on the 2003 Kia Sorento, manufacturered by Hyundai-kia America Technical Center Inc (hatci).
The vehicle is described as a Rear-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD Compact Utility (Utility Vehicle Categories "Small" and "Midsize").

ManufacturerKnown WMI(s)Fuel Type
Kia5XY 5XY KND Regular
City MPGHighway MPGCO2 emissions
13 - 14 MPG17 - 18 MPG592.46 g/mile
Kia VIN Decoder

Use the box here to look up VINs from Kia as well as other manufacturers

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Sub-models: - Sorento 4x4 - Sorento 2wd - Sorento 4wd -

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the MPG of a 2003 Kia Sorento?
     - The 2003 Kia Sorento has an EPA estimated city efficiency of 13 - 14 MPG and an estimated highway efficiency of 17 - 18 MPG.
  • What is the fuse box diagram for the 2003 Kia Sorento?
     - Fuse box diagrams for the 2003 Kia Sorento can be found here
  • What is the annual fuel cost for the 2003 Kia Sorento?
     - EPA estimated annual fuel cost for the 2003 Kia Sorento is $3600.
  • Where is the 2003 Kia Sorento produced?
     - The 2003 Kia Sorento is produced in Whasung Mi, South Korea.
  • Are there recalls for the 2003 Kia Sorento?
     - There are 6 recall(s) for the 2003 Kia Sorento, additional information is below.
  • What is the GVWR of a 2003 Kia Sorento?
     - The 2003 Kia Sorento has a GVWR of Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) lbs.
  • How much does the 2003 Kia Sorento weigh?
     - The 2003 Kia Sorento is listed to weigh 2271 lbs.
Available Engine & Drive Classes
  • 3.5L 6 cylinder 4-speed automatic
NHTSA Mandated Recalls
  • Recall 62104 [USA]: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

  • Recall R/2004/077 [UK]: Possible interference between power steering hose and brake pipe

  • Recall R/2004/158 [UK]: Alternator pulley may seize

  • Recall R/2004/159 [UK]: Snap ring retainer within the gearbox may detach

  • Recall 2008212 [Canada]: Engine

  • Recall 2005244 [Canada]: Fuel supply

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

NHTSA Submitted Mechanical & Emissions Details
  • Automatic 4-spd Rear-Wheel Drive Sorento 2wd

    Description Data
    Engine cylinders6
    Engine displacement in liters3.5
    TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
    You save/spend over 5 years compared to an average car ($). savings are positive; a greater amount spent yields a negative number. for dual fuel vehicles, this is the cost savings for gasoline-8250
    Transmission descriptor; for information see the fueleconomy.gov details2MODE CLKUP
    Description Data
    Annual petroleum consumption in barrels for fuel type 119.834
    City mpg for fuel type 1,14
    Combined mpg for fuel type 1,15
    Engine cylinders6
    Engine displacement in liters3.5
    Drive axle typeRear-Wheel Drive
    Annual fuel cost for fuel type 1 ($)3600
    Fuel type with fuel type 1 and fuel type 2 (if applicable)Regular
    Fuel type 1. for single fuel vehicles, this will be the only fuel. for dual fuel vehicles, this will be the conventional fuel.Regular Gasoline
    Highway mpg for fuel type 1,18
    Vehicle record id19079
    Model name (carline)Sorento 2wd
    Has my mpg data; see yourmpgvehicle and yourmpgdrivervehicleY
    If true, this vehicle operates on a blend of gasoline and electricity in charge depleting modefalse
    TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
    Unadjusted city mpg for fuel type 116.9
    Unadjusted highway mpg for fuel type 125.1
    EPA vehicle size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
    You save/spend over 5 years compared to an average car ($). savings are positive; a greater amount spent yields a negative number. for dual fuel vehicles, this is the cost savings for gasoline-8250
    Transmission descriptor; for information see the fueleconomy.gov details2MODE CLKUP
    Date the vehicle record was created (iso 8601 format)Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013
    Date the vehicle record was last modified (iso 8601 format)Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013
  • Automatic 4-spd 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Sorento 4wd

    Description Data
    Engine cylinders6
    Engine displacement in liters3.5
    TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
    You save/spend over 5 years compared to an average car ($). savings are positive; a greater amount spent yields a negative number. for dual fuel vehicles, this is the cost savings for gasoline-8250
    Transmission descriptor; for information see the fueleconomy.gov details2MODE CLKUP
    Description Data
    Annual petroleum consumption in barrels for fuel type 119.834
    City mpg for fuel type 1,13
    Combined mpg for fuel type 1,15
    Engine cylinders6
    Engine displacement in liters3.5
    Drive axle type4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
    Annual fuel cost for fuel type 1 ($)3600
    Fuel type with fuel type 1 and fuel type 2 (if applicable)Regular
    Fuel type 1. for single fuel vehicles, this will be the only fuel. for dual fuel vehicles, this will be the conventional fuel.Regular Gasoline
    Highway mpg for fuel type 1,17
    Vehicle record id19195
    Model name (carline)Sorento 4wd
    Has my mpg data; see yourmpgvehicle and yourmpgdrivervehicleY
    If true, this vehicle operates on a blend of gasoline and electricity in charge depleting modefalse
    TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
    Unadjusted city mpg for fuel type 116.3
    Unadjusted highway mpg for fuel type 123.7
    EPA vehicle size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
    You save/spend over 5 years compared to an average car ($). savings are positive; a greater amount spent yields a negative number. for dual fuel vehicles, this is the cost savings for gasoline-8250
    Transmission descriptor; for information see the fueleconomy.gov details2MODE CLKUP
    Date the vehicle record was created (iso 8601 format)Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013
    Date the vehicle record was last modified (iso 8601 format)Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013
NHTSA Submitted Crashtests
  • 35 Mph Ncap Frontal - 2003 Kia Sorento Lx: Vehicle Into Barrier

    There are 5 videos for NHTSA test number 4548

    There are 96 photos for NHTSA test number 4548

    Click HERE to view content

  • Cmvss 208: Vehicle Into Barrier

    There are 3 videos for NHTSA test number 4697

    Click HERE to view content

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • TSB_BOD055_R1 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Technical service bulletin: information for headlamp condensation and moisture - this bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b
  • PS443 - EQUIPMENT: Tsb - use of aftermarket usb charging cables in usb/12v ports - this article provides information regarding the use of usb ports and 12v power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th
  • PS539 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines - in general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
  • TSB-GEN085R1 - EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL: Tsb: mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware - by design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various kia models and are strictly intended for ?One time use.? Some example
  • TSB-GEN085 - EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY: Tsb: mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware - by design, certain fasteners utilized in various kia models are strictly intended for ?One time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta
  • PS233 - ENGINE (PWS): Pitstop: unusual fuel trim values and/or misfire codes after incorrect engine repair - this outlines the procedure to follow if after an engine repair you encounter a complaint relating to mil on (dtc p)#)x) with a misfire during accelerati
  • PS233 - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: Summary to be provided on a future date.
  • SC-092 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: Kia: see document search button for owner letter. Fuel tank air filter replacement. *kb
  • 034 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Kia: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. This is caused by a problem within the transfer motor. *rm
  • TSB-019 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP: Kia: fuel tank air filter reminder. The air filter can accumulate dirt over time and needs to be maintained. *rm
  • TSB-068 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Kia: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc P1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may c
  • TSB-044 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Kia: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc P2135/P0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7l engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with
  • KT-2008120901 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Kia: head light bulb life concern. There may be concerns of short headlamp bulb life in vehicles. A new resistive wire harness has been introduced to extend the life of the low beam bulbs. *pe
  • KT-2008082201 - PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT: Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models. *pe
  • 073 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Sorento icv replacement. *nj
  • 072 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Crankshaft bolt replacement. *kb
  • 013 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5l engines. *kb
  • 92 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV): Crankshaft bolt torque. *tt
  • 85 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.: 2003-2005 clocks not holding time or resetting - frequently asked questions. *tt
  • 006 - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: Enhanced diagnosis and repair for P0446/P2422. *tt
  • 029 - AIR BAGS: This bulletin provides information related to replacement of the air bag diagnostic unit (adu). Some owners may complain of the srs warning light illumination resulting in one or more seat track position sensor diagnostic trouble codes (dt
  • 031 - STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD: Hood anti-corrosion treatment. *tt
  • 010103 - SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY: Subject regarding the driver side seat belt wire harness. *jb
  • 029 - SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY: Service campaign to inspect and reposition the driver seat belt buckle wire harness. *tt
  • 025 - EQUIPMENT: Rattle noise from the jack compartment when driving on rough road surfaces. *tt
  • 010 - STEERING: Electronic power steering (eps) logic change to improve steering feel. *tt
  • 54 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Subject regarding sorento highlights. *tt
  • 54 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Subject regarding accessories for the 2003 sorento. *tt
  • 54 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Subject regarding 2003 sorento training. *tt
  • 54 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Information on the new 2003 kia sorento. *tt
Keyfob Information

The following is a list of any known keyfobs for the Kia Sorento 2003 as well as their FCC IDs if available

  • OR-KIA014: 2003-2005 Kia Sorento Sedona / 3-Button Keyless Entry Remote / PN: 95430-3E101 / PLNBONTEC-T009 (OEM Refurb)
    FCC ID: PLNBONTEC-T009
Known Recall Investigations
  • Fuel spill during refueling investigation # PE10023

    Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (my) 2003 kia sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kias testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owners or service manual for the subject vehicles.Odi notes that kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owners manual for my 2005 and newer kia sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 my 2003 and 2004 kia sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late january 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number sc092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.

NHTSA decoded information from VIN

138 Results returned successfully. NOTE: Any missing decoded values should be interpreted as NHTSA does not have data on the specific variable. Missing value should NOT be interpreted as an indication that a feature or technology is unavailable for a vehicle.

Variable Value
Body ClassSport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
DisplacementCC3500.0
DisplacementCI213.58310433156
DisplacementL3.5
Doors4
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Error Text0 - VIN decoded clean. Check Digit (9th position) is correct
Fuel Type PrimaryGasoline
GVWRClass 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
MakeKIA
MakeID499
ManufacturerHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)
Manufacturer Id1034
ModelSorento
ModelID2769
Model Year2003
NCSA Body TypeCompact Utility (Utility Vehicle Categories "Small" and "Midsize")
NCSA MakeKIA
NCSA ModelSorento
Plant CityWHASUNG
Plant CountrySOUTH KOREA
VINKNDJC733X35086063
Valve Train DesignDual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Vehicle Documentation
[pdf] User Manual Owner's Manual Specifications
2003 Sorento Owners Manual EN kia ca web owners
TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR VEHICLE AT GLANCE KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE DRIVING TIPS ...
lang: score:67 filesize: 31.83 M page_count: 286 document date: 2006-09-24
[pdf] User Manual Owner's Manual
2003 sorento Owners Manual fr kia ca content ownership ownersmanual
...
lang: score:57 filesize: 13.47 M page_count: 282 document date: 2009-10-07
[pdf] User Manual Owner's Manual Specifications
2003 KIA Sorento Owner Manual Untitled YOUR VEHICLE AT GLANCE Page 9 10 11 KNOWING 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 sorento Owners EN kia ca content ownership ownersmanual
TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR VEHICLE AT GLANCE KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE DRIVING TIPS ...
lang: score:54 filesize: 12.26 M page_count: 286 document date: 2009-10-07
[pdf] Documentation Decleration of Conformity
CRS Vehicle Technical Paper doc trockwell NHTSA 2004 18682 0003 nhtsa gov DOT Safety Articles Associated Files
U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Evaluation of Chil ... san Murano 2003 Toyota Sequoia 2003 Toyota Sequoia 2003 Toyota 4runner 2003 Toyota 4runner 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Acura MDX 2003 Acura MDX 200...
lang:en score:29 filesize: 356.45 K page_count: 47 document date: 2005-05-25
[pdf]
mary zhang asia kia v11 en carmod ru docs v31
KIA V1.1 Mark X Description Function is supported. Special Function Automaker Region Year Model ... KIA Asia 2004 SORENTO BL KIA Asia 2004 SORENTO BL KIA Asia 2004 SORENTO BL KIA Asia 2003 SORENTO BL KIA Asia 2003 SORENTO BL KIA Asia 2003 SORENTO BL KIA Asia 2002 SORENTO ...
lang:it score:21 filesize: 3.65 M page_count: 375 document date: 2016-12-06
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
CrashNoY NoneNone20190828

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.

NoNoN NoneNone20190509

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.

NoNoN NoneNone20181001

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!

NoNoN NoneNone20180410

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

NoNoN 1 InjuredNone20180228

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!

NoNoN NoneNone20171207

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.

NoNoN NoneNone20171107

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.

NoNoN NoneNone20170930

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

NoNoN NoneNone20170613

Engine crank shaft has broken four time , air compresser two time

Read and Submit Vehicle Complaints -- 54+ complaints filed
Common OBD-II Error Codes
  • P1330 [1] Incorrect function of changing the ignition advance angle - cylinder anti-knock system 5
  • P2135 [1] Throttle/Pedal Pos Sensor/Switch A / B Voltage Correlation
  • P0638 [1] Throttle Actuator Control Range/Performance (Bank 1)
  • P0446 [1] Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction
  • P2422 [1] Evaporative Emission System Vent Valve Stuck Closed
Latest VINs Decoded for this Manufacturer
VIN Year Model Manufactured In
KNDJD733X351050932003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7339351034522003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7339350836722003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJD7332351519542003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJD7336350980932003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7332350663902003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7339351099292003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7338350624252003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJD7330350322492003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJD7335350315342003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJD7333351533392003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJD7336351571432003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7338350915702003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC733X350882482003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7338351242442003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC7337351673582003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA
KNDJC733X350860632003SorentoWHASUNG , SOUTH KOREA

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