2003 Kia Sorento Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 10%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,100miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 10% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,100 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine light is on, airbag light is on, clock can't keep right time, now won't start at all, I wished I never bought this 2003 Kia Sorento, they are nothing but junk. Please anybody who reads this do not buy a Kia vehicle. I hate Kia vehicles, I will never own one again, I would not take a Kia vehicle, even if they give me one. To many problems, since I bought it, haven't been anywhere in two weeks, because Kia vehicle is junk.”
NHTSA complaint #10735581, filed 2015-07, 178,000 miles“When go to shift truck in drive it makes a clank sound and when driving at a speed between 65-70 the truck starts vibrating, and when in reverse it squeaks when back up,at first my wife it was the u joints so we had it replaced but it all started happing again. Next our battery die had it replaced with a new one now the air bag indicator light stays on all the best time and at times it feels like the accelerator peddle gets stuck at times.”
NHTSA complaint #10795156, filed 2015-11, 10,367 miles“My airbag light came on without warning. Now I'm told my airbags won't work. The dealer states I need a new control module. It is coming up as a seat position error. They said it is common. This is a required safety item on new cars, the airbags. If it is a common defect why no recall. Kia won't help.”
NHTSA complaint #10303539, filed 2010-02, 68,700 miles“Air bag light keeps coming on. Kia fixed this issue at least 5 times now the light is back on and they will not repair because I am out of warranty. If air bag light is on air bags will not deploy at time of impact I have 3 small children. They have not been able to resolve the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10217876, filed 2008-02, 20,000 miles“Airbag light has come on. Vehicle has 74,000 miles on it has never been wrecked or off road. This is safety equipment and should be covered under warranty for life. I have no access to the airbag system and it no longer functions in my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10298624, filed 2010-01, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10015248Apr 1, 2005This 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…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 10 | 4% |
| 2017 | 14 | 2% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 30 | 4% |
| 2014 | 51 | 5% |
| 2013 | 60 | 6% |
| 2012 | 81 | 9% |
| 2011 | 183 | 12% |
| 2009 | 21 | 38% |
| 2008 | 66 | 30% |
| 2007 | 58 | 38% |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% |
| 2005 | 43 | 14% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 30 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology