2003 Kia Sorento Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 10%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 10% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles.
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“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”
NHTSA complaint #11043741, filed 2017-11, 93,632 miles“All lights come on, horn blows, but will not start at all, this Kia Sorento is junk, its falling apart, I got a disable mother, now can't take her to her doctor appointments, every since I had it, its been nothing but junk, we live on fixed income, can't afford to get another vehicle, and this 2003 Kia Sorento should not be on the road, all Kia Sorento vehicles are junk, clock is messed up, comes off and on, airbag light is on, now won't even start at all, something needs to be done about Kia dealerships selling junk vehicles, will complain again and again, they are junk!”
NHTSA complaint #10735552, filed 2015-07, 174,000 miles“I am single old lady, late jan.2014 , driving back from orlando,fl. To my home<2 hrs away> on I-95 car slows down, all lights go on dashboard. Get home at 40 miles an hour.next day go to tire plus, can not fix car, engine trouble..go to dealer bev smith Kia, ft.pierce, fl, I am a regular there,with car problemsell me can needs new lower engine, $7000 I almost faint, , car not safe, I left anyway, they would not exactly tell me what wrong with car...coworker at walmart, tells me of mechanic,can fix it...take it there, he tells me what really is wrong with car..screw that hold harmony part…”
NHTSA complaint #10609501, filed 2014-07, 150,000 miles“Driving at night when all of a sudden interior lights started blinking off & on like strobe lights at a disco. I tried turning them off, nothing. It seemed related to the dimmer switch because if I kept pressure on it to the lowest degree, the flashing stopped. For awhile I wedged a pin in the switch & that worked. Eventually, though that stopped working & the light show would begin. It happened day & night, just more noticeable at night. I finally removed the fuse for the cabin lights & as a result, have no dash lights either while driving in the dark. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485940, filed 2012-11, 107,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - 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…
- 10033464Nov 1, 2009Kia: 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 22 | 29% |
| 2024 | 11 | 26% |
| 2023 | 38 | 30% |
| 2022 | 31 | 16% |
| 2021 | 47 | 18% |
| 2020 | 20 | 14% |
| 2019 | 68 | 16% |
| 2018 | 30 | 12% |
| 2017 | 97 | 12% |
| 2016 | 107 | 8% |
| 2015 | 58 | 8% |
| 2014 | 153 | 15% |
| 2013 | 116 | 12% |
| 2012 | 127 | 14% |
| 2011 | 246 | 16% |
| 2009 | 14 | 25% |
| 2008 | 32 | 15% |
| 2007 | 21 | 14% |
| 2006 | 53 | 22% |
| 2005 | 49 | 16% |
| 2004 | 28 | 13% |
| 2003 | 29 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
30 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 28, 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