2003 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 14%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 14% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 miles. 3 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.
“I was driving along and my battery, brake lights came on. I lost power steering and brakes. I popped the hood and realized that I had lost 2-3 belts. I had it towed to a mechanic shop, national chain who said the harmonic balancer had fallen off. Upon inspection, the crankshaft bolt had broken. Many, many complaints about this problem online.”
NHTSA complaint #10553306, filed 2013-11, 128,000 miles“While driving on route 495 north in massachusetts between exits 7 and 8, my Kia Sorento lost power to the engine to the point I had to stop in the breakdown lane. No warning of prior smell or power loss had occurred prior to the incident. Towed to two different service stations and both informed me that the engine failed and lost compression on more than one cylinders. Very dangerous situation to be on the highway and losing power.”
NHTSA complaint #10823943, filed 2016-02, 173,164 miles“Crankshaft pulley bolt sheered off and then the pulley fell off busting the power steering pull completely off. Making me almost loose control and flying off the freeway at 60mph with my child with me, very scary. Car was still under warranty but because it was the bolt that broke the bolt was not covered by warranty work. Replaced all by manufacture on july 16th 2012. Costing $1,300. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520418, filed 2013-06, 97,500 miles“I have service records showing I had the crankshaft pulley replaced at 55,000 miles under warranty by Kia. The crankshaft pulley broke off at 105,000 miles. I was able to have the vehicle repaired cost $1500 out of my pocket. On 1/11/2015 the crankshaft pulley broke off for a 3rd time, shearing the threads to the engine, and causing the engine to no longer work. All 3 events caused loss of power and able to steer the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10672207, filed 2015-01, 135,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10090606Jan 17, 2013Pitstop: 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…
- 10060226Jan 1, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 19 | 25% |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 32 | 26% |
| 2022 | 52 | 27% |
| 2021 | 68 | 27% |
| 2020 | 67 | 48% |
| 2019 | 159 | 37% |
| 2018 | 107 | 42% |
| 2017 | 387 | 48% |
| 2016 | 696 | 55% |
| 2015 | 363 | 48% |
| 2014 | 388 | 39% |
| 2013 | 498 | 51% |
| 2012 | 461 | 52% |
| 2011 | 284 | 19% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 67 | 28% |
| 2005 | 63 | 21% |
| 2004 | 46 | 21% |
| 2003 | 43 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
30 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 27, 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