2003 Kia Sorento Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 77about this part
- Share
- 25%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 77 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 25% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11094097, filed 2018-05, 155,000 miles“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11149624, filed 2018-11, 150,000 miles“When I pump gas into my car, the fuel spits back out at me. I have to pump real slow for this not to happen. This is dangerous, gas gets on my hands and car,I have to carry soap and water to wash this off of my car. I called about this and was told because my car VIN # was not on the their list there was nothing they could do for me”
NHTSA complaint #10954291, filed 2017-02, 128,800 miles“While fueling up the Sorento, the fuel spit out every time even while fueling at slow speeds. Very frustrating , and dangerous, especially when the fuel gets on my skin & clothes, the vehicle, and at times leaves a huge puddle on the ground which could be a fire hazard. The dealership was contacted and will not help me even though there was a recall issued for the fuel filter, which I mentioned.”
NHTSA complaint #10960423, filed 2017-03, 33,000 miles“When I try to fill gasoline in my car, the pump will click off after filling about 1/2 gallon and will then spray gasoline back at me for the first 3-4 times it clicks off. I noticed a recall was done on this model for the fuel tank evaporator filter which is the issue. I had the recall performed but still have the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10479324, filed 2012-10, 148,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V353000Aug 4, 2005Certain sport utility vehicles may experience a fuel leak from fuel tubes near the fuel tank due to an interference fit with the vehicle floor panel.Covers: Kia Sorento 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10060226Jan 1, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10043654Jan 1, 2012Kia: see document search button for owner letter. Fuel tank air filter replacement.
- 10037420Nov 1, 2010Kia: fuel tank air filter reminder. The air filter can accumulate dirt over time and needs to be maintained.
- 10021446Apr 1, 2007Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5l engines.
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 14 | 7% |
| 2021 | 24 | 9% |
| 2020 | 10 | 7% |
| 2019 | 28 | 6% |
| 2018 | 13 | 5% |
| 2017 | 49 | 6% |
| 2016 | 58 | 5% |
| 2015 | 31 | 4% |
| 2014 | 50 | 5% |
| 2013 | 38 | 4% |
| 2012 | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 12 | 5% |
| 2005 | 12 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 77 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsEngine
43 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 30, 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