2003 Kia Sorento Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 10%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 10% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 1 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 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“I was driving at 60 MPH and my power steering was getting hard almost cause an accident in the expressway, I check power steering fuel and is fine, belt to power steering fine too, I just wonder if there is a recall parts in this problem, im very afraid to drive my Kia again, please investigate.”
NHTSA complaint #10516044, filed 2013-06, 162,000 miles“While driving I heard a clunk and a the car began rolling side to side. I limped to a mechanic and was told that the frame where the suspension and all parts connect was rusted out. Frame repair said this can not be fixed as the frame is rusted out. Where the stabilizer and suspension connects. Teh car only has 149,ooo miles and is in north carolina. I have read other reports of a rusted out support frame on this site. Will the manufacturer replace this frame.”
NHTSA complaint #10875587, filed 2016-06, 145,000 miles“I was driving the vehicle in the parking lot when I heard a loud noise and lost control of the steering because the car died and the steering wheel locked up. I looked under the hood and notice all the belts and front of the motor fell off and was laying at the bottom. I called the tow truck they towed it to the Kia dealer. Where they told me its a problem the 2003 Kia Sorento has. They told me they will replace the engine that was at 38,000 mile. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565741, filed 2014-02, 38,000 miles“I have a 2003 Kia Sorento. As I left the garage at my office around 6 p.m. Monday 11/16, the car began making a horrible squealing noise. It immediately lost power steering, several warning lights came on, and it felt like the parking brake was on (it wasn't). I managed to get out of the garage to a space on the street. I turned the car off. When I tried to start it again, it wouldn't start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292997, filed 2009-11, 79,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 7 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 5% |
| 2021 | 6 | 2% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 3% |
| 2018 | 26 | 10% |
| 2017 | 97 | 12% |
| 2016 | 81 | 6% |
| 2015 | 33 | 4% |
| 2014 | 35 | 4% |
| 2013 | 22 | 2% |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% |
| 2011 | 53 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 33 | 14% |
| 2005 | 39 | 13% |
| 2004 | 24 | 11% |
| 2003 | 31 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsEngine
43 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 29, 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