2003 Kia Sorento Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%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 17 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 6% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“-the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sorento. While the contact was driving approximately 25 MPH there was a loud noise coming from outside of the vehicle. The driver side upper control arm bolt had broken and caused the tire to wobble. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and towed to the dealer where the technician replaced the bolt at the owner expense. The failure and current mileages were 53,000. Updated 11/16/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10326406, filed 2010-04, 53,000 miles“While driving, the engine blew out the first time on 10-04-04. It was replaced and it blew again on 01-21-05. The vehicle is on its third engine. The key became stuck in the ignition, the vehicle shifted out of park. The consumer stated he has had transmissions and engine problems since he purchased the vehicle. The front wheel bearings were damaged. The fog light was inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #10112870, filed 2005-03, 58,947 miles“I was driving down the road at 35 miles per hour and the car began to swerve to the side of the road. The support towers on the top of the rear axle that hold the links that keep the rear axle from falling out of the car have completely rusted. Without these links the rear axle can twist and cause the vehicle to lose control. Without these links the entire rear axle could break away from the car and could become a 200 lb. Projectile causing death to any persons in its path. The rear axle moves in the car right now a making it difficult to drive straight down the street.”
NHTSA complaint #10786815, filed 2015-10, 122,000 miles“2003 kay Sorento ex: vehicle vibrates excessively only between approx. 68 -78 MPH. Rear-view mirror (and image) shakes. Difficult to see cars in rear-view mirror clearly. Vibration can be heard and felt.”
NHTSA complaint #10064435, filed 2004-04, 3,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% |
| 2016 | 12 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 16 | 2% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 56 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 25 | 8% |
| 2004 | 30 | 14% |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 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