2003 Kia Sorento Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 7%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,474miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Kia Sorento, 7% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,474 miles. 2 a fire, 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“When go to shift truck in drive it makes a clank sound and when driving at a speed between 65-70 the truck starts vibrating, and when in reverse it squeaks when back up,at first my wife it was the u joints so we had it replaced but it all started happing again. Next our battery die had it replaced with a new one now the air bag indicator light stays on all the best time and at times it feels like the accelerator peddle gets stuck at times.”
NHTSA complaint #10795156, filed 2015-11, 10,367 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“The bolt on the crankshaft pulley as well as the pin broke off causing the motor to stop and overheat dumping all the antifreeze and stopping all belts. My mother could have been injured while driving but it ended up being she was just blocking traffic thankfully and not on the highway. This seems to be a very common issue with hundreds if not thousands complaining about the crankshaft pulley bolt and pin. Kia says they won't do anything as it is out of warranty and I am not the original owner. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597334, filed 2014-06, 155,000 miles“2003 Kia sorrento-there has been no crash==the drive line from the rear makes a noisy thump almost every time I step on the brakes and release them--Kia service in middletown, ny service manager and Kia zone rep state that is normal operation of vehicle--I disagree and informed them I will be taking vehicle to another mechanic,I have been driving for 34 years and never encountered this situation in a vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10178038, filed 2007-01, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037693Jan 1, 2011Kia: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. This is caused by a problem within the transfer motor.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 | 25% |
| 2024 | 5 | 11% |
| 2023 | 22 | 17% |
| 2022 | 68 | 35% |
| 2021 | 144 | 56% |
| 2020 | 18 | 13% |
| 2019 | 51 | 12% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 | 37 | 5% |
| 2016 | 126 | 10% |
| 2015 | 42 | 6% |
| 2014 | 72 | 7% |
| 2013 | 69 | 7% |
| 2012 | 55 | 6% |
| 2011 | 265 | 17% |
| 2009 | 9 | 16% |
| 2008 | 23 | 11% |
| 2007 | 20 | 13% |
| 2006 | 35 | 14% |
| 2005 | 38 | 12% |
| 2004 | 40 | 18% |
| 2003 | 22 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sorento
81 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsBrakes
24 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 31, 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