One or both head light bulbs may burn out prematurely requiring replacement. There have also been reports of other bulbs burning out often as well.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento Models:
Kia Sorento Problems
Noise or Vibration When AC Compressor is On
Heating & Air Conditioning --
Verified
A defective AC compressor clutch assembly can cause excessive noise or vibration when the air conditioning is on. Improved parts are available. Replacing the faulty clutch assembly does not necessitate replacement of the complete AC compressor or evacuation and recharging of the air conditioning system.
Revised Crankshaft Pulley Bolt
Engine --
Verified
In order to correct a problem that results in difficulty starting, engine vibration, or a rattling sound from the engine compartment, Kia released an updated crankshaft pulley bolt.
Airbag Warning Light May Illuminate Erroneously
Miscellaneous --
Verified
The airbag warning light may illuminate erroneously. This can be caused by an internal defect in the control module. Replacement of the airbag control module with a revised part may be necessary to correct this concern.
Engine Misfire Due to Faulty Ignition Coil
Exhaust & Emissions --
Verified
An engine misfire may develop due to a failed ignition coil. Our technicians tell us one coil is used for each cylinder. If one fails, often times another is not far behind. It may be worth considering replacing all the coils if a failure is encountered.
Kia Sorento Recalls (Recent)
Front Passenger Airbag May Be Inadvertently Turned Off
Body, Interior & Misc., September 6, 2011
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front passenger airbag may be incorrectly turned off when an adult is in the front passenger seat. The front passenger airbag is designed to be turned off when the front seat is unoccupied or is occupied by a child, but the occupant classification system (OCS) may not correctly classify an adult passenger and command the airbag off when it should be on. If the passenger side airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the front passenger seat, there is an increased risk of personal injury. Dealers will update the programming of the OCS control module to correct this concern. The KIA recall number is SC076A.
Transmission Intermediate Shaft May Fail
Drive Train, April 25, 2011
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The right intermediate drive shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to misalignment with the transmission right side output gear. As the splines on the intermediate shaft wear, a whirring and/or whining noise may develop and eventually result in damage to the automatic transmission output gear. Severe wear of the splines could result in a loss of drive force to the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the right side output gear and intermediate shaft and replace worn parts as necessary. Alignment of the intermediate shaft will also be inspected and corrected if needed. This recall is expected to begin during May 2011. The Kia recall number is SC089.
Electrical Fire in Front or Rear Door
Electrical & Lights, September 13, 2010
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front and/or rear doors have special wiring to control certain lighting functions. Electrical connections in these wire harnesses are soldered to help ensure a solid connection. These vehicles are being recalled because the solder joints in these lighting harnesses may not have been manufactured to the proper specification and when the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short circuit may occur that can result in an electrical fire. Dealers will replace the necessary parts to address this concern.
Brake Light Switch May Fail
Electrical & Lights, June 17, 2009
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The stop lamp switch may fail, affecting many vehicle systems including the brake lights, transmission shift interlock, electronic stability control, and the cruise control. Failure of any of these systems could increase risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch to correct these issues. This recall is to begin on June 17, 2009. The Kia recall number is SC077.
Vehicle May Have a Fuel Leak
Engine, October 10, 2005
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The fuel line near the fuel tank may leak due to an interference fit with the vehicle floor pan. Dealers will replace a section of the fuel line to correct the issue. The recall began on October 5, 2005. The Kia recall number is SC-052.
Kia Sorento Questions and Answers
alvahog, 2003 Kia Sorento, Alva, FL
When fueling the tank the gas spits out immediately with enough force to splash on you and the vehiclel. It takes at least 5 minutes to fill 5 gallons. What's up with this?
peterpejlzz1, 2003 Kia Sorento, Honolulu, HI
What is a Transmission control Unit and how can I repair this when it malfunctions?
consumerjohn, 2003 Kia Sorento, Edisto Island, SC
My dealer wanted $370 for o2 sensor replacement - said sensor part was $250. Looks like a DIY.
I looked for part[s] and I find a 15cm 4 wire for about $30. I also find 3 [?] different ones [lo...
dave72, 2003 Kia Sorento, Adamstown, PA
I need to know which belt to purchase. My parking brake and battery icons are showing on my dash,and i can barely turn the steering wheel.
gentleben, 2003 Kia Sorento, White, GA
i checked the reading on the low side and it was 130 and blowing warm air..what would cause this
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Kia Sorento Reviews
I have a water leak near the back of motor. Steady Drip.
I would advise people to not purchase a kia. I purchased my Sorento with 19 miles in 2005. I have had mine serviced regularly. The first issue was the crank shaft bolt broke at 90,000 miles. Then a little over 100,000 mile my air conditioner went out, then a few months later the heater fan went out. I have had to replace the rotors. Now im having issues with the wheel bearings. My mechanic said the entire rear axle parts are junk. They don't make these cars to last. I have 130,00 miles and will be getting rid of it and will NEVER purchase a Kia.
Power steering. Seems the tech at KIA Peoria don't know how to fix the problem returned it four times and is still leaking. Factory rotors were replaced after 50,000 miles now they say the new ones are cheap and they are probably warped. Third time to replace the rotors. When I brake the front in shakes and I am told it is the rotors. The service tech says he will sell me good ones for $200.00. Wow! such a deal. The refrigeration had to be replaced I don't know how many times I have had to replace lights inside and out. I have over 100,000 on my Silverado and I have only replaced the water pump except for batteries and tires. Guess I will stay with America made products. DOON'T BUY KIA - THEY ARE JUNCK AND THE TECHS DON'T NOW HOW TO FIX ANYTHING RIGHT. Chuck Akers, Phoenix, Arizona
Bought my Sorento new in 2005 & thought yay!! Have a vehicle with great coverage! Wrong .... Replaced a lot of headlights,belts,small stuff that adds up. But last week the crank shaft bolt broke off & went through a head gasket! No recall on the bolt! My Sorento only had 80,000 !! Crazy that my car is worth nothing now. I will never buy another Kia, they don't stand behind their vehicles!!!! The mechanics just want to up sell every time you're in for service!!
Thankful it broke down in my driveway & not on the road.
Not at a good financial stage in my life right now. But thanks to KIa, I had to buy a new vehicle & no it's not another Kia!!!!!!
I have less than 18,000 miles on my kia, most of the driving would be called county, not city. I took my car in because a squeel could be heard when in revers, Was told the front brakes mounting was slightly out of whack and not to worry, they would fix when ever wanted. last week i took the car in and found the front rotors were rusted so badly the pads were shot. How can a rotor rust, if the pads are engaging, the pads act like sand paper and clean up the rotor surface. If the brakes auto adjust when in reverse mine should have been well adjusted. I need to backup 120 feet to get out of my driveway. I think the pads were misadjusted or the auto adjust function failed and the pads didn't engage the rotors in front untill I did a emergency style stop.
I have a manual 6 speed and on the hiway get 52 mph with cruise set at 65. I am very satisfied overall but, now know that next time the rotors and brake pads need replacing not to have oem parts installed. Other kia owners reported rotors needing turning every 3 thousand to 6 thousand miles.
Average rotor and pad life is 30 to 40 thousand miles. Kia needs to address this problem. Note: rotors and pads are not warrantied
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