Model year guide

2003 Kia Sorento

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Kia Sorento is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 51 on record.

2003 Kia Sorento — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Kia Sorento at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints308
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$2,189

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Kia Sorento recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #05V353000 · 04/08/2005

CERTAIN 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE A SECTION OF THE FUEL LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Kia Sorento common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2003 Kia Sorento MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway18 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Kia Sorento worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$2,189
High
$3,700

From 49 comparable 2003 Kia Sorento listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Kia Sorento costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,500
Fuel only$20,500
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Kia Sorento trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · LX
Engines
3.5L

2003 Kia Sorento vehicles on record

2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJC733035065836 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733X35069048 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJD733835066326 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJD733435144066 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733035097599 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJD733035142069 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJC733635149613 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJC733335106010 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJC733335068326 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJC733735117933 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJD733035168431 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJC733735095805 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJD733235133227 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733835066388 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733735076765 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733035043526 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJC733835137723 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733935060602 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733535124778 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733835112477 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJC733935157446 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJC733735165285 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento LXKNDJC733135131049 2003 Kia Sorento 2003 Kia Sorento EXKNDJD733X35048684

Other Kia Sorento model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2000

2003 Kia Sorento — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kia Sorento have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sorento?

Based on 308 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Sorento get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Kia Sorento at about 15 mpg combined (14 city / 18 highway).

How much is a 2003 Kia Sorento worth?

Comparable 2003 Kia Sorento listings run roughly $700–$3,700, typically around $2,189 (from 49 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.