2003 Kia Sorento LX from North America - Comments

Re 2005 wiring harness replacement - I can't find any recall notice for this... I have a 2004 Sorento and have replaced low beams 4 times each, brake lights twice, fog lights once and left them off. It just can't be an "engineering problem" if all of these are going out. I am wondering if anyone else got a recall notice? Also curious if anyone deal with their voltage regulators?

I own 2004 Sorento 2.5 CRD and changed manuel gearbox and also front brake rotors on 95000km at my own cost.

I told the service rep at Kia that I've replaced headlights, fog lights and tail lamps too many times... That something must be wrong... His reply was that it's my fault for having a Sirius radio and an after market alarm.. he stated that the car's electrical system is not designed for these items.. I would like to get a class action law suit going against Kia for this lamp problem.. My father in law and some friends have the same problem with their Sorrentos.. Any thoughts?

I believe I have replaced around 12 -15 front headlight Bulbs on my 2004 KIA Sorrento. It has 109,000 miles on it. I keep 2 spares in my car at all times. All brands fail Though I think I get better Life out of the Sylvania bulbs. Always shut the headlights off they last longer if they do not get a surge when the car starts up. I think there is a problem in the voltage regulators. My car has no extra electrical devices.

I have also replaced brake lights a couple of times.

I have replaced the front rotors and will be doing it again shortly. I have never had rotors warp on any vehicle I have ever owned before. I am thinking the problem may be in the backing plate if this is warped or not flat the rotors may try to fit to the backing plate.

Check engine light comes and goes This happens when the 4 Wheel drive lights both come on and the 4 wheel drive doesn't work. When this happens it also locks out the overdrive. My mechanic told me when this happens to disconnect the battery and wait for about 10 minutes and then reconnect it. Sure enough the 4 wheel drive lights go out and then the 4 wheel drive works again, the overdrive works and the Check engine light goes off.

The Windshield wipers do not return to the park Position on either of my Kias.

The weather stripping around both front doors just keeps breaking up and needs to be replaced.

Though these are annoying problems the car keeps running and I will drive it until it stops.

I will not replace it with a KIA product.

Dealer tried to take me to the cleaners early on and the car has never been back.

I have had similar complaints about the front brake discs; Kia replaced them once under warranty, but would not change the pads as they said they were only 20% worn.

I have had a new radio CD, replacing the front panel off with a solid one, which was supposed to solve the problem of a drivers side speaker, which will work when the volume is turned up, but then if the volume is turned down below 10, the speaker cuts off. Kia mechanics said it was the head unit and thus changed it, but the problem still exists; this was again done under warranty. I will change the speakers once I locate the correct ones, and I think that this would fix the problem.

Three weeks ago I had to replace the battery, which I suppose it did well on my 2003 Sorento with 70000 km.

This week I could smell coolant, which I thought was coming from a car in front of me. When I reached my destination, a gush of steam came from the front off my car. When I investigated, at the rear of the engine bay are 3 coolant pipes connected to a Y piece of pipe. This Y piece had split and the coolant was escaping from it. When a replacement was purchased, all three pipes were connected to this Y piece, which was not sold separately. Why do Kia produce this part in plastic and not a metal; $108 it cost for the part. Not only that; after replacing the part the mechanic discovered the header tank which holds the excess coolant had a crack in it. A replacement has been sorted, but I may have to wait three weeks for delivery as there are no parts available in Australia; they have to come in from Korea.

This is not good enough; my car is now laid up waiting for an important part. This part seams to be a recall, or it should be. My friend who also has a Sorento with 187000 kms said that the Y piece has broken twice, and he also has had 2 water bottles. Why do Kia not make this a recall and redesign these part?

Gordon Cook, Perth WA

I would like to add my comments now since I am in the right frame of mind (frustrated). I bought a 2003 Kia Sorento LX not even one year ago and since then have put in $3000 worth of repairs. I do have to say I love the drive and quietness of it.

I've done the following thus far: 1. Replaced the Antifreeze holding bottle 2. Replaced the wiper switch and control board 3. fix the steering (today costing me $1100 plus taxes and labor) 4. little fixings to bring the truck up to inspection approval.

The other comments I have are I will never buy a Kia again and I am right now in the process of finding out what my options are to get rid of it.

I bought my '03 Kia Sorento EX new in December of 2002. I am SUPER EASY on the brakes, and still have had to replace my rotors 3 times. Kia paid the first time, after I threw a fit, but would not do the second time. I think rotors would have went bad more than 3 times, but once they started going bad I made them last a long time before replacement.

Tail lights went out, replacements didn't fix the problem. Neither did a fuse. Took it into my dealership, and they said I need to buy "genuine Kia bulbs."

My dealership had lied several times about issues, such as saying I badly needed a transmission fluid change when unknown to them, I'd just had it done by Valvoline with the correct recommended fluids.

The vehicle has been a disappointment, but Kia service has been a nightmare. That's $23,500 down the drain. Never again. I buy Toyota or Honda next time.

Bought my 04 Kia Sorento in September 03, First one on the lot.

I have had the same Headlight/Tailight issues. The plastic fitting on the radiator replaced after it melted. We are now moving into the Coolant Reservoir issues. Mine seems to have a crack in it. I think these cars are cheaply made and am thankful these are the only problems I have had. Too many substandard parts for me. The gas mileage is also a very big deal now that gas is so high. I think I'll buy a Toyota or a Honda next time.

I can say the dealership where I bought my Sorento (Van Griffith in Granbury Texas) has been nothing but nice. My car will be paid off in a few months and its going bye bye...

I have had burned out bulbs and recommend the following Clean the bulbs thoroughly and use rubber gloves when touching the quartz glass when installing. I found scratching off the chassis ground and re-installing the 6mm bolt on the fenders by the battery and the air filter box helps by improving the ground.

Well I must say going on this site has lost Kia a sale, I was looking to buy a Kia or Honda suv, but prefered the look of the Kia more, done the usual trips to dealers and sorting out finance and thought I would see what other people thought of them, glad I did, Honda for me.

Great SUV, but way too many problems with headlight bulbs going out.

Coolant overflow tank cracking.

Very cheaply made; stay away from this one.. wig and berries.

I have a 2007 Sorento. The clear coat is peeling off the top, so I'm calling the dealer tomorrow.

I have had no problems so far, but I have only had it since September 2007.

I have a 2003 Sorento LX. Bought it with 57,xxx and now have 149,xxx in 3 years. The ride of this car is about the only thing I am happy with. I lost count of headlight changes, only 2 tail lamps but sick and tired of the brake problem!!! It will shake your teeth out, glad I don't have dentures. There is no way that every 8,000-12,000 miles that rotors should be turned or replaced. My interior head light was out for over 3 months and just came back on 2 weeks ago. It is a great riding car but don't have all the spare time to be dropping it off at the mechanic every 2 months.

I bought a KIA Sorento in January its now April has been towed in to the dealer 3 times keeps shutting off just driving down the road, they have put a intake gasket in it, throttle position sensor, and now its getting a crank sensor, and they said they don't know what's wrong with it I think its going to get a new owner.

I was one of the first comments on this page. It's been awhile since I checked back. PEOPLE WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING. Any ideas??

I still have headlight problems, wipers haven't worked (bless rainex), there are definite electrical issues, and again Kia corporate doesn't give a hoot.

Can't believe the millions they still spend on advertising and yet... I will check back for any ideas. I hope as many people that read this also check back, and lets take heed to someone's educated advice... brother, sister, aunt, uncle, any lawyers there, I imagine theyre not driving Kia's that's why I'm suggesting reaching out to immediate social outlets...

NADINE IN NY