Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE | |||||
| TSB-044 | 11/01/2009 | 10033464 | Kia: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7l engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with | 08/18/2010 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 03/14/2012 | 107000 | 1 | |
| Driving at night when all of a sudden interior lights started blinking off & on like strobe lights at a disco. i tried turning them off, nothing. it seemed related to the dimmer switch because if i kept pressure on it to the lowest degree, the flashing stopped. for awhile i wedged a pin in the switch & that worked. eventually, though that stopped working & the light show would begin. it happened day & night, just more noticeable at night. i finally removed the fuse for the cabin lights & as a result, have no dash lights either while driving in the dark. i've not gone to kia as i am sure it will cost way more than i can afford. i'm reduced to using a flashlight when on long road trips to check gas gauge & speedometer. *tr | |||
| 01/05/2010 | |||
| I bought a 2003 kia sorento about 6 years ago and i've had a lot of problems. the worst and most recent problem is the gas spews out of the tank every time i try to fill it. it runs down the side of the car and on my wheel. sometimes it gets on me. this has been going on for several months now. if you pump very slow and stop every .80 cents it lessens the amount of times it spews out, but this is so very timely. the gas guage periodically goes out. the horn has never worked. the power steering periodically goes out. when using cruise control it will periodically go off on it's own. the paint looks horrible and has peeled off on the side mirrors. the leather seats have not held up well. the dome light will not work when you open the door, but if you press the dome light button it will come on. periodically the dash lights have flickered and i'm wondering if they are about to go out. i've already had to replace the ac compressor and the drive shaft, both of which have really set me back financially. i really want to get the gas tank issue fixed as it is the worst issue at hand and i fear it could be dangerous. | |||
| 10/28/2010 | 36000 | ||
| I have had my 2003 kia sorento since march 2010. it was purchased with 32,000 miles on it, and as of the end of october 2010, it had 36,000 miles. so far, i have had to replace the coolant reservoir, because it was cracked. i was driving, and it overheated out of nowhere. it was in the shop for four days, because they could not find the problem even after doing several pressurized systems tests. at the end of october 2010, i had to replace the oil pump, because it had a crack in it. no one anywhere i called could believe i had to replace an oil pump. all the mechanics stated that's one of the few things they never have to replace on any vehicle, and certainly not at 36,000 miles. anyway, due to oil leaking onto the timing belt, that had to be replaced also. the timing belt was in fine condition otherwise. consequently, i now have engine problems. i'm sure the engine will have to be replaced from overheating and then having no oil. at high rpms, you can hear a slight tick, which i'm pretty sure is a lifter issue. headlights burn out quickly. i was driving one day, and both burnt out at the same time. i had to drive on high beams in the city. constant electrical problems with the dash. dash lights rarely work, and then all of a sudden all the lights will start flashing here and there - dash lights flash on/off, ceiling light flashes on/off, all back and forth while i'm driving in the dark. very distracting, especially in traffic. the truck itself (seats, comfort, etc.) is awesome, but it was definitely manufactured poorly. worst purchase ever. glad i bought the 5 star warranty or i'd be paying for a truck i can't drive. | |||
| 01/05/2010 | |||
| I bought a 2003 kia sorento about 6 years ago and i've had a lot of problems. the worst and most recent problem is the gas spews out of the tank every time i try to fill it. it runs down the side of the car and on my wheel. sometimes it gets on me. this has been going on for several months now. if you pump very slow and stop every .80 cents it lessens the amount of times it spews out, but this is so very timely. the gas guage periodically goes out. the horn has never worked. the power steering periodically goes out. when using cruise control it will periodically go off on it's own. the paint looks horrible and has peeled off on the side mirrors. the leather seats have not held up well. the dome light will not work when you open the door, but if you press the dome light button it will come on. periodically the dash lights have flickered and i'm wondering if they are about to go out. i've already had to replace the ac compressor and the drive shaft, both of which have really set me back financially. i really want to get the gas tank issue fixed as it is the worst issue at hand and i fear it could be dangerous. | |||
| 10/28/2010 | 36000 | ||
| I have had my 2003 kia sorento since march 2010. it was purchased with 32,000 miles on it, and as of the end of october 2010, it had 36,000 miles. so far, i have had to replace the coolant reservoir, because it was cracked. i was driving, and it overheated out of nowhere. it was in the shop for four days, because they could not find the problem even after doing several pressurized systems tests. at the end of october 2010, i had to replace the oil pump, because it had a crack in it. no one anywhere i called could believe i had to replace an oil pump. all the mechanics stated that's one of the few things they never have to replace on any vehicle, and certainly not at 36,000 miles. anyway, due to oil leaking onto the timing belt, that had to be replaced also. the timing belt was in fine condition otherwise. consequently, i now have engine problems. i'm sure the engine will have to be replaced from overheating and then having no oil. at high rpms, you can hear a slight tick, which i'm pretty sure is a lifter issue. headlights burn out quickly. i was driving one day, and both burnt out at the same time. i had to drive on high beams in the city. constant electrical problems with the dash. dash lights rarely work, and then all of a sudden all the lights will start flashing here and there - dash lights flash on/off, ceiling light flashes on/off, all back and forth while i'm driving in the dark. very distracting, especially in traffic. the truck itself (seats, comfort, etc.) is awesome, but it was definitely manufactured poorly. worst purchase ever. glad i bought the 5 star warranty or i'd be paying for a truck i can't drive. | |||
| 01/05/2010 | |||
| I bought a 2003 kia sorento about 6 years ago and i've had a lot of problems. the worst and most recent problem is the gas spews out of the tank every time i try to fill it. it runs down the side of the car and on my wheel. sometimes it gets on me. this has been going on for several months now. if you pump very slow and stop every .80 cents it lessens the amount of times it spews out, but this is so very timely. the gas guage periodically goes out. the horn has never worked. the power steering periodically goes out. when using cruise control it will periodically go off on it's own. the paint looks horrible and has peeled off on the side mirrors. the leather seats have not held up well. the dome light will not work when you open the door, but if you press the dome light button it will come on. periodically the dash lights have flickered and i'm wondering if they are about to go out. i've already had to replace the ac compressor and the drive shaft, both of which have really set me back financially. i really want to get the gas tank issue fixed as it is the worst issue at hand and i fear it could be dangerous. | |||
| 10/28/2010 | 36000 | ||
| I have had my 2003 kia sorento since march 2010. it was purchased with 32,000 miles on it, and as of the end of october 2010, it had 36,000 miles. so far, i have had to replace the coolant reservoir, because it was cracked. i was driving, and it overheated out of nowhere. it was in the shop for four days, because they could not find the problem even after doing several pressurized systems tests. at the end of october 2010, i had to replace the oil pump, because it had a crack in it. no one anywhere i called could believe i had to replace an oil pump. all the mechanics stated that's one of the few things they never have to replace on any vehicle, and certainly not at 36,000 miles. anyway, due to oil leaking onto the timing belt, that had to be replaced also. the timing belt was in fine condition otherwise. consequently, i now have engine problems. i'm sure the engine will have to be replaced from overheating and then having no oil. at high rpms, you can hear a slight tick, which i'm pretty sure is a lifter issue. headlights burn out quickly. i was driving one day, and both burnt out at the same time. i had to drive on high beams in the city. constant electrical problems with the dash. dash lights rarely work, and then all of a sudden all the lights will start flashing here and there - dash lights flash on/off, ceiling light flashes on/off, all back and forth while i'm driving in the dark. very distracting, especially in traffic. the truck itself (seats, comfort, etc.) is awesome, but it was definitely manufactured poorly. worst purchase ever. glad i bought the 5 star warranty or i'd be paying for a truck i can't drive. | |||
| 12/22/2009 | 45000 | 1 | |
| I purchased my 03 kia sorento in 2004 and have had many issues since then. i have had to replace lights from the front to the back numerous times. i've been driving down our remote country road at night and had my headlights go out. my coolant tank cracked and left me stranded on another country road in the snow last year. i later found out it was recalled for that particular defect; after i had it replaced. the lighting issue is my biggest concern right now because of where i live (remote country roads, deer at night, etc) i have to have properly functioning headlights at all times. now, i am having problems concerning the bearings on it. it makes a horrible screeching noise that is now; almost continuous. it doesn't matter the temperature outside, driving conditions, etc. it has become harder to steer and the power steering fluid is fine. i don't feel safe in this vehicle anymore, and i cannot afford to just go out and buy something new. i just ask that if fault lies with kia; then they should fix it at their expense....not mine! i have invested way too much time, money and patience thus far and feel it's kia's responsibility to make sure they create a vehicle that functions properly. and when they don't...fix it!!! as for the questions below; was there a fire?...not yet!!! was there property damage?....there probably will be when my bearings go out and the wheels fall off! where there any deaths or injuries?....dear lord, i pray every time i get in my truck that nothing like that ever happens to me or my son....but; with an unreliable vehicle that has constant electrical and mechanical problem; then who knows.... *tr | |||
| 04/05/2009 | 1 | ||
| 2003 kia sorento, purchased used with 11,000 miles on it. has been a nightmare since the day i bought it! head gaskets warped at 28,000 miles, overheated without warning, no spike in temp gauge, wham smoke from everywhere and even with proof of maintenance upkeep it took kia 2 months to decide to honor the warranty. this was after the check engine light would come on every two seconds and have to be in the shop for months for them to say nothing wrong with it, even when it was towed in every time because it would just shut off. then the headlight issues are insane. every other month and that is no exaggeration i have to replace either low beams, high beams, brake lights & tail lights. *tr | |||
| 02/01/2008 | 72000 | 2 | 08/01/2005 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia sorrento. while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to overheat. the contact inspected the vehicle and notice the coolant was low. approximately a week later he inspected the vehicle again noticed that there was a crack in the reservoir tank. he replaced the reservoir tank. as of april 15, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. in addition, the driver side headlights, tail lights and brake lights failed intermittently. as of april 15, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle for this failure. the contact felt that the electrical system caused the failure. the failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 76,000. | |||
| 11/25/2005 | 34600 | 8 | 08/01/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. the contact stated that after he gets an oil change, the vehicle's exterior and interior lights blow out. as of may 17, 2007, the dome light is currently out and has been since november 25, 2005. kia motors stated that even though her vehicle was under warranty, she still had to pay for the repair costs. kia also stated that in order to keep her warranty, the contact would need to pay $1,000 plus the repair costs. the dealer and the manufacturer have not provided a satisfactory explanation as to what is causing the failure. the failure has occurred approximately eight times. she stated that the battery had to be replaced even though it was also still under warranty. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage is 62,000 and failure mileage was 34,600. the dealer stated gas pedal sticks when accelerating . the consumer stated she hd to purchase 2 batteries. updated 06/07/07 *tr | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 1500 | 40 | 04/01/2003 |
| Vehicle is a 2003 kia sorento with 70,000 miles, purchased new. vehicle appears to have serious electrical issues. i have, to date, replaced light bulbs approximately 38 times. this includes head light bulbs (high and low), fog light bulbs, tail light bulbs and brake light bulbs. also the clock only works intermittently and the power sun roof has ceased working. dealer offers no solution. this has been ongoing since the first month of ownership. *nm | |||
| 02/01/2003 | 12 | 01/25/2003 | |
| 2003 kia sorento, headlights since new have continued to burn out (theirs/ours any manufacture) it does not make a difference if they install or walmart (except for price$$$) parts and labor now exceeds $500.00 and now my wife has both to burn out at approximately the same time. dealers (3) have stated it was the alarm which was installed when we purchased the vehicle new. the frustration has now reached the point we must get rid of it . *nm | |||
| 03/08/2006 | 30000 | 12 | 08/14/2003 |
| Have had nothing but problems with the dash clock going out, headlamps-6 times now, and brake lamps 3x in 3 months! was told by service dept at kia that the car over charges itself causing problems with the electrical system. wrote kia a letter trying to get them to take care of the problem or pay me back for this car and buy it back on 3/7/06. *jb | |||
| 11/07/2005 | 28 | 02/22/2003 | |
| Electrical failure,cooling system failure,rough running-engine misfire purchased car 2-22-2003 brand new this car has spent a lot of time on the dealers lift. also has seen its share of tow trucks. in the past 1 1/2 years i have replaced 18 left side headlights,23 right side head light ,16 fog lights,8 license plate lights and 6 tail lights the truck has been to 3 dealers and they all say its either normal or it's only because i did not buy the bulbs from kia well some i did and they do not last either. the last time it was in they had the truck for 9 1/2 minutes and told us there is nothing wrong and for $149.00 they will put in a new bulb. no warranty on how long it will last..... the truck also misfires and the dealer also cannot fix it they say the computer says its good so it must be good. well you can feel the misfire even the dealers mechanic stated it is misfiring but he cannot fix it maybe after the warranty is over we will be able to find the problem..... another problem is the cooling system in the past 3 years it has had the recovery tank replaced 2 times the radiator replaced the connecting y behind the motor replaced ... i have spent over $200.00 on rent a cars with no help from kia each time my car is towed in this car is still under warranty so why cant they fix it o yeah the last thing is the fog lights are melting or shall i say its the inside chrome coating is burning and i was told its not warranty and there about $85.00 each why wont kia meet with me ?????????????? can anyone please help me. *nm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 11/03/2006 | 71000 | 1 | 06/01/2003 |
| I had a 1 year old battery replaced, which was defective (non-kia dealer). afterwards, i noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. kia dealer said it was due to a bad sensor ($300 part, $300 labor). it was too expensive for me to pursue correcting. i told the dealer to forget the repair. *nm | |||
| 07/15/2006 | 11/25/2003 | ||
| While driving on saturday, 7/15/06, i noticed a high pitched noise while steering. i was under the impression that the power steering fluid was low. after having an oil change and capping off my fluids, the noise continues and remains while driving. it is loud enough to hear over the radio and the air conditioner at the same time. i have placed this car in the shop for numerous repairs since its purchase in 2003 and have spent countless amounts of money on various problems, including replacing the bulbs, repairing the braks, the check engine light coming on immediately after purchase, the air bag sensor remains on and the list goes on and on. i have placed numerous complains to kia directly as well as filed a compliant with the better business bureau to no avail. it would be my assumption that kia will only be concerned about fixing these issues or recalling these vehicles only after some serious incidents have occurred. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 05/19/2009 | 67000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. after removing the key from the ignition, the contact noticed that the engine was still running. she is in the process of having the vehicle inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 67,000. | |||
| 10/04/2004 | 58947 | 3 | |
| 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. *ak 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. *jb | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 12/15/2006 | 87000 | 1 | 04/07/2004 |
| 2003 kia sorrento - constantly replacing headlights and tail lights. recently started experiencing interior lighting problem. lights come on and will not go out during driving and while heat is on. dash lights go out and will not come on - no assistance from the dealership. *jb | |||
| 07/15/2006 | 11/25/2003 | ||
| While driving on saturday, 7/15/06, i noticed a high pitched noise while steering. i was under the impression that the power steering fluid was low. after having an oil change and capping off my fluids, the noise continues and remains while driving. it is loud enough to hear over the radio and the air conditioner at the same time. i have placed this car in the shop for numerous repairs since its purchase in 2003 and have spent countless amounts of money on various problems, including replacing the bulbs, repairing the braks, the check engine light coming on immediately after purchase, the air bag sensor remains on and the list goes on and on. i have placed numerous complains to kia directly as well as filed a compliant with the better business bureau to no avail. it would be my assumption that kia will only be concerned about fixing these issues or recalling these vehicles only after some serious incidents have occurred. | |||
| 12/26/2005 | 25000 | 15 | 02/22/2003 |
| Electrical failure,cooling system failure,rough running-engine misfire purchased car 2-22-2003 brand new this car has spent a lot of time on the dealers lift. also has seen its share of tow trucks. in the past 1 1/2 years i have replaced 18 left side headlights,23 right side headlights ,16 fog lights,8 license plate lights and 6 tail lights the truck has been to 3 dealers and they all say its either normal or it's only because i did not buy the bulbs from kia well some i did and they do not last either. the last time it was in they had the truck for 9 1/2 minutes and told us there is nothing wrong and for $149.00 they will put in a new bulb. no warranty on how long it will last..... the truck also misfires and the dealer also cannot fix it they say the computer says its good so it must be good. well you can feel the misfire even the dealers mechanic stated it is misfiring but he cannot fix it maybe after the warranty is over we will be able to find the problem..... another problem is the cooling system in the past 3 years it has had the recovery tank replaced 2 times the radiator replaced the connecting y behind the motor replaced ... i have spent over $200.00 on rent a cars with no help from kia each time my car is towed in this car is still under warranty so why cant they fix it o yeah the last thing is the fog lights are melting or shall i say its the inside chrome coating is burning and i was told its not warranty and there about $85.00 each why wont kia meet with me ?????????????? can anyone please help me. *nm | |||