The 2003 Kia Sorento has 77 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.
77
Fuel System complaints
18%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
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.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
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.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPEWED BACK OUT OF THE FILLER NECK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUEL SPLASHED ALL OVER THE FLOOR AND HIS CLOTHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE…”
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the 2003 Kia Sorento fuel system — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the fuel system: 05V353000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.