2003 Kia Sorento - Maintenance & Specs
The 2003 Kia Sorento belongs to a Kia Sorento lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 14 model years, from 2003 to 2026. Engine options on record include the 3.5L, 3.5L V6. It is configured as rear-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. This 2003 car is the earliest model year on record for the Kia Sorento.
It takes 5W-20 conventional oil, 4.8 qt with a new filter meeting API SN. Fluid specs on file include Long Life coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid, SP-IV transmission fluid. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 26 ft-lb, lug nut 80 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around engine and engine cooling (56), fuel system, gasoline (33), fuel/propulsion system (28). A representative report reads: "For some reason, KIA has halted production of the Air Bag Clock Spring mechanism for 2003 Kia Sorento's EX with cruise control. In my opinion, this was a vital..." There is 1 safety recall on record; one covers: 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..
EPA fuel economy is rated at 14 city / 18 highway MPG, 15 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $2,900.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Oil type | Conventional |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 4.8 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SN |
| Oil filter | Wix 51394 |
| EPA combined | 15 MPG |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Coolant | Long Life |
| Open recalls on record | 1 |
| Technical service bulletins | 19 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
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Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.