Two problems related to loud engine noise have been reported for the 2003 Kia Motor Sorento. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Kia Motor Sorento based on all problems reported for the 2003 Sorento.
The car started making a scrubbing sound and the brakes would not work. The next day the brakes worked scrubbing sound continued and we were told by the mechanic that the engine needs replacing.
On July 20, 2007 driving home from work in the rain, on the highway my car made a loud noise and I lost steering and did everything I could to not hit cars beside of me and the poor guy behind me from crashing in to me. Called my husband who came and picked up the harmonic balance off the highway, lifted the hood to find a large bolt (now I know crankshaft bolt) broken. Which I have. I searched and found where there were several complaints and that kia was going to recall. I called kia on the 1st of Aug. (car has been sitting in my driveway because it has 68000 miles and I am the second owner), who had my car towed to the rusty wallace kia in louisville, TN. (checked the mail when I came home and there was a recall on crankshaft bolts) imagine that. It is still sitting there at the dealership. They keep telling me the district manager is trying to decide whether or not to fix it. I had spoken to a couple of tech's. And they told me my motor was gone. The bolt broke off inside the motor. Kia is now jerking me around. I have had to put off vacation and my husband and I are sharing a vehicle which is costing me a fortune in gas because we work in opposite directions and I work about 30 miles from my home. Can not get any help. I have researched and found huge complaints about this. Kia has known about this.