Two problems related to side/window air bag 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.
My daughter was driving a 2003 kia sorrento and fell a sleep at the wheel after college exams. She drove into the rear of a tractor trailer tanker at approximately 40 mph. None of the air bags deployed as a result of the accident. She had a concussion and a cracked sternum. State farm insurance declared the car a total loss due to a bent frame, engine mount failure and a totaled front end. After contacting kia, their response to the accident was that the angle the car hit the trailer, was such that none of the sensors was compromised , there for the air bags did not deploy. Basically is was not their problem with their equipment of the car.
: the contact stated while driving on a paved street at 35 mph, the drivers side-impact and both frontal air bags deployed. There were no indicator lights illuminated prior to the incident and the vehicle did not impact anything to cause the deployment. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road without incident. No injuries were sustained and seat belts were in use. The vehicle was towed to dealer. Upon inspection, the computer diagnostic test indicated the vehicle had been in a major collision. The dealer is awaiting approval from the manufacturer before repairs are made. Updated 5/22/2006 -.