Used Vehicle Review: Kia Sorento, 2003-2009

Consumer Reports shows that in older Sorentos, the engine is the source of most of the mechanical troubles, along with some drive system problems. In newer models, watch for emissions controls troubles, indicated by a check engine light. Sorentos of all years appear prone to warped brake rotors and a pulsating brake pedal. Climate control trouble seems common too, with CR indicating the air conditioning compressor as a primary failure point.

2003 Kia Sorento; photo by Paul Williams. Click image to enlarge

I did find this thread at Topix.net that discusses manual transmission problems; and this thread at Kia-Forums.com talks about crankshaft pulley bolt failures on the 3.5-litre engine. Here’s another, newer thread, on the issue that seems to confirm that Kia plans to recall 2003 and 2004 models (in the U.S., at least) to fix this problem.

A few posters in this thread complain of a four-wheel drive system that won’t engage. The debate is whether the cause is mechanical, or linked to the system’s electronic switch.

Crash safety is decent: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Sorento four and five stars in frontal and side impact testing for 2003 through 2007 models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Sorento an “acceptable” rating. Side airbags were standard from 2004 onward, and were available in 2003 on the uplevel EX model.

2008 Kia Sorento. Click image to enlarge

According to the Canadian Black Book, the Sorento’s used values range from $9,100 for a 2003 LX, to $29,975 for a 2009 LX Luxury model, with the 3.8-litre engine, leather, power driver’s seat, sunroof, and DVD entertainment system. I’d stick with something from 2007 or newer; a 2007 Sorento LX Luxury is worth $19,075, while the lower-spec SX carries a value of $17,675. Even with its improved engines, the 2007-and-up Sorento is still based on the same platform as the old models and will likely share at least some of the older models’ issues as the kilometres pile on. No matter what the vintage of Sorento you look at, have it checked over by a trusted mechanic and don’t even consider buying it if it doesn’t come with detailed maintenance records.

Regardless of model year, the Sorento is the type of SUV that I’d recommend buying only if you plan to use its off-road abilities. If not, then choose one of the many car-based models available, many of which will match the Sorento’s traction in snowy and gravel roads, and do it while returning better fuel economy and a more comfortable drive.

Pricing Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) January 2010: Year Model Price today Price new 2009 Sorento LX $27,125 $32,745 2008 Sorento LX $22,850 $32,645 2007 Sorento LX $15,900 $38,995 2006 Sorento EX $15,900 $34,625 2005 Sorento EX $13,575 $34,995 2004 Sorento EX $12,250 $34,545 2003 Sorento EX $10,525 $33,995 Online resources Information on the Sorento is tough to come by. The best Kia-centric site I found is Kia-Forums.com, where the Sorento forum is busy and seems to hold some useful information. There’s also Sorento forum. It’s not that busy, though, and there’s also no forum set aside for discussions on technical issues. You might have more luck that way going digging in the forums at Edmunds.com, where there are two Sorento forums: This one deals with maintenance and repair issues, while this one is an ongoing general Sorento discussion that started waaaaay back in 2002. Related stories on Autos Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Kia Sorento Buyer’s Guide: 2008 Kia Sorento Buyer’s Guide: 2007 Kia Sorento Buyer’s Guide: 2006 Kia Sorento Buyer’s Guide: 2005 Kia Sorento Recalls Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005244; Units affected: 738 2003: Certain vehicles may experience a fuel leak from the main fuel tube and/or the return tube near the fuel tank due to interference (insufficient clearance) with the vehicle frame. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tubes.  Transport Canada Recall Number: 2008212; Units affected: 13,411 2003-2005: Certain vehicles may experience a fuel leak from the main fuel tube and/or the return tube near the fuel tank due to interference (insufficient clearance) with the vehicle frame. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tubes. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2009140; Units affected: 11,386 (includes other models) 2006-2007: Certain vehicles may experience a fuel leak from the main fuel tube and/or the return tube near the fuel tank due to interference (insufficient clearance) with the vehicle frame. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tubes. Crash test results National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.

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