Hey Sorento owners

We own an '03 Sorento, and except for the malfunctioning digital clock in the dash, nothing has gone wrong in 25,000 miles to write about. It runs very well, pulls our camper with no problems, is comfortable and quiet. I wish that it had a little better mileage, but I guess you give-and-take, and we had to give up a few MPG in order to get a heavier built vehicle that could tow well, unlike all of it's competitors in the same price range. I also wish I could access the spark plugs myself, but since it has platinum plugs I won't be worrying about them too soon (actually the dealer won't be worrying about them too soon).

I use nothing but synthetic motor oil in it (Mobil-1 10w-30), and installed a valve in place of the oil drain plug to make changing the oil less messy. I would like to see a taller oil filter with more filtering media on it, however. Does anyone know if there is a filter that has the same base and thread sizes but is about twice as tall as the stock one? I use Purolator PureOne filters and never had an issue, but I'd like to have a little more media than what the stock filter size provides. All the joints in the steering gear are sealed so there's nothing to lube with a grease gun. How much easier can you get?

As for the digital clock, the dealer offered to replace it under warranty but he'd have to disassemble the center dash to replace it and my wife is worried that it'll start to creak and click if we have it taken apart (it's her truck). For a month we had an issue where the center dome light wouldn't turn on when a door was opened, but that was probably some dirt on one of the switch contacts because it started working again and we haven't had a reoccurance in over three months.

Anything that we would complain about would be trivial at best - so what's there to write about? We already know how good it is.

Cheers - Jonathan

This is a really good Web site for Kia Sorento posts.

snipped-for-privacy@194.PN snipped-for-privacy@.efc!make=Kia&model=Sorento As for a larger filter I am sure someone makes one but I really don't see the need as the Hyunda V6 used in the Sorento's is a really clean burning power plant. I also use Mobil1 10-30 and it has been staying really clear.Not much can be done about the gas usage 12/15 The 05s now have a 5 speed auto. I don't have anywhere near 25K on mine and am going to watch close for any problems and if they happen will dump mine quickly. But so far all has been very good.

I have had a problem since November 2004 and the dealer has not been able to obtain the part a wheel bearing. You would think a part like that would be no big deal, but think again. So I limping around wondering how long before it just completely dies.

Took the words right out of my mouth or keyboard in this case. :-)

Problems:

Malfunctioning digital clock

---------------------------- Repaired under warranty

Recommend you get it repaired. Just check all buttons afterward as it is quite possible that one or more might not be connected after putting back the center console. Our rear defroster button stopped working after the repair. They fixed it immediately. Short connector housings/wires and not much wiggle room apparently.

Occasional rattle from the glove compartment

-------------------------------------------- Existed before the clock repair

Laziest ambient (outside) thermometer on the face of the planet

--------------------------------------------------------------- Takes several minutes to stabilize to outside temperature, either direction.

Will ask at next checkup.

That's it.

Mileage: 12,000 Kms (approx) = 7500 miles Age: 18 months Model: 03 EX-L

Since all bearings are standard ASE in sizing your dealer should be able to just get a replacment bearing at any automotive or machine supply store. I feel your dealer is just waiting for Kia to send their OEM wheel bearing and it won't be a bit better then any good quality ASE bearing.