Problems with 2003 Kia Sorento STRUCTURE

Takata recall...rear suspension always rots out. the sub frame is bad.

While driving i heard a clunk and a the car began rolling side to side. i limped to a mechanic and was told that the frame where the suspension and all parts connect was rusted out. frame repair said this can not be fixed as the frame is rusted out. where the stabilizer and suspension connects. teh car only has 149,ooo miles and is in north carolina. i have read other reports of a rusted out support frame on this site. will the manufacturer replace this frame.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. while driving at 55 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the harmonica balance in the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. in addition, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the harmonica balance needed to be replaced and the rear axle corroded and needed to be welded. the vehicle was repaired; however, while at an independent mechanic for routine service, the mechanic stated that the subframe was corroded. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 79,000.

Approx. a week prior heard a noise like something was loose and beating underneath the car only at times. took it to local garage and put it on rack and the mechanic had me to come look for myself. my heart dropped. the frame is shot. it's eat up. he asked me if there was a recall on this car? and as far as i know there isn't, but for sure, should be. this is very dangerous. one big bump and the whole thing is gone. you can touch it and the metal flakes off. this car runs so good and still is a good looking car. has always been in a garage never left out in the weather. the mechanic told me they don't make cars like they used too. my answer was maybe so, but this is what gets people killed, i am a person that when something i know is not right or hear a noise i know that shouldn't be that way!! i get it checked out. now some people don't that's why there's so many people killed on the roads due to defects on cars they paid thousands of dollars for. i need help!! what do i do now? i'm afraid to drive it to mailbox and back. *tr

While the car was in for an oil change the tech noticed a couple of brake lines looked wet, when they where checking the lines they noticed the rear sub-frame which the lines were connected too was totally rusted out. the car is no longer drivable due to the fact that this sub-frame holds the rear differential in place. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. while exiting the driveway with the brakes engaged, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was excessive corrosion that fractured the subframe and damaged the brake lines. as a result, the brake lines needed to be replaced and the center section of the frame needed to be cut and replaced. the subframe was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle swerved out of lane independently. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact noticed that the entire rear sub frame had fractured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection and they informed the contact that the rear frame was severely damaged. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000. the vin was unavailable. updated 7/1/13 *cn updated 07/17/2013*js

Was having my tires changed when mechanic noticed a significant amount of rot on the frame on the right side rear where the arm connects to the frame. high potential for the arm to pull out of frame which could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. car started rusting around fenders and rockers 4 years ago. this frame rot is a structural integrity issue. contacted kia and said that due to mileage and year that it was not their issue regardless of the 3 previous claims i found on the nhtsa site and the fact that it is a manufactures defect. *tr

My 2003 kia sorento start vibrating as i was pulling into my driveway and before i can park it i heard a load noise and my steering wheel became very heavy to steer and almost loose control. i had a mechanic look into the issue and found the pulley bolt (harmonic balancer) broke in half. i had also check if this is an unusual problem - came to find out that this could potential design defect from kia. as there are thousand of them that has similar problem complained on the internet. i had called kia dealer ship and they are not helping on this design flaw issue. *tr

I purchased my 03 kia sorento in 2004 and have had many issues since then. i have had to replace lights from the front to the back numerous times. i've been driving down our remote country road at night and had my headlights go out. my coolant tank cracked and left me stranded on another country road in the snow last year. i later found out it was recalled for that particular defect; after i had it replaced. the lighting issue is my biggest concern right now because of where i live (remote country roads, deer at night, etc) i have to have properly functioning headlights at all times. now, i am having problems concerning the bearings on it. it makes a horrible screeching noise that is now; almost continuous. it doesn't matter the temperature outside, driving conditions, etc. it has become harder to steer and the power steering fluid is fine. i don't feel safe in this vehicle anymore, and i cannot afford to just go out and buy something new. i just ask that if fault lies with kia; then they should fix it at their expense....not mine! i have invested way too much time, money and patience thus far and feel it's kia's responsibility to make sure they create a vehicle that functions properly. and when they don't...fix it!!! as for the questions below; was there a fire?...not yet!!! was there property damage?....there probably will be when my bearings go out and the wheels fall off! where there any deaths or injuries?....dear lord, i pray every time i get in my truck that nothing like that ever happens to me or my son....but; with an unreliable vehicle that has constant electrical and mechanical problem; then who knows.... *tr

Both rear interior door panels and liftgate are rusting out on vehicle that is 1.5 years old (and garage kept). kia states they have a "5-year/50k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty" for poor craftsmanship & faulty materials. apparently, a brand new vehicle rusting out doesn't meet kia's definition as covered under warranty and will not fix it. kia's warranty is overstated. no vehicle (even one's built into 1950's rust out with in a year. poor materials....lousy warranty. *tr

Rust spots appear on the rear liftgate within the warranty period for paint. both auto manufacturer and dealership did not follow up. then the warranty coverage is over and the problem is getting worst. *nm