P0303 on KIA SORENTO — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0303 mean on a KIA SORENTO?"

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 7 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0303 on KIA SORENTO?"

"Based on 7 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0303 serious on my KIA SORENTO?"

"Of 7 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SORENTO, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my KIA SORENTO shows P0303?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0303 Means on Your KIA SORENTO

P0303 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

7 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2014-2022. Most reports come from the 2016, 2014 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (42.9% of reports).

Real KIA SORENTO Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Hi, I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento SX 2014, rpm and acceleration problems, for over two long years, sometimes shut off itself, some times codes shows up but no all the time, already changed spark plugs, High pressure fuel pump and the connector, two injectors, starter, MAP sensor, etc."

— 2014 KIA SORENTO owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 10/24/2020

"I'm dealing with my Kia Sorento 2014 SX for about two years a bit more, with acceleration problems and sometimes shut off itself when still I'm in D drive and the scary part still on the road with my family, brought theToronto and because isn't codes sometimes they don't know what the problem is, di"

— 2014 KIA SORENTO owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 11/18/2020

"The engine (I think engine) stalls out, and several times the engine has completely died. Almost causing me and the other car involved a very serious accident."

— 2016 KIA SORENTO owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 03/26/2024

"Driving on the highway, the check engine light came on and the car began running rough. I pulled over off the highway as soon as I could and had the car towed. I was told the car has no compression on cylinder 3 and has codes P0300, P0301, and P0303."

— 2016 KIA SORENTO owner · ENGINE · Filed 02/25/2022

"Vehicle has been burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles. Last week the engine light came on. I checked the oil and added 2 quarts. The engine light didn't go off. I checked the code using a engine code reader. It stated a P0303 code."

— 2016 KIA SORENTO owner · ENGINE · Filed 01/09/2022

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

2

'14

3

'16

1

'18

1

'22

Common Causes on KIA SORENTO

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 42.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14.3%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14.3%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 14.3%

STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14.3%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0303 mean on a KIA SORENTO? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 7 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0303 on KIA SORENTO? ▾

Based on 7 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my KIA SORENTO? ▾

Of 7 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SORENTO, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my KIA SORENTO shows P0303? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.