Model year record
2005 Kia Sorento recalls & problems
The 2005 Kia Sorento has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 307 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (63 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2005 Kia Sorento.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2005 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SAB
| Frontal crash | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| Side crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Not Rated |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Sorento 2WD
| City / highway | 14 / 20 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Sorento 2WD
| City / highway | 15 / 19 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Sorento 4WD
| City / highway | 14 / 18 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel
Sorento 4WD
| City / highway | 13 / 18 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 63 | 101,000 mi |
| Exterior lightingHeadlights; Brake lights | 56 | 47,000 mi |
| Electrical systemWiring; Ignition › Switch | 49 | 67,625 mi |
| Air bagsFrontal › Sensor/control module; Frontal | 45 | 65,000 mi |
| Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system | 45 | 70,500 mi |
| SteeringHydraulic power assist system | 39 | 106,000 mi |
| Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission | 38 | 94,000 mi |
| SuspensionRear; Front | 25 | 108,000 mi |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 98,000 mi |
| StructureBody; Frame and members › Underbody shields | 14 | 124,000 mi |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 79,500 mi |
| SeatsFront assembly › Recliner; Front assembly › Power adjust | 8 | 48,000 mi |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Structure › Body
Vehicle's rear end bolts rusted through had to replace the rear-end, we also had a 2004 that the frame rusted and broke in half, and the rear-end rusted out on it too. It was said it was caused by a design flaw that wouldn't allow the water to drain properly. They have recalls on it in the uk and other countries.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I am experiencing a recurring issue with gas backflow at the gas pump, whereby gasoline expulses back out of the nozzle and onto my hands and clothing. It happens every time.
- Engine
When driving there was a clunking noise and then the steering was hard to steer and the battery light came on & had to have it towed to find out that the harmonic balancer bolt broke. There are hundreds of complaints online about this same issue happening with these engines as this is a poor design. This is a safety hazard and very dangerous since you loose the steering and should be recalled.
- Electrical systemFire1 injury
Electrical fire under drivers dash. While trying to drive the kia . called fire department and they responded quickly. I know there was recall on 2006 and believe 2005 should have been included Thanks [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Structure › Body
Rear suspension rusted from chassis. Google search shows multiple people with same issue. Issue making car unsafe to drive. Car has extreme rust problems.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while turning left, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that all her strength was needed to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft bolt needed to be replace. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
The battery fails constantly, which means I am faced with a dead battery and a car that won't start. This has happened with no pattern of circumstance; for example: the battery will be dead after driving for 15 miles, parking for 10 minutes while shopping, and returning to a dead battery; or after the car has been parked all day, only to have a dead battery; or a dead battery after being parked at my house overnight (in every sort of weather condition); it is completely random...and, be assured, I do not leave ANY ELECTRICAL items (radio, temperature controls, interior or exterior lights, etc.), turned on when I park my car. Therefore, I do not feel safe driving and parking my car ANYWHERE…
- Unknown or other
My 2005 Kia Sorentoâs headlights keep going out. I get new bulbs and even replaced the whole headlight thing and checked the wiring hoping to fix the problem and nothing. Works great for one day and then the next one or both are out. It is very dangerous to myself and my children who are under the age of 5. This is my only vehicle as I am a single mother and cannot afford the constant repairs let alone a new vehicle. This is ridiculous. I canât go no where after 5 in the winter time since my lights go out and I have errands to run, school and work. Iâve heard this happens too often. This is a problem that not only should be addressed but is extremely dangerous for all drivers !
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.