Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 307 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Kia Sorento, most frequently naming the engine, exterior lighting and electrical categories. 27 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2014 | 2 | 177 |
| Mar 2014 | 4 | 181 |
| Apr 2014 | 4 | 185 |
| May 2014 | 3 | 188 |
| Jun 2014 | 4 | 192 |
| Jul 2014 | 3 | 195 |
| Aug 2014 | 4 | 199 |
| Sep 2014 | 6 | 205 |
| Oct 2014 | 4 | 209 |
| Nov 2014 | 5 | 214 |
| Feb 2015 | 5 | 219 |
| Mar 2015 | 3 | 222 |
| Apr 2015 | 5 | 227 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 228 |
| Jun 2015 | 3 | 231 |
| Jul 2015 | 5 | 236 |
| Aug 2015 | 4 | 240 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 241 |
| Oct 2015 | 3 | 244 |
| Nov 2015 | 5 | 249 |
| Dec 2015 | 2 | 251 |
| Jan 2016 | 4 | 255 |
| Feb 2016 | 6 | 261 |
| Mar 2016 | 2 | 263 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 264 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 265 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 266 |
| Jul 2016 | 4 | 270 |
| Sep 2016 | 3 | 273 |
| Oct 2016 | 2 | 275 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 276 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 277 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 278 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 279 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 280 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 281 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 282 |
| Jan 2018 | 2 | 284 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 285 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 287 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 288 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 289 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 290 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 291 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 292 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 293 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 294 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 295 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 296 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 297 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 298 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 299 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 300 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 301 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 302 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 303 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 304 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 305 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 306 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 307 |
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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.
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.
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 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).
Rear suspension rusted from chassis. Google search shows multiple people with same issue. Issue making car unsafe to drive. Car has extreme rust problems.
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.
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 that I am remote, isolated, or unable to get a jump. I carry jumper cables in my car at all times because I never know when I may need them. Sometimes, it takes a long time to charge the battery enough to even start my car. Sometimes the battery is so dead, that the key fob doesn't even work and I have to manually open my doors...other times it's a quick jump. I have to always park my car in a position that I'm able to access the battery for a jump, if need be. I regularly went through (high-end) batteries well before their expiration date and took my SUV into the KIA dealership for diagnostics regularly - and the only answer they had is that the cause must be a "phantom (electrical) draw," which they were never able to identify. I also took my SUV into other mechanics and battery specialists, but no one had any answers for me. Still, after 17 years, I have this same problem and burn through a lot of batteries. No answers. The dealership stopped assisting me, even when I was still on my extended warranty. No help from Corporate. Very disappointed in KIA in their response over all these years, beginning with my purchase of the brand new 2005 KIA Sorento. I have always taken my SUV into the KIA dealership for the regularly scheduled service. Have others had this problem?
My 2005 Kia Sorento’s 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 can’t go no where after 5 in the winter time since my lights go out and I have errands to run, school and work. I’ve heard this happens too often. This is a problem that not only should be addressed but is extremely dangerous for all drivers !
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
ENGINE
PITSTOP: UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES AND/OR MISFIRE CODES AFTER INCORRECT ENGINE REPAIR - THIS OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR YOU ENCOUNTER A COMPLAINT RELATING TO MIL ON (DTC P)#)X) WITH A MISFIRE DURING ACCELERATION AND/OR YOU FIND UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PARAMETERS.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 68 | 3 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2024 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 2023 | 114 | 3 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2022 | 184 | 6 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 2021 | 235 | 4 | 1 | 59.5 |
| 2020 | 131 | 1 | 1 | 62.6 |
| 2019 | 419 | 2 | 1 | 61.3 |
| 2018 | 248 | 3 | 1 | 64.4 |
| 2017 | 795 | 4 | 3 | 66.2 |
| 2016 | 1,241 | 8 | 3 | 65.9 |
| 2015 | 747 | 3 | 4 | 59.9 |
| 2014 | 982 | 6 | 8 | 65.3 |
| 2013 | 979 | 5 | 10 | 64.0 |
| 2012 | 876 | 5 | 10 | 68.1 |
| 2011 | 1,517 | 8 | 10 | 62.5 |
| 2010 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 2009 | 55 | 3 | 1 | 54.2 |
| 2008 | 217 | 3 | 3 | 62.7 |
| 2007 | 154 | 4 | 3 | 58.9 |
| 2006 | 242 | 1 | 1 | 44.6 |
| 2005Viewing | 307 | 0 | 0 | 35.8 |
| 2004 | 220 | 0 | 0 | 39.3 |
| 2003 | 305 | 1 | 1 | 43.3 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.