2005 Kia Sorento problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Exterior Lighting (36) · Steering (35) · Engine (35)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Kia Sorento model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
256 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (27)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure 2021-09-13 · TSB_BOD055_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 tha
Engine And Engine Cooling 2018-03-02 · PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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:mechanical 2017-01-18 · TSB-GEN085R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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, washe
Latches/Locks/Linkages 2016-11-04 · TSB-GEN085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2016-04-04 · PS443 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 cab
Engine 2013-01-17 · PS233 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 norm
Showing the 6 most recent of 27 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-04-07 · Unknown Or Other“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.…”
2023-09-06 · 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.…”
2023-07-18 · 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 sinc…”
2022-10-13 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“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).…”
2022-05-27 · Suspension“rear suspension rusted from chassis. google search shows multiple people with same issue. issue making car unsafe to drive. car has extreme rust problems. …”
2022-03-24 · Engine · 100,000 mi“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 contac…”
2022-02-01 · 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 dea…”
2021-11-24 · Unknown Or Other“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 …”
2021-03-19 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control“noticed that i had a brake light out on the passenger side,replaced it with proper bulb 1157.a double filament bulb. it appears that is also the tail light? checked light and it worked but later realized that when i pressed the brake pedal the brake light was out.the next day noticed the driver tail light was out and replaced it but later realized …”
2021-01-28 · Structure:body · 💥 crash“a truck hauling cars came through my neighborhood and as he was turning he hit my car with the trailer when my vehicle was parked and did not stop.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.