2005 KIA Sorento
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sorento › 2005
These records cover every 2005 KIA Sorento. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
307 complaints17 involved a crash5 involved a fire20 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Structure › Body · 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.
- 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 system
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 · 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.
- 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…
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 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?
- 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…
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 !
- Exterior lighting · 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…
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 the brake light didnt work,as well as my cruise control stopped working at the same time.went to an auto care store they replaced both of the lightsand again tail lights worked but when I pressed brake pedal no lights. Checked and replaced the fuse just to be sure and at this point I got on the internet and seen 285 complaints with the same problem and the majority of them said there cruise control had stopped working as well as the sportage model and the KIA soul.most suggestions said replace the brake switch. I also checked for faulty wiring and that has not appeared to be the problem and mechanics 90 % of the time were unable to resolve the issue. Why has there not been a recall or some solution to this problem researched by KIA mechanics? Im still waiting for the answer and I suspect many other people are too!!!!!!thank you very much and ihope you will be able to solve this or issue a recall on the brake switch? Or the cruise control sensor maybe idk.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Air bags
Passenger air bag seat matt faulty. Passenger airbag does not come on.
- Air bags
The airbag light IS shows up on the board of the car need to know was going on with the car
- Engine
The harmonic balancer mounting bolt sheared and stripped the threads in the crankshaft of my 2005 KIA serento. The mechanic had my car for 3 months trying to fix this problem. This IS evidently a design issue and should have a recall issued. This problem cost me a lot of money to fix. (The car was in motion when the harmonic balancer fell off) my wife struggle to get the car home due to lost of belts.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have a 2005 KIA and the gas tank seems to be splitting at the seams nothing I did or have done to cause this it has become a big fire risk
- Unknown or other
The drive shaft pulley fell off not only on mine I know 2 others that drive a KIA and theirs fell off also
- Unknown or other
Battery and brake light came on and lost power steering control, power steering belt came off and ac belt had to get towed home. When I went under the hood noticed the damper pulley was wobbly the bolt in the middle was still in place had this happen twice before issue was fixed and it happened…
Battery and brake light came on and lost power steering control, power steering belt came off and ac belt had to get towed home. When I went under the hood noticed the damper pulley was wobbly the bolt in the middle was still in place had this happen twice before issue was fixed and it happened again. Can't afford to take to a professional mechanic because I'm a single mother of 4 children and I need my car running. I was driving into a shopping plaza parking lot when it happened and as I turned in that's when this happened.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
I was driving down the highway with my 7 month old baby in the backseat in his child seat. I was about 10 miles into my drive when I heard a puff and a small whistle of air. I thought my passenger window had come down some or maybe I had left the door opened and it was letting air in. When I tried…
I was driving down the highway with my 7 month old baby in the backseat in his child seat. I was about 10 miles into my drive when I heard a puff and a small whistle of air. I thought my passenger window had come down some or maybe I had left the door opened and it was letting air in. When I tried to put my ear closer to the sound I heard it coming from the top of my car. I turned to the sunroof cover and slid it open slightly to see what happened and I immediately noticed the whole glass was cracked. As I kept going down the road I could hear small pieces of glass falling off and into the slot where the sunroof slides into. If I would have had that open there could have been sharp pieces of glass that could have fallen onto my baby.
- Engine
KIA had a lawsuit involving the crankshaft bolt. The lawsuit IS yvonne robinson vs KIA. I bought the vehicle from someone with only 25,000 miles last year 2017. My children were driving back to college on 11 august 2018. The crankshaft bolt broke which causes the vehicle to lose steering. My…
KIA had a lawsuit involving the crankshaft bolt. The lawsuit IS yvonne robinson vs KIA. I bought the vehicle from someone with only 25,000 miles last year 2017. My children were driving back to college on 11 august 2018. The crankshaft bolt broke which causes the vehicle to lose steering. My children were almost in a terrible accident which could have cost them their lives. My sons go to school in atlanta and the crankshaft broke in north carolina. I had my children call our insurance company for roadside assistance and they couldn't fix it obviously because it was the crankshaft bolt. He got them safely to pepboys and they had to spend the night in north carolina and the next day pepboys confirmed it was the crankshaft bolt. I found out there was a lawsuit concerning the crankshaft bolt. Pepboys said it would be $2000 to fix. I called KIA on 13 august 18 and they told me they would take care of it and would call in a couple days. They are still giving me the run around. This was something that was involved in a lawsuit and it concerns safety. Please help me hold KIA accountable. They know this IS a defective product. The vehicle IS still in north carolina because I'm waiting to hear back from KIA. I'm a retired navy veteran who deserves to be treated fair and not have my loved ones life at risk because of their defective products
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA sorento. While driving 10 mph, the crankshaft detached from the vehicle, causing the vehicle to come to a compete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer (KIA store clarksville, 826 e…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA sorento. While driving 10 mph, the crankshaft detached from the vehicle, causing the vehicle to come to a compete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer (KIA store clarksville, 826 e lewis and clark pkwy, clarksville, in 47129, (866) 545-2429) where the crankshaft was replaced, but oil started leaking from the camshaft seal after the repairs. The manufacturer was called and stated that further repairs were not covered under the warranty. The failure mileage was 123,000.
- Service brakes · Suspension · Wheels
My wife drives this car primarily. She asked me last week to see what I thought about weird noises from the rear brakes when applying. I could not recognize the noises, so I took it to a local shop. The technician has found extreme rust issues with the rear axle link brackets on the axle housing…
My wife drives this car primarily. She asked me last week to see what I thought about weird noises from the rear brakes when applying. I could not recognize the noises, so I took it to a local shop. The technician has found extreme rust issues with the rear axle link brackets on the axle housing being rusted out and no longer connected. I have dealt with vehicle repair most of my life, and know this IS an extremely dangerous condition. My wife carries her 83 year old mother, and our 3 year old grand daughter. I will not allow her to drive it until I am able to get it on a lift and investigate for myself. I do not have a spare vehicle at this time I have found this to be a very widespread problem on these autos, and am inquiring if there IS any knowledge of there being a recall for this issue.
- Engine
While driving down the interstate the car's engine caught fire. melted everything in engine. when told I needed a new engine, I sold the car to a junk yard for parts. now, I hear this recall. So pissed@
- Electrical system
I drove my KIA and parked in a grocery parking lot. I came back outside to find my car's engine compartment was totally engulfed in flames. The fire department was actively putting out the flames as I approached. No warning this would occur. KIA has refused to return my calls or emails. Very…
I drove my KIA and parked in a grocery parking lot. I came back outside to find my car's engine compartment was totally engulfed in flames. The fire department was actively putting out the flames as I approached. No warning this would occur. KIA has refused to return my calls or emails. Very reliable vehicles (i bought 2 brand new in 2005). Very dangerous, and apparently not an unheard of event with certain kias. Several reports online and in person. Could have been disastrous had I been driving, or parked closer to other vehicles (or any structure).
- Electrical system
Truck has a manufacturer defect (among many) as stated in service bulletins 2004-2014 that causes alternator radio frequencies to interference with transmission signaling thus shutting off or interrupting shift signaling due to inadequate shielding of transmission to tcm cable. This causes the…
Truck has a manufacturer defect (among many) as stated in service bulletins 2004-2014 that causes alternator radio frequencies to interference with transmission signaling thus shutting off or interrupting shift signaling due to inadequate shielding of transmission to tcm cable. This causes the truck to cut out between 3RD and 4TH gear consistently when ascending or descending steep mountain passes at high altitude. As there was no advance warning of failure of shift kit to downshift, brakes had to be used on icy roads to slow an underpowered/overweighted truck. This IS a very dangerous issue requiring expert driving skills to navigate and should have been addressed, but was not, by KIA motors as a refund of purchase price and recall of trucks. the files regarding this problem and other problems with this vehicle are so vast they would crash your system. I have them if needed and can provide hard copies as the stack IS about 3 inches deep and spans 11 years. I have 2 key factors that are also factors here. !. I am the daughter of a race car driver and skilled at navigating car issues. 2. I have been very ill for a decade and unable to work so have been caught in the refusal of KIA to address the issues with this vehicle as I am unable to sell the car. I would feel it unconscionable to pass these issues on to another less capable driver. Needless to say it has been enormous stress to own this defective car and stress to try to get KIA motors to step up to the responsibility of their warranties, and customer satisfaction guarantees in spite of the problems being apparent almost from point of sale.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Have experienced repeated failure of cam sensor, cam shaft pulley bolt, failure of engine cooling system, failure of clutch assembly and transmission, failure of air conditioning, failure of electrical system for exterior lights.. All issues are as documented by the hundreds and hundreds of…
Have experienced repeated failure of cam sensor, cam shaft pulley bolt, failure of engine cooling system, failure of clutch assembly and transmission, failure of air conditioning, failure of electrical system for exterior lights.. All issues are as documented by the hundreds and hundreds of complaints by other owners who are waiting for an investigation, a recall, or enough deaths and injuries to receive any assistance of any kind from this organization or the manufacturer. I can not justify spending one more dollar ( $16,000 in the 3 years since purchased for $4,000).to repair this vehicle and it IS once again inoperable for the same issues. . No car dealer wants it as a trade in, the standard offer IS $300. I cannot sell it to anyone and then face myself in mirror. perhaps a public sake... $1 per minute to anyone who wants to bash a KIA (sledgehammer provided). Proceeds will be applied to purchase of replacement vehicle, which will not be a KIA.
- Structure › Body
Complete brake failure while driving about 50 mph. Repair shop informs that the trailing arm support brackets and rear of the frame are so badly corroded that the axle was dislodged from the frame. The movement of the axle severed a brake line, which IS secured to the cross member structure.…
Complete brake failure while driving about 50 mph. Repair shop informs that the trailing arm support brackets and rear of the frame are so badly corroded that the axle was dislodged from the frame. The movement of the axle severed a brake line, which IS secured to the cross member structure. Corrosion was from the inside out. On visual inspection the metal in the cross member and brackets appeared to be sound, but we were able to peal away the structure with our fingers. This type of corrosion begins years before failure.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL 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.
- 10183431TSB - 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
- 10133170PITSTOP - 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.
- 10109812TSB: 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.
- 10109777TSB: 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.?
- 10090606Pitstop: 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.
- 10060226Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10037693KIA: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. This IS caused by a problem within the transfer motor.
- 10037420KIA: fuel tank air filter reminder. The air filter can accumulate dirt over time and needs to be maintained.
- 10034246KIA: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may cause the mil to illuminate and a dtc p1330 (spark timing adjust) to be stored.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10028268KIA: head light bulb life concern. There may be concerns of short headlamp bulb life in vehicles. A new resistive wire harness has been introduced to extend the life of the low beam bulbs.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10025153Sorento icv replacement.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10021446Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5L engines.
- 10020679Transmission shift hesitation.
- 10019926Crankshaft bolt torque.
- 10019917Possible abnormal vibration/noise when shifting from park to drive or reverse due to insufficient torque at the rear driveshaft retaining bolts at the transfer case.
- 10019639Canister close valve inspection/replacement. Malfunction indicator light (mil) related to the canister close valve and/or evaporative system.
- 100185062003-2005 clocks not holding time or resetting - frequently asked questions.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
- 10016839New 5-speed automatic transmission.
- 10015908Wheel guard replacement to prevent dirt, ice and snow from accumulating on the evaporative system air filter.
- 10015749New name & maintenance schedule for evap canister vent filter. KIA technician times.
- 10015526Key gets stuck in the ignition lock cylinder.
- 10015317New special service tool (sst) kit.
Every KIA Sorento model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.