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.
The worst 2005 Kia Sorento problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine106
- Lights55
- Electrical49
- Airbags43
- Steering39
- Transmission38
- Suspension25
- Body14
- Brakes14
- Fuel system12
- Seats8
- Acceleration6
- Seat belts4
- Locks3
- Driver assistance2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Kia Sorento
Headlights 63Power steering loss 32Loss of power 19Engine failure 16Airbag light 15Ball joint 12Check engine light 12Stalling 12Grinding brakes 8Harsh shifting 8Knocking 7Won't start 7No deployment 5Fire or smoke 5Overheating 5Steering noise 5
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Kia Sorento 27
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Pitstop: unusual fuel trim values and/or misfire codes after incorrect engine repair - this outlines the...
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Kia: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes
- Kia: fuel tank air filter reminder
- Kia: intermittent MIL on with no fault code stored; information about DTC P1330
2005 Kia Sorento fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 19-20 | 16 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 18 | 15-16 |
What 2005 Kia Sorento owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 !
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.
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.
Compare the 2005 Kia Sorento
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Other model years
200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2005 Kia Sorento
Is the 2005 Kia Sorento reliable?
Owners have filed 307 complaints about the 2005 Kia Sorento, 1.2 times a typical Sorento model year.
What is the 2005 Kia Sorento year score?
The 2005 Kia Sorento scores 67 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sorento: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Kia Sorento?
Engine and cooling, with 106 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles. Next is lights (55).
How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Sorento have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Kia Sorento have bad engine?
The Kia Sorento model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (722 complaints), 2013 (516 complaints) and 2012 (475 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Kia Sorento get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Kia Sorento range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 19-20 highway.
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