2005 Kia Sorento: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 24, 2021 · DE

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 !

Filed Jan 12, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 6,000 miles · OH

I purchase my 2005 kia sorrento lx new from taylor kia in toledo ohio.also purchased extra warranty for bumper to bumper.a couple months after I had purchase vehicle my headlight started going out I would take it back get it fixed come back home and another one would be out take it back come back to weeks later another headlight would be out. Then the headlights &taillights would go out and brake lights would go out this went on with every single light on my vehicle.continue to call taylor kia to have the service then about the sixth time one of my lights went out they told me they would not service my vehicle anymore even though it was completely covered everything on my vehicle from bumper-to-bumper. They also red flag to me on their computer so that I could not have my vehicle service because of this problem with my kia sorrento. At one point I even had the service manager tell me that his service guys were upset with me because I did not give them a good rating when my car was not fixed to jd powers.I got kia corporate involved which did absolutely no good because they said that they would someone someone from california to fix my vehicle and ended up not sending anyone sent a wire harness instead. Of course that's did not fix the problem but they would not do anything else to try to find out why all my lights on my vehicles was going out at one time or another.they also told me that my kia was the only one that ever had this problem and they had never heard of this problem before but I could clearly drive down the street see other kia sorrento's with headlights out. Then I got online and read about how many kia had the same problem but kia corporate would not do a thing about it and taylor kia would not do anything at that point. Now my car is broke down with the cam sensor and also crank sensor and bolt because of an issue with these kia sorrento's.

Filed Jun 3, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 60,000 miles · SC

The vehicle has had several electronic issues. One owner with a garage parked low mileage SUV. The driver seat will not move forward. All other adjustments work fine. This issue has happened several times over the years but now seems to be a permanent problem. The interior overhead light does not illuminate when you open the doors, the driver side door open alarm dings for no apparent reason and the brake lights continually burn out.

Filed Mar 19, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · OH

Driving approx 55mph, my lights seemed to dim then my battery and brake light came on. I immediately turned my heater, radio, dashboard lights and lights to low. I continued driving for nothing else seemed to be wrong and was going to pull over when I noticed my power steering also was not working. I was able to get myself to a safe place to stop and put the car in park, it began making an odd sound (thinking a possible belt) it then made a popping sound thinking I broke a serpentine belt, I then turned the engine off and had my mechanic look at it. He said the crankshaft bolt had broken off and was an estimated $3000+ repair. I have also had issues with crankshaft sensor which caused my car to not turn over without a jump. After that was repaired I had to buy a new battery that prior to the winter season tested out to be good. Ihave also been told I need to replace a spark plug which could cost hundreds to replace because of the location. I have to replace headlights/taillights more than normal.I have seem to have issues with alignment and have put 2 sets of tires on after noticing abnormal wear on the insides, I've had it aligned twice. I still owe $6100 on a car that I would have to put $3000 into and now have nothing to drive!

Filed Mar 3, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 145,000 miles · IL

Vehicle has had continual premature light bulb burnouts of all exterior lamps, headlights, tail lights and stop lights. This happens every 1-2 months.

Filed Feb 6, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 20,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia sorento. The contact stated that there was a burning odor of wires present in the vehicle and the headlights failed. In addition, the air conditioner failed and that the four wheel drive would not engage. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the compressor failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Electrical · 1,500 miles · ID

Headlights, brake light, interior light, radio, have all failed multiple times. I replace headlights and break lights every three months. I have had both headlights go out, one before I could get the other fixed. None of the dome lights work, I have no automatic lighting in the car. They dim based on weather and the terrain I am driving on. The radio went out shortly after I bought it, and the same thing happened shortly after. Sometimes it works and sometimes the car has to be running for a while before it will work. So many problems.

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 101,000 miles · GA · crash

Driving approximately 55mph 22 nov 2013, heard a thump from engine compartment, and lost all power to vehicle, ending up in a ditch. Engine stopped, no steering, no brakes. Dash lights illuminated. Vehicle would not re-start. Crank pulley bolt broke off. Over 5 hours to extract remainder of bolt to repair engine. $1359 in repairs. Now, 22 sept 2014, 10 months later, had same happen on highway at 70mph in heavy traffic. Thankful I was in a lane at the edge of the roadway. Current mileage slightly under 114,000. Yeah. 10 months and 13000 miles and another huge repair bill. No recall, kia claims no liability. Other issue: interior lighting turns itself off and on at whim. Headlights burn out every 45-90 days.

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 93,000 miles · GA

Interior electrical lighting turns itself off and on. Headlights will occasionally shut themselves off. Lights regularly burn out/need replacing every 45-90 days. Dash lights haven't worked in over a year - fuse regularly blows, gave up on replacing it.

Filed Aug 5, 2014 · Engine, Lights · CA

From the time I got the car head lights have repeatedly burned out after a month or two, also dash lights go off randomly and flicker and then come back on when ever they decide,my power steering went out, brake light came on and A/C went out all at once. Started to overheat, so it was determined the serpentinre belt had broke,replaced belt and vibration under hood was noticeable but could not determine the source., but somewhere under the hood. Still replacing headlights every couple months, then power steering fluid started to be consumed and constantlyt required adding fluid, then had a mechanic check for leak and he replaced some hoses and clamps but vibratiion continued and eventually power steering began loud noise when car started and only when reved up would noise stop, and when A/C was on sometimes would effect the power steering noise. Replaced the powersteering pump, still the noise continued and recently the belt came off while I was driving and brake light came on , I was able to get safely off the road and didnt cause an acciedent, but very close call, belt had come off but after minor adjustment it was put back on, vibration noise has become worse, I am affraid to drive it, mechanic looked at it and said harmonic balance seems to be off and root of problem is crank shaft bolt most likely , common problem , however during the time in kia dealership for other recall issues , crank bolt was never brought to my attention as being a problem in my year or model car, non it turns out it is a major problem and legal action has been taken by class action suit dealing with same issue.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · PA

On 7/30/14 I noticed my dashboard lights were not working. The morning of 7/31/14 the lights still were not working so I checked the fuse boxes. I found a blown fuse in the fuse box under the hood and replaced it. The dashboard lights still would not work. The evening of 7/31/14 I again checked the fuses and found the fuse I had just replaced in the morning was again blown. I replaced the fuse and had my husband stand at the front of the vehicle while I turned the ignition and headlight switch on. Immediately upon turning on the headlight switch we heard a "pop," checked the fuse and it had once again blown. We tried a third fuse and it blew as well as soon as I turned on the headlight switch. Three fuses in one day and still no answer on how to get my dashboard lights to work.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 115,085 miles · PA

I bought my kia new it has sports package , I have had to replain shop all the time ce headlights 4 times the last 6 months it has been total mess power steering pressure hoses blew out then in may went to air port picked up daughter car was nothing no start tow truck ..auto shop first said plug in reader said crank shaft sensor then it said starter bad so replaced starter it starts but it now whines I took it back he said it is the starter brand . I am always worried if it will start and if I have lights I love my kia but it has had electric problems from day 1 kia should recall 2005 due to this . Last night I was driving and it went from reg drive to low it has shifter it has button that has to be pushed in to change drive over drive low I never pushed it it did it on its own there is a big problem wish kia would step up and recall I want to keep my car it is well taken car of but I cant keep pouring money in it big $ last 6 months over 2500 is there a way to do law suit I have seen tons pep with headlights issues sents I replaced my first ones also paint on doors open all gone I never even use back seat doors so how is it coming off is there a lawyer out here who oiwns a kia help......