2005 Kia Sorento
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 307
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
None on file
None on file
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 307 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
21% · 63 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-29
Exterior lighting
18% · 56 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and brake lights.
Electrical system
16% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-06
We had issues from the beginning with a fire in the center console of our pre-owned Kia. Then we noticed the light for the passenger side air bags was intermittent on picking up whether there was a passenger in the seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-03
Air bags
15% · 45 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2005 Kia Sorento hydroplaned . The SUV flipped over 3 times and hit an concrete wall. My airbags and seat belt failed to secure me . Kia says that my car does not have roll over airbags that they are not responsible for my injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-16
Also filed under Seat belts
Dt : the contact"S wife was going approximately 65 to 70 MPH when vehicle collided with a deer . This was a frontal left corner and side impact. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-22
Dt: caller states her son had an accident and none of the air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-26
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 45 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 56 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 49 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Sorento have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.