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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1517 |
| 2012 | 876 |
| 2013 | 980 |
| 2014 | 983 |
| 2015 | 747 |
| 2016 | 1245 |
| 2017 | 799 |
| 2018 | 251 |
| 2019 | 421 |
| 2020 | 132 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 185 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 72 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: engine — 63 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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 PISSED@
NHTSA ODI report, 20180529
18% of complaints: exterior lighting — 56 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20180506
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, 20060103
15% of complaints: air bags — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20130416
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, 20051122
DT: CALLER STATES HER SON HAD AN ACCIDENT AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050526
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (49 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.