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 | 215 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1516 |
| 2012 | 875 |
| 2013 | 977 |
| 2014 | 976 |
| 2015 | 745 |
| 2016 | 1236 |
| 2017 | 788 |
| 2018 | 248 |
| 2019 | 414 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 225 |
| 2022 | 181 |
| 2023 | 104 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 67 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
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
15% of complaints: electrical system — 46 distinct reports on file.
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
14% of complaints: exterior lighting — 44 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: steering — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120621
9% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240407
SAFETY 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 electrical system issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (44 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.