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2005 Kia Sorento

The Verdict

43 Proceed with Caution

The 2005 Kia Sorento has 307 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (115 complaints) and electrical (106 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 43/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Kia Sorento, consider the 2024 model year which has 88% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 88% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Kia Sorento dashboard →

43

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200339214219214
20045752810030
200552910611525
20062913819623
20072921721319
20085219784719
20091172449
201150794357325226
20121186616348631
20132036414352632
20142845618141932
20151962412737919
20163181711572260
20171831815441517
2018735551123
2019129117117825
2020305136811
20225811125841
2023388173011
2024145971
2025245121911

By Category

Engine
115
Electrical
106
Body
52
Transmission
25
Brakes
9

By Severity

1
139
2
146
4
21
5
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Transmission 1

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.

27mo ago
Engine 2

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.

34mo ago
Engine 1

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.

36mo ago
Electrical 5

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).

45mo ago
Body 1

Rear suspension rusted from chassis. Google search shows multiple people with same issue. Issue making car unsafe to drive. Car has extreme rust problems.

50mo ago
Engine 1

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.

52mo ago
Electrical 2

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?

54mo ago
Body 2

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 !

56mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

64mo ago
Body 4

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.

66mo ago
Electrical 1

PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT MATT FAULTY. PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT COME ON.

68mo ago
Electrical 1

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS SHOWS UP ON THE BOARD OF THE CAR NEED TO KNOW WAS GOING ON WITH THE CAR

78mo ago
Engine 2

THE HARMONIC BALANCER MOUNTING BOLT SHEARED AND STRIPPED THE THREADS IN THE CRANKSHAFT OF MY 2005 KIA SERENTO. THE MECHANIC HAD MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS EVIDENTLY A DESIGN ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED. THIS PROBLEM COST ME A LOT OF MONEY TO FIX. (THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE HARMONIC BALANCER FELL OFF) MY WIFE STRUGGLE TO GET THE CAR HOME DUE TO LOST OF BELTS.

81mo ago
Engine 2

I HAVE A 2005 KIA AND THE GAS TANK SEEMS TO BE SPLITTING AT THE SEAMS NOTHING I DID OR HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS IT HAS BECOME A BIG FIRE RISK

83mo ago
Body 1

THE DRIVE SHAFT PULLEY FELL OFF NOT ONLY ON MINE I KNOW 2 OTHERS THAT DRIVE A KIA AND THEIRS FELL OFF ALSO

86mo ago
Body 1

BATTERY AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL, POWER STEERING BELT CAME OFF AND AC BELT HAD TO GET TOWED HOME. WHEN I WENT UNDER THE HOOD NOTICED THE DAMPER PULLEY WAS WOBBLY THE BOLT IN THE MIDDLE WAS STILL IN PLACE HAD THIS HAPPEN TWICE BEFORE ISSUE WAS FIXED AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE TO A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC BECAUSE I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN AND I NEED MY CAR RUNNING. I WAS DRIVING INTO A SHOPPING PLAZA PARKING LOT WHEN IT HAPPENED AND AS I TURNED IN THAT'S WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

93mo ago
Body 2

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 7 MONTH OLD BABY IN THE BACKSEAT IN HIS CHILD SEAT. I WAS ABOUT 10 MILES INTO MY DRIVE WHEN I HEARD A PUFF AND A SMALL WHISTLE OF AIR. I THOUGHT MY PASSENGER WINDOW HAD COME DOWN SOME OR MAYBE I HAD LEFT THE DOOR OPENED AND IT WAS LETTING AIR IN. WHEN I TRIED TO PUT MY EAR CLOSER TO THE SOUND I HEARD IT COMING FROM THE TOP OF MY CAR. I TURNED TO THE SUNROOF COVER AND SLID IT OPEN SLIGHTLY TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE WHOLE GLASS WAS CRACKED. AS I KEPT GOING DOWN THE ROAD I COULD HEAR SMALL PIECES OF GLASS FALLING OFF AND INTO THE SLOT WHERE THE SUNROOF SLIDES INTO. IF I WOULD HAVE HAD THAT OPEN THERE COULD HAVE BEEN SHARP PIECES OF GLASS THAT COULD HAVE FALLEN ONTO MY BABY.

94mo ago
Engine 2

KIA HAD A LAWSUIT INVOLVING THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT. THE LAWSUIT IS YVONNE ROBINSON VS KIA. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM SOMEONE WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES LAST YEAR 2017. MY CHILDREN WERE DRIVING BACK TO COLLEGE ON 11 AUGUST 2018. THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT BROKE WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE STEERING. MY CHILDREN WERE ALMOST IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WHICH COULD HAVE COST THEM THEIR LIVES. MY SONS GO TO SCHOOL IN ATLANTA AND THE CRANKSHAFT BROKE IN NORTH CAROLINA. I HAD MY CHILDREN CALL OUR INSURANCE COMPANY FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT. HE GOT THEM SAFELY TO PEPBOYS AND THEY HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE NEXT DAY PEPBOYS CONFIRMED IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT CONCERNING THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT. PEPBOYS SAID IT WOULD BE $2000 TO FIX. I CALLED KIA ON 13 AUGUST 18 AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT AND WOULD CALL IN A COUPLE DAYS. THEY ARE STILL GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A LAWSUIT AND IT CONCERNS SAFETY. PLEASE HELP ME HOLD KIA ACCOUNTABLE. THEY KNOW THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN NORTH CAROLINA BECAUSE I'M WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM KIA. I'M A RETIRED NAVY VETERAN WHO DESERVES TO BE TREATED FAIR AND NOT HAVE MY LOVED ONES LIFE AT RISK BECAUSE OF THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS

96mo ago
Engine 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CRANKSHAFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER (KIA STORE CLARKSVILLE, 826 E LEWIS AND CLARK PKWY, CLARKSVILLE, IN 47129, (866) 545-2429) WHERE THE CRANKSHAFT WAS REPLACED, BUT OIL STARTED LEAKING FROM THE CAMSHAFT SEAL AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT FURTHER REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

97mo ago
Brakes 1

MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR PRIMARILY. SHE ASKED ME LAST WEEK TO SEE WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT WEIRD NOISES FROM THE REAR BRAKES WHEN APPLYING. I COULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE NOISES, SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP. THE TECHNICIAN HAS FOUND EXTREME RUST ISSUES WITH THE REAR AXLE LINK BRACKETS ON THE AXLE HOUSING BEING RUSTED OUT AND NO LONGER CONNECTED. I HAVE DEALT WITH VEHICLE REPAIR MOST OF MY LIFE, AND KNOW THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION. MY WIFE CARRIES HER 83 YEAR OLD MOTHER, AND OUR 3 YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER. I WILL NOT ALLOW HER TO DRIVE IT UNTIL I AM ABLE TO GET IT ON A LIFT AND INVESTIGATE FOR MYSELF. I DO NOT HAVE A SPARE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM ON THESE AUTOS, AND AM INQUIRING IF THERE IS ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THERE BEING A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.

98mo ago

307 total

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