2005 KIA SORENTO

0 recalls, 457 complaints - 39 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

457 total complaints 31 crashes 7 fires 37 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	64
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	46
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	44
STEERING	38
POWER TRAIN	27
AIR BAGS	27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	24
SUSPENSION	22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	17

Incident date: Apr 7, 2020

Driving down highway at normal speed. Car lost all engine power, still on but indicated gear shift was not in drive. Pulled off to side of highway. Put drive in park. Dash came up with a bunch of warnings. Turned off. Turned back on. Same warnings happened. Put it in drive and it just start go... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2020

On my 2023 Honda crv sport the steering wheel sticks, you have to constantly be correcting it. it is annoying and one could easily over compensate causing an accident.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2020

Incident date: Sep 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the driver's side floor mat was the incorrect fit for the year, make, and model vehicle. The contact stated that the floor mat was obstructing the brake a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2023

Car only has 1400 miles on it and is brand new. The engine for the car wont start when utilizing the push button within the car or app. The engine will only start by using the key fob. Initially we thought it was the battery, but after being able to turn the car on from the key fob, it was confir... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2022

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. 55... Read more

Fire 1 injured 1 deaths

Incident date: May 24, 2022

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

Incident date: May 24, 2022

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

Incident date: Mar 18, 2022

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 bo... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2005

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 t... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2021

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... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2021

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... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2021

Incident date: Jan 27, 2021

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.

Crash

Incident date: Sep 30, 2019

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

Incident date: Jan 15, 2020

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

Incident date: Jul 12, 2019

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 I... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2019

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

Incident date: Jun 11, 2019

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

Incident date: Nov 5, 2018

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 AGAI... Read more

Incident date: Oct 22, 2018

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 22, 2018

Incident date: Aug 11, 2018

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 CHILDRE... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2018

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 L... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2018

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 BEI... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2018

Incident date: May 15, 2015

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@

Fire

Incident date: Jan 22, 2018

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. KIA HAS REFUSED TO RETURN MY CALLS OR EMAILS. VERY RELIABL... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 20, 2006

TRUCK HAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT (AMONG MANY) AS STATED IN SERVICE BULLETINS 2004-2014 THAT CAUSES ALTERNATOR RADIO FREQUENCIES TO INTERFERENCE WITH TRANSMISSION SIGNALING THUS SHUTTING OFF OR INTERRUPTING SHIFT SIGNALING DUE TO INADEQUATE SHIELDING OF TRANSMISSION TO TCM CABLE. THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK... Read more

Incident date: Jan 8, 2018

HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED FAILURE OF CAM SENSOR, CAM SHAFT PULLEY BOLT, FAILURE OF ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM, FAILURE OF CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND TRANSMISSION, FAILURE OF AIR CONDITIONING, FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR EXTERIOR LIGHTS.. ALL ISSUES ARE AS DOCUMENTED BY THE HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAI... Read more

Incident date: Jan 8, 2018

Incident date: Dec 27, 2017

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH. REPAIR SHOP INFORMS THAT THE TRAILING ARM SUPPORT BRACKETS AND REAR OF THE FRAME ARE SO BADLY CORRODED THAT THE AXLE WAS DISLODGED FROM THE FRAME. THE MOVEMENT OF THE AXLE SEVERED A BRAKE LINE, WHICH IS SECURED TO THE CROSS MEMBER STRUCTURE. CORROSI... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2017

SEAT SENSOR ON MY KIA SORENTO FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. WHEN A PASSENGER SETS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS ON. YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR, YOU DRIVE AND THE LIGHT STAYS ON. CITY OR HIGHWAY TRAVEL, THE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME INDICATING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IF... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2017

Incident date: Sep 17, 2017

HARMONIC BALANCER IS FALLING OFF . HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS WHERE OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND THEIRS ARE ACTUALLY FALLING OFF. AS WELL AS A LAWSUIT IN FEBRUARY

Incident date: Jul 25, 2017

THE GAS PEDAL ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH ONLY HAS 22K MILES ON IT, IS HARD TO PRESS DOWN INTERMITTENTLY WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN YOU PULL OUT IF IT'S GOING TO GO OR NOT AND HAVE TO PRESS HARD ON THE PEDAL. I'M TOLD IT WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED WHICH THERE A... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2017

PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FAILED, VEHICLE IS OTHERWISE IN PERFECT CONDITION. THE REPAIR IS ALMOST 2000.00. WITH THIS REPAIR NEEDED THE VEHICLE WON'T PASS INSPECTION, SO WHAT IS OTHERWISE A PERFECTLY FINE VEHICLE IS NOW SCRAP. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS HARDLY USED ( MAYBE 20% OF THE VEHICLE USE ) SO A FAILU... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2017

THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26 AND TODAY MARCH 1ST

Fire

Incident date: Jan 3, 2017

MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 MILES PER HR TO WORK (30 MILES FROM HOME) IN POURING RAIN WHEN ENGINE, BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. THANK GOD THAT I MADE IT TO WORK SAFELY BUT THEN ONLY TO REALIZE THAT POWER STEERING HAD LOCKED UP. LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, POWER STEERING FLUID A... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2017

Incident date: Dec 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKETS ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WERE CO... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2016

Incident date: Aug 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SORENTO. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2016

WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 KIA SORENTO, WAS COMING TO A STOP, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED AND THE REAR END SHIFTED, THE TIRE STARTED RUBBING ON THE BODY. GOT IT UNDER CONTROL AND PULLED OVER. CHECKED UNDER VEHICLE AND FOUND THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF OF THE FRAME. HAD TO... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED UNDER THE REAR AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Incident date: Sep 20, 2016

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RTE 24 WHEN CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF CAUSING ENGINE AND BRAKE LIGHTS TO COME ON. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL AND TO STEER THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO NEARLY GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. SUBSEQUENTLY, MY VEHICLE GOT TOWED FROM THE HIGHWAY TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHO INFORMED ME THAT MY 2005 ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2016

Showing 50 of 457 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2005 KIA SORENTO

39 manufacturer communications from 25 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	5
350000 EQUIPMENT	3
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER	3
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	3
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL	2
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	2
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	2

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

PITSTOP: UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES AND/OR MISFIRE CODES AFTER INCORRECT ENGINE REPAIR - THIS OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR YOU ENCOUNTER A COMPLAINT RELATING TO MIL ON (DTC P)#)X) WITH A MISFIRE DURING ACCELERATI

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

KIA: THERE MAY BE ERRATIC SHIFTING, SHIFT SHOCK, AND A MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. THIS IS CAUSED BY A PROBLEM WITHIN THE TRANSFER MOTOR. *RM

092300 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER

KIA: FUEL TANK AIR FILTER REMINDER. THE AIR FILTER CAN ACCUMULATE DIRT OVER TIME AND NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. *RM

071110 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

KIA: FUEL TANK AIR FILTER REMINDER. THE AIR FILTER CAN ACCUMULATE DIRT OVER TIME AND NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: INTERMITTENT MIL ON WITH NO FAULT CODE STORED; INFORMATION ABOUT DTC P1330. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES. IN AFFECTED VEHICLES AN INTERMITTENT SHORT TO GROUND IN A CIRCUIT ONLY INTENDED FOR TESTING PURPOSES MAY C

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: ECM UPGRADE WITH TP SENSOR REPLACEMENT-MIL ON WITH DTC P2135/P0638. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

KIA: HEAD LIGHT BULB LIFE CONCERN. THERE MAY BE CONCERNS OF SHORT HEADLAMP BULB LIFE IN VEHICLES. A NEW RESISTIVE WIRE HARNESS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE LOW BEAM BULBS. *PE

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

KIA: HEAD LIGHT BULB LIFE CONCERN. THERE MAY BE CONCERNS OF SHORT HEADLAMP BULB LIFE IN VEHICLES. A NEW RESISTIVE WIRE HARNESS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE LOW BEAM BULBS. *PE

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SORENTO ICV REPLACEMENT. *NJ

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR W/ 3.5L ENGINES. *KB

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE VALUE RESET/RELEARN. *KB

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION SHIFT HESITATION. *KB

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

CANISTER CLOSE VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) RELATED TO THE CANISTER CLOSE VALVE AND/OR EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM. *TT

063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

CRANKSHAFT BOLT TORQUE. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

POSSIBLE ABNORMAL VIBRATION/NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TORQUE AT THE REAR DRIVESHAFT RETAINING BOLTS AT THE TRANSFER CASE. *TT

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

WHEEL GUARD REPLACEMENT TO PREVENT DIRT, ICE AND SNOW FROM ACCUMULATING ON THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM AIR FILTER. *TT

350000 EQUIPMENT

NEW SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) KIT. *TT

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

2003-2005 CLOCKS NOT HOLDING TIME OR RESETTING - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. *TT

116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *TT

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

ENHANCED DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR FOR P0446/P2422. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NEW 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

NEW NAME & MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR EVAP CANISTER VENT FILTER. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SORENTO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Loss of Motive Power

On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine. W... hen the investigation was opened, ODI had received 13 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) related to reports of loss of motive power. In an information request letter dated November 30, 2023, ODI requested technical information and failure data relating to the alleged defect in the subject MY 2016-2017 Kia Sorento as well as several peer vehicle populations which share the 3.3 L engine. In its February 26, 2024, response to ODI’s information request, Kia provided 2022 customer complaints (including techline and field reports) and 1738 warranty claims representing 2411 unique vehicles within the subject vehicle population. Of the customer complaints provided by Kia, they identified only 53 unique allegations of a loss of motive power resulting from the alleged defect. Kia determined that the remaining reports were minor vehicle drivability or engine performance issues. ODI reviewed the information provided by Kia, along with additional VOQs submitted to NHTSA following the opening of the investigation. When eliminating duplicative reports across the data sources, the total number of allegations of loss of motive power relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles is 77, representing an incident report rate of 59 per 100,000 vehicles. The MY 2016 Kia Sorento exhibited both the highest overall complaint rate and loss of motive power report rate across all subject and peer vehicle populations, representing an incident report rate of 102 per 100,000 vehicles. Across all data sources, there are no allegations of crashes or fires relating to the alleged defect. The one injury incident reflected in the failure summary table above is related to a consumer who was reportedly burned (minor burn requiring medical attention) while attempting to remove the coolant reservoir cap following a loss of motive power event. In their response to ODI, Kia described that if the threads of a head bolt hole in the subject engine becomes damaged, the clamping force between the cylinder head and engine block can decrease in the area of the affected head bolt. Kia’s assessment of the alleged defect is that when the failure occurs, drivers are provided with numerous warning signs prior to a potential loss of motive power event. According to Kia, potential warning signs associated with this failure include coolant leak/consumption or noticeable coolant odor, engine oil leak/consumption, engine temperature gauge rising to “H” (hot), check engine light illuminating, engine cooling fan remaining on following the engine being shut off, HVAC system not functioning properly, unusual engine noise, difficulty starting the vehicle, and smoke/condensation emitting from the engine compartment or exhaust. Through both its review of the information provided by Kia and outreach to consumers, ODI confirmed that there is reasonable detectability present in the vast majority of occurrences of the alleged defect. To mitigate the alleged defect, Kia increased the engagement depth of the head bolt threads for all subject engines, beginning in May 2017. ODI’s analysis of the failure data demonstrates that this corrective action correlates with a much lower incident report rate for engines produced following the change (8 per 100,000 vehicles for the MY 2018-2020 Kia Sorento). In December 2023, Kia launched extended warranty campaign WTY035 covering failures associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicle population through 15 years or 180,000 miles, whichever comes first. Through its investigation, ODI identified the following peer vehicle populations, which were produced prior to the corrective action and exhibit failure rates comparable to the subject vehicles: MY 2014-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2015-2016 Kia Sedona, and MY 2014-2017 Kia Cadenza equipped with the 3.3 L engine. Through discussions with ODI during the investigation, Kia decided to launch extended warranty campaign WTY039 in May 2024, which covers these peer vehicle populations through 15 years or 180,000 miles, whichever comes first. Based on analysis of the failure data indicating a low incident report rate of loss of motive power for the alleged defect, and in consideration of the warning signs which frequently occur from head gasket and/or head bolt failure in the subject engines, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak

In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with... little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publiRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Headlight Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on seventy-four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting headlight failures on model year (MY) 2011-2013 KIA Sorento vehicles.In its response to ODI's June 25, 2020, information request letter (portions of w... hich were submitted under request for confidentiality), Kia Motor America (Kia) provided design details of the headlight system showing that each headlight circuit is independently powered by the Smart Junction Box (SJB), a power control module. Kia claimed that the design minimizes the chance of both headlights failing simultaneously due to a headlight connector defect, a component located downstream of the SJB. Kia also advised that the SJB contains a safety feature designed to monitor power consumption for each headlight circuit; if excessive current is being demanded by either headlight the SJB will open the circuit (i.e., stop supplying current). Lastly Kia presented testing showing that the maximum headlight connector temperature achieved prior to the SJB opening the circuit was below the autoignition temperature of the plastic material the connector housing is made of, which Kia maintains eliminates the potential for a fire originating from an electrically overheated headlight connector. In its review of all available data, ODI determined that the majority of both VOQ and Kia customer complaints (1,339 reports in total) involved the loss or dimming of a single low beam headlight assembly caused primarily by a poor or overheated connector terminal located at the headlight. In some cases the failures were momentary in nature (i.e., flickering) with the headlights coming back on without driver intervention. A minority of VOQs and Kia complaints (the 196 Other reports) alleged simultaneous (and persistent) loss of both low beam headlights, and in most cases the driver was able to take an action (e.g., toggle the headlight switch, or use the ON rather than the AUTO setting on the headlight switch) to reinstate the low beam headlights. The high beam headlights were not seen to be affected and were available for drivers to use as alternate lighting.ODI did not identify any crashes or injuries, nor any fire incidents caused by a headlight related defect. While some VOQ and Kia reports alleged or indicated a fire occurrence, the incidents were found to involve melting or smells/odors due to thermal overheating of the plastic headlight connector housing, rather than an open flame fire.ODI notes that in April 2019, Kia initiated a 10 years/unlimited mileage warranty extension program to replace the headlight connector for MY 2011-2013 Sorento vehicles.Based on this analysis, a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time, and ODI is closing the investigation. This does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect is not present; the Agency will take further action if warranted by additional information received.The reference (ODI) numbers for the VOQs cited above are included in the downloadable version of this closing resume available at NHTSA.gov.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage

The investigation focused on spontaneous breakage (fracture) of the panoramic sunroof (sunroof) on MY 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles. The sunroof is constructed of tempered glass (often referred to as ?safety glass?), which, when broken, crumbles into granular chunks rather than splintering into jag... ged shards. The failure summary above shows NHTSA reports identified by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), and reports submitted by Kia from start of production of the subject MY 2011-2013 Kia Sorento through October 8, 2019, the date of ODI's last request for Kia data.Reports of sunroof failures typically occurred while the vehicle was in motion and often described a loud noise when the fracture occurred. If the sunshade is closed when the sunroof fractures, the particles are contained, otherwise the particles can drop into the passenger compartment.Reported injuries generally were minor in nature, such as nicks and cuts that often occurred when complainants were cleaning-up glass particles post-incident. No crash incidents have been identified, and complaints display a declining trend since 2014.During EA14-002, ODI requested and obtained failure data for the subject vehicles, the MY 2014 Sorento (which used a similar sunroof from a different supplier), and other peer Kia products (Optima and Sportage).ODI also requested and obtained failure data for peer vehicles produced by Hyundai, Ford, Nissan, and Volkswagen and failure reports through a General Order NHTSA issued to 13 OEMs (including Kia) in April 2016.This produced a significant volume of data upon which ODI bases this closing. NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) also conducted testing on the subject sunroofs in an attempt to better understand potential hazards.In its responses to ODI, Kia states it has continuously monitored sunroof failure allegations throughout this investigation, and that the only consistently identified cause is external impact from foreign objects. Kia notes that the sunroof complies with the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for glazing, and that it has not identified a manufacturing defect or assembly process error despite significant investigative efforts. Kia maintains that the field data supports its conclusion that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety does not exist, citing a comparatively moderate failure rate, low injury risk posed by tempered glass, and the lack of an identified defect mechanism. Kia further notes it has received no reports of crashes due to driver distraction related to roof failure events, nor is NHTSA aware of any such reports.NHTSA's April 2016 General Order requested data on vehicles with panoramic glass sunroofs greater than 0.5 square meters in area. The response identified 97 distinct models produced over 11 model years totaling some 10 million vehicles. Over 4,000 sunroof fractures were reported (none of which alleged a crash due to driver distraction) forming a high to low frequency continuum by model.While the subject vehicles were at the high end of the spectrum, they were not the highest.Through its analysis of the information obtained to date, ODI has not identified sufficient evidence of a safety-related defect in the subject sunroof. This includes the absence of any suggestive trends by region, seasonality, date of production, or vehicle age, together with the minor nature of the alleged injuries and the lack of crash allegations in the subject or any of the peer vehicles. Accordingly, the investigation is closed. ODI will take further actions if warranted by new evidence. The reference numbers for the ODI failure reports cited above, as well as additiRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Panoramic Sunroof Breakage

On October 21, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-035 in order to further examine claims that the sunroof would spontaneously break on 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles.The majority of these claims occurred while the vehicle was in motion.Glass shattering while driving may distr... act the driver, and the resulting glass particles which enter the passenger compartment may injure occupants.To date, ODI has received a total of 26 reports of sunroof breakage on the subject vehicles. Of those, 24 occurred while the vehicle was in motion.There were also four (4) injury incident reports for minor cuts/scratches. Kia submitted a total of 123 field incidents related to sunroof breakage in response to ODI's information request. Of this number, ODI identified 78 unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs), with 9 matching ODI complaint vehicles.Sixty of the submitted reports occurred while the vehicle was in motion.Fourteen (14) of the submitted reports alleged minor cuts/scratches from falling glass.Kia also submitted a total of 101 warranty and goodwill claims for sunroof replacement, of which 86 unique VINs were identified.Kia stated in its response that their field inspections identified only one potential cause for the sunroof breakage - external impacts from rocks or other foreign objects encountered while the vehicle was in motion.In the other instances, no evidence of a defect was found, however, Kia's inspection results were inconclusive as to a cause for the breakage.Kia advises that the Sorento sunroofs also have a greater surface area than many other vehicles, potentially making them more susceptible to road debris strikes.While ODI recognizes that the Sorento may be more at risk due to its larger impact area, the rate of ODI reported incidents is concerning.Thus, the investigation has been upgraded toan Engineering Analysis (EA14-002) to further analyze the scope, frequency, and consequence of these failures.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10345933, 10410440, 10432904, 10453957, 10466987, 10478778, 10492886, 10502219, 10508983, 10514388, 10531972, 10534883, 10553341, 10555931, 10556212, 10562460, 10562516, 10563779, 10564555, 10567351, 10568629, 10572959, 10575487, 10583122, 10583626, 10584650Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

Fuel Spill During Refueling

Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the gro... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2007

Air Bag Occupant Classification System

The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

AIR BAG OCS

KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETI... Read more

KIA SORENTO - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SORENTO across all model years (2003, 2026).

79 Total Recalls

14,060 Total Complaints

8 Investigations

576 Reported Crashes

486 Reported Fires

14 Reported Deaths

KIA SORENTO - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	8	View
2025	3	128	View
2024	2	57	View
2023	3	208	View
2022	6	290	View
2021	4	367	View
2020	1	191	View
2019	2	632	View
2018	3	340	View
2017	4	1,041	View
2016	8	1,635	View
2015	3	964	View
2014	6	1,379	View
2013	5	1,298	View
2012	5	1,208	View
2011	8	2,077	View
2010	2	3	View
2009	3	79	View
2008	3	319	View
2007	4	224	View
2006	1	382	View
2005 (current)	0	457
2004	0	341	View
2003	1	421	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2005 KIA SORENTO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2005 KIA SORENTO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SORENTO

KIA SORENTO - All Years Overview

KIA SORENTO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models