MotorDeets

2005 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2005 Kia Sorento: 0 recalls, 307 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
307owner complaints
17mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2005 Kia Sorento
Photo: Corvettec6r · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Engine63
Exterior lights53
Electrical49
Engine & cooling44
Airbags43
Steering39
Transmission & drivetrain38
Suspension25

What owners describe

The 2005 Kia Sorento has 307 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 425). Complaints peaked in 2014 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 84,400 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (220 complaints, 0 recalls), 2006 (242 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.5 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Regular
3.5 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive151916Regular
3.5 L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141816Regular
3.5 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131815Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Kia Sorento.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2005 Kia Sorento manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2005 Kia Sorento manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2005 Kia Sorento manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2005 Kia Sorento manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2005 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2005 Kia Sorento. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2005 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners have filed 307 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (63), exterior lights (53), electrical (49).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Kia Sorento get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2005 Kia Sorento repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sorento years

200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026