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.

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.
What owners describe
- Engine (63): the most common themes are warning light on (18), noise or vibration (17).
- Exterior lights (53): the most common themes are electrical failure (15), warning light on (5).
- Electrical (49): the most common themes are electrical failure (24), warning light on (9).
- Engine & cooling (44): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (18), warning light on (11).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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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.