Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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 complaints by other owners who are waiting for an investigation, a recall, or enough deaths and injuries to receive any assistance of any kind from this organization or the manufacturer. I can not justify spending one more dollar ( $16,000 in the 3 years since purchased for $4,000).to repair this vehicle and it is once again inoperable for the same issues. . No car dealer wants it as a trade in, the standard offer is $300. I cannot sell it to anyone and then face myself in mirror. Perhaps a public sake... $1 per minute to anyone who wants to bash a Kia (sledgehammer provided). …
Driving approximately 55mph 22 nov 2013, heard a thump from engine compartment, and lost all power to vehicle, ending up in a ditch. Engine stopped, no steering, no brakes. Dash lights illuminated. Vehicle would not re-start. Crank pulley bolt broke off. Over 5 hours to extract remainder of bolt to repair engine. $1359 in repairs. Now, 22 sept 2014, 10 months later, had same happen on highway at 70mph in heavy traffic. Thankful I was in a lane at the edge of the roadway. Current mileage slightly under 114,000. Yeah. 10 months and 13000 miles and another huge repair bill. No recall, Kia claims no liability. Other issue: interior lighting turns itself off and on at whim. Headlights burn out every 45-90 days.
The vehicle's power steering didn't work, and it was rarely driven after transmission repair at a Kia dealer. Looking under the hood showed that the belts weren't moving. The crankshaft pulley was attached but not straight; offset. I called the dealer and they said the crankshaft bolt breaking is a common problem in these vehicles. Is/was there a recall for this? This is a potentially dangerous situation. Luckily the vehicle wasn't driven far when the problem was noticed. Ma 10/8
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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out warranty. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Wife was driving away from house, heard screaching sound, then lost power steering while driving nearly ending up on sidewalk. When I checked under hood, I saw a bolt sitting on lower part of engine compartment, crankshaft pulley not moving, but bolt that holds it on spinning. None of the belts were moving. Most of the warning lights were also lit up. Apparently, there is a class action lawsuit involving this issue.
Front drive shaft broke. Other issues and incidents include but not limited to: induction control system broke. Harmonic balancer broke. Crank shaft timing belt sprocket, crankshaft bolt broke and throttle position sensor.
I bought my Kia new it has sports package , I have had to replain shop all the time ce headlights 4 times the last 6 months it has been total mess power steering pressure hoses blew out then in May went to air port picked up daughter car was nothing no start tow truck ..auto shop first said plug in reader said crank shaft sensor then it said starter bad so replaced starter it starts but it now whines I took it back he said it is the starter brand . I am always worried if it will start and if I have lights I love my Kia but it has had electric problems from day 1 Kia should recall 2005 due to this . …
My fiance' and I have recently started experiencing some issues with our 2005 manual transmission. For some reason, from a stop, the car will not move forward once it is on gear. It just won't move. I can take it in and out of gear and it still won't move. I can try it in first or second and still nothing. The work around we figured out is to put it in reverse and maybe move it backwards just a little bit and we are then able to put the car in first and move forward like normal. It has actually happened to her three times in the past week, once last week and twice today. I was able to get to the car last week the first time it happened and saw the issue first hand. I am going to Kia about this, but I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue or experienced this issue with the 2005 manual transmission, or any year transmission for that matter. …
The crank shaft pulley in my 2005 Kia Sorento is defective. The part has failed multiple time and the manufacturer refuses to repair or replace the part or vehicle. The car is still within the power-train warranty with cover the engine. They have however stated that this is not covered as it is not part of the engine however this part is according to the dealership part of the engine as it controls the pistons and with out it the engine can not run. This seem to be a common problem as consumer complaint are posted all over the internet and the dealership has informed me they receive many complaint about this same issue and fix 3-4 a week and often the part fails and they again have to replace it.
Transmission complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Kia Sorento, 12% of the model year's 307 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Kia Sorento transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Kia Sorento. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Kia Sorento transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.