2005 Kia Sorento Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 17%of 307 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,400miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Kia Sorento, 17% of the 307 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,400 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchase my 2005 Kia sorrento lx new from taylor Kia in toledo ohio.also purchased extra warranty for bumper to bumper.a couple months after I had purchase vehicle my headlight started going out I would take it back get it fixed come back home and another one would be out take it back come back to weeks later another headlight would be out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819851, filed 2016-01, 6,000 miles“I've repeatedly had to replace the headlights in this car every couple of months. When one light is replaced, the other side goes out next. This has happened several times for the past several years. I have 189,000 miles on the car now. I don't remember exactly when it started. My driver seat also stopped working. The back goes forward and back, but the base seat doesn't move.”
NHTSA complaint #10465821, filed 2012-07, 100,000 miles“I own a 2005 and a 2006 Kia Sorento ex. In both vehicles I must replace lightbulbs continually. On average, I replace headlights approximately once every 60 to 90 days. Brake light bulb replacement is less frequent, but does occur often within the year. There is obviously a problem with the electrical system in these vehicles but Kia will not acknowledge any problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10252810, filed 2008-12, 43,800 miles“I have to every 3 -4 months replace the headlights on my 2005 Kia Sorento. Kia has told me because your organization has not issues any type of recall on this I will keep on replacing them. This is insane!!!!! I know that I am not the only owner complaining about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10390441, filed 2011-03, 30,000 miles“I have a 2005 Sorento. I have replaced the headlights 15 times. They have both gone out before when driving at night and I had to drive nearly 40 miles with brights only. I have also replaced brake lights 5 times. It started in oct the year I bought the car and has continued. I am stunned at the number of complaints about this and lack of response from Kia. Anybody filing a class action? I'm sure there would be plenty of takers!!”
NHTSA complaint #10320189, filed 2010-03, 11,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10028268Dec 9, 2008Kia: 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…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: 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…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 22 | 5% |
| 2018 | 41 | 16% |
| 2017 | 125 | 15% |
| 2016 | 67 | 5% |
| 2015 | 91 | 12% |
| 2014 | 86 | 9% |
| 2013 | 70 | 7% |
| 2012 | 60 | 7% |
| 2011 | 102 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 13 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 56 | 23% |
| 2005 | 53 | 17% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 16 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2005 Kia Sorento
63 complaintsElectrical system
49 complaintsEngine cooling
44 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSeats
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology