Kia K5 Complaints

508 consumer complaints on file.

#11773971October 27, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). While driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle shook violently, went into LIMP Mode, and failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the fuel rail sensor was replaced. However, the fuel tank became deformed and bent the subframe, which the dealer deemed unrepairable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773292October 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While driving my car down the road my car's exterior headlights as well as all of the interior instrument and infotainment panels will completely black out and then come back on. This issue started approximately 2 months after buying my car. This has happened approximately 10 times total while driving it now. I was told by the dealership that there was nothing they could do since it was not a reproduceable issue, therefore I continued to drive my car. To me that is a safety issue when you are told as a customer that there is nothing they can do for your car that has an issue such as this while driving. I continued to call and inform them of when this issue came up while driving. My car was brought in for a recall in July 2025 for parking lamp logic. The dealership never reproduced this issue while in for service. The dealership has inspected the car for this issue amongst several other issues that still persist to the current date. There are no warning lamps/messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. This problem came up again this week while driving in the dark with multiple other cars behind me, in front of me and to the left of me at an intersection. I had my turn signal on to turn and everything on the car went black/lost power and then came back on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772043October 19, 2026
ENGINE
I bought a 2023 Kia K5 GT vehicle as a CERTIFIED PREOWNED from Rick Case KIA Sunrise, FL. I paid $30,000.00 + an extended warranty for about $4,000.00, traded in my vehicle (for $9,000.00) and put a down payment of $5,000.00. Within two days of buying the vehicle in April of 2025 my car was back at the dealership in the service department for transmission issues. My vehicle has had 4 total transmissions and it is 3 years old (original transmission, 3 replacement transmissions). SHOCKER - it is STILL having transmission problems. I have NEVER had a good drive in this vehicle. I filed a request for a buy back with Kia Customer Care and they told me I did not meet the requirements. My car has been in the dealerships service centers 9 times due to transmission issues that continue arrising since I bought the vehicle about a year and a half ago. Kia Customer Care stated the only option was to open a "tech line" with Kia from the dealership directly so again I dropped my car off for over a week and they could not replicate the issue to start the tech line. I took a 45 minute test drive with the manager and duplicated it twice but the manager stated they could not feel it and sent me home with my vehicle. The vehicle stops accelerating all together in the middle of traffic, shudders when trying to speed up, sounds like and feels like the entire engine is going to drop out of the car to the floor. You can feel the gears slip. Even though it is more infrequent now, it still happens and I am afraid to drive my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772126October 19, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Tank has expanded and is in danger of exploding due to heat from exhaust system. My vehicle has been returned to a local dealer and Kia Corporate is willing to pay off my loan , but not compensate me for my down payment of $3500 that I put down 6 mths ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771388October 15, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I have had my vehicle for about 4 and 1/2 months since the first week or so I have an alert pop up say my front camera is obstructed only during the daytime it takes away 4 of my safety features, it has happened a couple dozen times I have been to the dealership they did not know what is wrong they are waiting for Kia to come up with a recall, or some sort of fix. When I look it up online it's all over the internet so many people have the same issue I hope you guys can help.. I also have a videos showing every issue of your life that's on but I currently cannot find them
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770564October 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
From the get-go seemed to have trouble with transmission once in a while Little jerk when shifting gears, reported this, they could find nothing. It has become a lot worse. It has caused the car to shut down into limp mode with engine light on. So I had a problem from the beginning with my new car. But when they check it, they can’t find a problem. So I’m just checking to see if anybody else with this car make, model, year have reported anything the same.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770594October 12, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
gas door will not open, so then unless i forcefully pull it to open it will not open.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770020October 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Kia K5 because I am concerned about a potentially dangerous mechanical defect. I purchased this vehicle used from CarMax approximately two years ago. Within the first 30 days of ownership, the steering wheel began shaking. CarMax repaired the problem at no cost after ordering a replacement part. Approximately two weeks ago, the steering wheel began shaking again. The problem has now progressed to the vehicle shaking, feeling as though it is skidding or slipping, and failing to accelerate properly. The check-engine light is illuminated. I contacted Kia regarding recall SC250 and was told that my vehicle does not qualify. I am concerned because my vehicle is now experiencing symptoms that I believe warrant investigation into whether they could be related to the defect addressed by this recall. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether my vehicle may have an unresolved or related safety defect, and whether other vehicles excluded from the recall could be experiencing similar problems. I am concerned about the risk of losing acceleration while driving, potentially putting me and other motorists in danger. I can provide my VIN, vehicle mileage, repair history from CarMax, and any diagnostic information available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769994October 8, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am filing this complaint regarding the handling of a fuel tank recall involving my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line. On XXX, I brought my vehicle to Kia Rockwall in [XXX], after being informed of an issue related to a fuel tank recall. I was told that my vehicle could not be returned to me and that Kia would pursue a buyback instead. Before this incident, I had spent approximately $1,200 on repairs related to the issue, including replacing the charcoal canister. These repairs occurred the previous month. I am concerned about the circumstances surrounding the defect, the expenses I incurred attempting to address the problem, and the handling of the vehicle once it was brought in for the recall. I was initially told that a case manager would assist with arrangements. On XXX, a case manager contacted me, and I explained I could not afford to pay for a rental vehicle out of pocket. I was subsequently informed that I would need to pay for a rental through Enterprise and seek reimbursement from Kia. I explained again that this was not financially possible. On XXX, I received a further response, and Kia America ultimately stated that if I could not rent a vehicle under its specified conditions or pay for one out of pocket, it would not provide a rental. As of XXX, I remain without my vehicle and without a transportation arrangement that I can afford. I am requesting that NHTSA review the safety defect and recall associated with my vehicle, including whether the recall remedy and handling of affected vehicles are adequate and whether the circumstances warrant further review. I would also like my experience documented as part of the broader record of complaints concerning this recall. I can provide repair receipts, dealership communications, and correspondence with Kia America to support the timeline above. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768869October 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was traveling approximately 60 MPH while entering turnpike. Ambient temperature approximately 62-65 degrees F. I heard sudden loud explosive bang, looked around. And no vehicles were immediately nearby and I did not observe or hear any object strike the vehicle prior to glass failure. I heard air coming from somewhere. I checked my windows and all of them were up, still heard the air noise opened the Moonroof and the Panoramic glass exhibited extensive damage and tempered-glass fragmentation with a large section missing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768579October 2, 2026
TIRES
I own a 2025 Kia K5 GT-Line that was purchased new. I have experienced repeated loss of traction and vehicle stability while driving on wet roads. During normal low-speed turns on wet pavement, the rear of the vehicle can suddenly lose traction and slide sideways when I apply light acceleration. This has occurred multiple times. I am not accelerating aggressively or traveling at an excessive speed when it happens. The loss of rear traction can be sudden enough that I feel I am temporarily losing control of the vehicle. The ESC/traction control system is enabled and there are no warning lights displayed. Tire pressures have been checked and are approximately 33–34 PSI, and I have not observed abnormal tire wear or visible tire damage. The problem appears to occur primarily on wet pavement while turning and applying even light throttle. I am concerned that the vehicle could spin or cause a collision, particularly during normal rainy driving conditions. I am reporting this because the behavior has occurred repeatedly and I believe the unexpected loss of rear traction and stability may present a safety risk. I would like this complaint documented and evaluated for similar reports involving the 2025 Kia K5. 235/45 R18
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768012September 30, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). While driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated with an abnormal burning odor briefly inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768182September 30, 2026
ENGINE
Verified by ASE Certified Mechanic Premature PCV valve/ Oil Separator failure. Causes codes such as P0507, P0171, P0471. This can trigger limp mode, sudden loss of speed/engine power, thus increasing the event of an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767890September 29, 2026
AIR BAGS
I was driving my 2026 Kia K5 southbound on [XXX] at approximately 40–42 mph and proceeding straight through an intersection. I was already in the intersection when another vehicle turned directly in front of me. I did not have sufficient time to avoid the collision and struck the other vehicle with the front of my vehicle. The other driver was cited for failure to yield. The collision caused substantial frontal damage to my vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently declared a total loss by my insurance company. Despite the frontal impact, none of the airbags deployed. At the moment of impact, white smoke or dust filled the passenger compartment and I heard loud popping and buzzing-type noises coming from both sides of the dashboard. I did not observe any airbag deploy. I am concerned that the airbag/SRS system may not have performed as intended during the collision and that the lack of airbag deployment placed the vehicle occupants at increased risk of injury. The vehicle has been declared a total loss and I no longer have physical possession of it. I do not currently know whether the vehicle remains available for inspection or whether it has been transferred to a salvage facility. To my knowledge, the suspected airbag/SRS non-deployment has not been inspected or confirmed by Kia or a Kia dealer. I did not observe any airbag/SRS warning light, warning message, or other indication of an airbag problem before the collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11766532September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
65k miles. Started driving, 20 minutes into driving i was stopped at a round about then I went to accelerate and nothing happened my engine revd really loud and after about 10 seconds my car jolted forward and I was able to accelerate, this would happen every time I stopped and anytime a wanted to accelerate to another gear
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766144September 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The contact did not attempt to restart the vehicle. The contact activated the hazard lights; however, 20–30 minutes later, another vehicle struck the front passenger side of the vehicle near the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact sustained sharp lower back, hip, and left knee pain. The contact's boyfriend sustained lower back and right knee pain. A family member transported both occupants to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to Custom Auto-Collision. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11765747September 21, 2026
TIRES
This is the 2nd time my tire has blown out. 1st time was in Feb 2026 and now again in Sept 2026 both have been factory tires Pirrelli 235/45 R18. The 1st time was on a interstate at speeds 70 mph the 2nd time on a rural road 45 to 55 mph. Both incidents have almost caused a major accident. The dealership has made every excuse under the sun and pirreli wont even discuss the issue. I have seen multiple complaints about factory tire issues with this make and model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765963September 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2021 Kia K5 99K1ZRECALL Gas tank expanded and deformed the body, noticeable under back seat. Risk of gas leak or fire Kia of Mckinney service center has vehicle unrepairable SC356 KIA has case # 26282908 No symptoms, driver complained stopping was jerky CAN'T FIX CAR AND WON'T REPLACE IT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765515September 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle is subject to Kia Safety Recall SC356 / NHTSA Recall 25V794 involving the fuel tank/check valve. The recall concerns potential fuel-tank swelling that can cause the tank to contact hot exhaust components, potentially melt and leak fuel and create a fire hazard. The component/system involved is the fuel tank and fuel tank check valve. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that a fuel tank that swells could contact hot exhaust components, potentially resulting in a fuel leak and vehicle fire. Because the vehicle is driven by my daughter, I am concerned about her safety and the safety of other occupants. The recall condition has been identified/communicated by Kia as an applicable safety recall for this vehicle. The Kia dealership has been contacted regarding the recall, but we were told that they cannot currently repair the vehicle. I am seeking clarification from Kia regarding the specific reason the repair cannot be completed and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle has been presented/contacted with the Kia dealership regarding the recall. To my knowledge, there has been no crash, fire, or fuel leak involving this vehicle. There have been no warning lamps or warning messages reported prior to a failure. We became aware of the problem through the manufacturer’s safety recall. The vehicle has not experienced an actual failure or fire at this time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765039September 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2023 Kia K5 GT has an intermittent and unpredictable audio defect which the vehicle suddenly and spontaneously produces an extremely loud static-like noise through all speakers in the car, immediately upon starting the vehicle. This is not related to the radio, car play, phone connection, weather, etc. Adjusting the volume dial does not effect the issue either, for example. Shutting the car off, stops it momentarily, but will return upon starting it. The only way to stop the issue is to either disconnect the battery or pull the main fuse to the dash, resetting the car. The issue has been occurring for 3 years. With multiple videos of the issue happening. The noise is loud enough to cause medical damage, especially to a child or infant. This will put my newborn infant at risk of medical damage to her ears due to the decibel of the issue which is a safety issue. Kia of Greer South Carolina, has had the vehicle on numerous occasions and not been able to fix the car or made any attempts to fix the issue. I have escalated a case with Kia North America customer care due to the nature of it being a safety concern. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time outside of the dealerships I have taken it to.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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