Kia K5 Complaints

508 consumer complaints on file.

#11650919March 26, 2025
TIRES:SIDEWALL
tire size 235/45 R18. Both front tires at 7,300 miles suddenly have bulging out of the side wall. One tire bulge the size of a golf ball, the other tire slightly larger in size. No warnings or inflation issues prior to failure. Severe safety risk. Risk of blowout is high. Car not drivable due to risk of blowout. Contacted Pirelli the manufacturer, was told both tires are to be sent to them for inspection by the dealership. Pirelli customer service indicated the issue will likely not be covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650792March 26, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My current 2021 Kia K5 FUEL TANK EXPLODED while driving. I’ve had this car for about 5 years and since driving it off the lot have experience issues with the vehicle and just a few hours ago, the fuel gas tank explode raising the back seat with passengers in the vehicle. It was extremely scary and something out of the blew. My friends and I were driving and I noticed the car engine light turn on (which was so odd to me as I keep a close eye to the car maintenance) and within 20 minutes we heard two EXTREMELY loud explosions sounds come from the car with the feeling of the car shake and rise a bit and felt as a tire exploded. I did not find this usual and we pulled over and the the seat my friend was sitting on was rose and unlatched. We then did some google searches and when looking into it, it appears there have been previous issues with this situation for other K5 Kia owners but KIA has done nothing regarding the matter. A few months ago I also went due to an internal thermostat exploding and causing the engine to overheat and smoke on the freeway and because they deemed it was not under the warranty, I left car-less for a week and a high bill. I don’t understand why I have to pay and endure these service costs when this is BASIC CAR FUNCTIONS. I do not appreciate the lack of empathy from dealer and service staff and feel unsafe and concerned for my safety for driving this vehicle. And now II have to endure the costs of being car less for 14 days per the dealer. Absurd.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650047March 24, 2025
AIR BAGS
I was involved in a head on collision, all of my safety warning notified me but my airbags NEVER deployed. This is a serious safety hazard especially with many problems being reported with airbag deployment. The adjuster and collision center both stated at the rate of speed from the accident, the airbags should have definitely deployed. My car was deemed a total loss from the damage even without the deployment.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11649917March 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
very bad antifreeze smell under hood dealer said normal not healthy to smell that its in all of this model car in multiple years needs a recall to force kia to fix this unhealthy problem. 3/1/25 is when i bought this car. thankyou
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649123March 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This has happened on 2 occasions, 1 while starting the car 1 while driving. Both times the cars volume went to max with either radio or Bluetooth on and produced a static noise with it. The volume knob did not adjust the piercing noise unless set to 0 or mute. This was remedied by pulling the amp fuze and reseting the radio. I had no lights or warnings pop up, and have yet to have this inspected by a dealership. This instant volume switch to max output with static while driving almost caused an accident as I was distracted trying to turn down my radio as quickly as possible with pain in my ears on the interstate. While stationary even after turning down the radio I still have lingering pain from how loud it was. From what I can tell this is something with the radio unit or amp within the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648432March 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Rotors from factory warp very early, noticable in under 30k miles. Warped rotors makes braking harsh, makes the brakes not work as well ans steering wheel jolt when braking making it dangerous. Was diagnosed by myself and other K5 drivers who took their cars to dealerships and mechanics. No warning lamps or anything, just very rough braking. Happened to me around 24,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648431March 15, 2025
STEERING
- Power Steering Motor Failed in under 50,000 miles - Failure of steering motor can make it hard to steer, steering wheel slightly shakes too - Turning the wheel you hear a high pitched rattling / squeak noise - Inspected and reproduced by Dealership / Manufacturer and determined it was the motor
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647987March 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I had plenty of time to pull onto a perpendicular street. While accelerating the car would not shift to next gear. It hit about 4.2 rpm and still did not shift. I was almost hit!!!! After pulIing over to safety, I ensured it was not in manual mode. Started driving again and It wouldn’t go more than like 20 mph. I pulled over a second time and shut it off. Started it up again and it worked fine. 603 miles on this car. Kia is not interested in quality it seems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647878March 12, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
These warnings light up at the same time the dash for Electronic stability system, electronic parking brake, forward collision system, Auto hold and engine light, saying "check forward collision system, check blind spot detection, check smart cruise control system", and the vehicle goes into a sort of limp mode, not allowing it to accelerate past about 40 mph easily. In my research, I've have found approximately 50 other Kia k5 owners who have had this exact same issue. Half of the time, once taken to the dealership for diagnosis, it is weeks without anyone figuring out what the issue might be. Several instances where a part has been replaced which did not fix the issue at all, like an airbag module, or steering column. Several instances of the ecu and hecu being replaced, and several more of the entire engine/chassis wire harness being replaced. As for my case, now at the dealership for 2nd time because they could not reproduce warning lights while test driving vehicle. They have determined mine requires a full chassis wire harness replacement, with an estimated cost of $5k-$7k, which includes the $2800 harness. I initially thought mine was an isolated incident, and was shocked to find as many owners as I have that have experienced the same issue, some with mileage as low 25 miles, and causing sudden braking or issue with steering the vehicle. Being that it involves all the major safety systems of the vehicle, I am also surprised there has not been any sort of recall, considering these issues span all the way back to 2021. Just my two cents. Currently waiting on a tech to come out and determine if this is covered under extended warranty bought at dealership at time of purchase, as I am over the 60k mile factory warranty period. Have had this vehicle for 3+ years, and this just now started happening about a month and a half ago. Some have had this issue just weeks after leaving the lot with their brand new car, and a few of those returned the vehicle for a refund.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646897March 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The steel trim running underneath the rear window is beginning to lift up There is a recall for this for vehicles produced sometime in 2023 but it doesn’t include my vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646614March 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, shuddered, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The Electronic Stability Control Warning Light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645398February 27, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side chrome trim extending to the trunk had separated from the vehicle. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: SA552. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause a road safety hazard. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644189February 21, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH in hot weather, a loud popping sound came from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted into a ditch and inspected the vehicle, but no exterior damage was found. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a gas station. The check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure persisted and the fuel gauge level dropped while driving. The contact pulled over and placed a bag under the vehicle to check for fuel leaks, but found none. The contact stated that the vehicle failed state vehicle inspection due to an unknown emission code. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the computer system. The failure recurred while driving with three minor children in the rear seats. The fuel tank made a loud explosion, and the rear seats propped up, pushing the children forward while the seat belts restrained them in their seats. The child seated in the rear passenger seat received medical attention for injuries to the back of his legs caused by hot fuel fumes from underneath the seat, as well as black specks stuck on his legs. The contact's husband opened the fuel tank, and loud air pressure was released. The fuel tank was bubbling. The vehicle was towed to Classic Kia of Carrollton (2920 N Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75007), who determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced and requested that the manufacturer send an engineer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the third dealer, Huffines Kia Corinth (6940 S Interstate 35, Corinth, TX 76210), where an engineer determined the vehicle was non-repairable due to the fuel tank expanding in multiple locations and bending the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the fuel tank was manufactured without a pressure release valve. The vehicle was not repaired. Up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11644070February 21, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Component or System Failed: The fuel tank exploded, causing the vehicle to become undrivable. The explosion was so severe that the back seat was completely blown off. The vehicle is currently not in my possession, as it has been with the dealership for over three months. I have photos and proof of the damage, and I am willing to provide them for inspection. How Safety Was Put at Risk: I have a [XXX] son who sits directly above the fuel tank in the back seat. When the explosion occurred, the back of his seat was completely blown off, and had he been in the car at the time, he could have been seriously injured or killed. This was an extremely dangerous defect, and I am deeply concerned that this could happen to other Kia vehicles, putting more lives at risk. Beyond the immediate danger of the explosion, I have been left without a working vehicle for over three months, and Kia has provided no resolution. Despite confirming that the vehicle is not repairable, they have stalled the process, forcing me to continue making payments on a car I do not even have. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes, the Kia dealership confirmed that the vehicle is not repairable and that the fuel tank failure was severe. However, they have not provided any solution or compensation. Has the Vehicle Been Inspected? Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership, which determined that it was not repairable. I do not know if it has been inspected by any third-party mechanics, insurance representatives, or other authorities. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Prior to the Failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to the explosion. The vehicle was operating normally before this occurred. 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
#11643987February 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Please review Kia Costumer Care case number [XXX] date 2/20/2025 @ 4pm New York time. Brake pads worn out ,easily broken and rusty. ??? Kia Company material defect or car dealership scam. 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
#11642040February 11, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On [XXX] I took my automobile, a 2021 Kia K5 to Planet KIA of Charlotte NC located at 4700 E independence Blvd. I took it there to check what caused my engine light to activate. The initial diagnosis was a bad Sensor-Differential Pressure. Planet KIA repaired the Sensor-Differential Pressure at the cost of $501.17. My extended warranty company Route 66 covered $350.28 while I covered the remaining balance of $150.89. The engine light came on again the next day and while driving back to the dealership, I experienced the car slowing down and difficult to gain speed in highway traffic. I returned the automobile to Planet Kia of Charlotte and on [XXX}, I was informed that I had a valve failure which in turn caused my gas tank to swell. On [XXX] the warranty company denied request to pay for repairs due to their policy of not covering emissions which pertained to the valve. Kia refused to fix this problem due to a service campaign recall had been performed on the vehicle before I bought it. They found no issues with the vehicle pertaining to the valve or gas tank swelling. This is clearly a manufacturer’s defect, and it should have been repaired by the manufacturer. If you can, please help. 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
#11639863January 31, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle was manufactured with bad rotors, which make it difficult to slow down when driving at high speeds on the highway. The vehicle’s steering wheel and the vehicle itself shakes violently when trying to slow down. My vehicle started having these issues with low mileage also.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639022January 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Turn signal, the turn signal just goes out and does not work. This is a know issue with kia. I have almost bin hit several times do to this. I have 2 exact cars and they have both the same issue. You cannot just have the bulb replaced, the whole headlight asembly has to be replaced, the front bumper has to be removed to replace the headlight asembly, very costly, this is not so much the cost but more of a safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638110January 23, 2025
SEATS, VISIBILITY/WIPER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Electric seats do not adjust due to failed motors. Electric mirrors do not adjust due to failed motors. Gas refuel door does not open due to faulty actuator. All things that make the care dangerous to drive. Online search reveals that all three issues are very common in the 2021-2023 KIA K5 cars. We believe they pose a danger. Also, they seem to break at about 40-60K miles. Often out of warranty and dealer will not fix even though they acknowledge that the items in question are an issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633651January 2, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Heard and felt extremely loud BANG under the car while driving then check engine light came on. Vehicle had low power and the gas was decreasing severely fast. The backseat had moved with our 2yr daughter in her car seat above it. Took it to dealership and they said the gas tank expanded and couldn't be fixed. They offered bottom dollar to buy it back
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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