Kia K5 Complaints (2021)

169 consumer complaints on file.

#11742478June 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Premature Leaking Evaporator Core – 2021 Kia K5 I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance Thank you for your consideration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742131June 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the driver-side turn signal became inoperable. The vehicle was shifting hard and/or not shifting at all. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. The turn signal and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated there was a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis of the signal light. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The BBB was contacted who filed a claim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739702May 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738283May 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to formally complain about the ongoing issues with my vehicle, specifically the repeated failure of the air conditioning system and the excessive number of recalls that have caused major inconvenience and lost work time. The air conditioning unit in my vehicle has failed three separate times. Each time, I was told the fan motor needed to be replaced, and the motor has now been replaced three times. After each repair, the system works temporarily before failing again. I have now been informed that the issue may actually be electrical in nature, which raises concerns that the original problem was never properly diagnosed or repaired. In addition to the air conditioning problems, my vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls requiring repeated trips for repairs. These ongoing issues have forced me to miss work several times, causing financial hardship, stress, and a loss of confidence in the reliability and safety of my vehicle. At this point, I am requesting the following: A full inspection and proper diagnosis of the electrical system related to the air conditioning failure. A permanent repair solution rather than temporary fixes. Reimbursement or compensation for repeated repair visits, missed work time, and inconvenience caused by these recurring issues. A review of my vehicle’s repair history to determine whether additional corrective action is appropriate. I have made every effort to address these issues through the proper service channels, but the recurring failures continue. I expect this matter to be taken seriously and resolved promptly. Please contact me as soon as possible regarding the next steps to resolve this issue. Sincerely,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737928May 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof glass spontaneously shattered causing glass to be everywhere inside my car while I was driving. It scared me and now my car is undrivable until the glass is repaired. I see many thread online of other Kia K5 owners have experienced the same issue. My initial thought was that my tire popped so I tried to pull off to the side of the road but cars were just trying to get around me. I opened up my sunroof because it did sound like something popped and there was a big hole in my sunroof. I immediately closed it and drove home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737762May 14, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact received the recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736397May 7, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735605May 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
I have experienced consistent electrical issues with my drivers side door panel on my 2021 Kia K5. The lights on the panel will flash off and on intermittently, the windows will not roll down, and doors will not lock/unlock, posing an entrapment risk. Additionally, when this panel malfunctions, my power seat will move and adjust (sometimes while I am driving and the vehicle is in motion) back to original settings instead of remaining in the settings I've saved for my vehicle; fully unintended motion of course. Additionally, my media screen/multimedia face also experiences issues where it will black out, cutting my navigation mid-drive, as well as any other sound including music and/or navigation guidance. I initially raised these issues early in the ownership process of my vehicle with a door panel replacement being offered as a fix. This did not fix the issue. I was told i needed to try to get video of the incident when it occurred which seemed impossible.to me because under GA law, how am I supposed to obtain video while operating a motor vehicle. However, I eventually obtained footage. I expressed concern about the issue persusting past my warranty date and was told my issue would will be able to be fixed if it persisted because I initially raised it during the warranty period. However, I have now proceeded to be dismissed and blown off by both of thr Kia dealerships in my area regarding this issue. Even being told by one that they no longer had previous service records of my vehicle because they've changed ownership. As an authorized Kia service center, my understanding is that the dealership is an agents of the manufacturer. If they failed to transfer records, they are essentially admitting to a lapse in their duty to maintain my vehicle's history—a history that involves a life-threatening safety defect. There were no warning lamps for this issue, I've not had this issue inspected by my insurance or other agents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734630April 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Manufacturer has failed to remedy the safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner. Vehicle is a fire risk and I am unable to drive it. My vehicle has been sitting at the dealership service center for over a month. I have not been contacted by Kia as of yet even after repeated phone calls and emails for updates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729577April 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a failure in the integrity of Federal Safety Recall completion and documentation at Kia of Daphne. On 2/6/26, I was issued official paperwork stating a recall part was 'Special Ordered.' On 4/3, I attempted to call for FU in part progress. Informed “recall was done and replaced 2/6, and no part was ordered.” Advisor requested I speak to manager, I declined, request they speak to advisor. No call back until my VM left 4/6 afternoon requesting FU call. On 4/6/26 late afternoon, unprofessional call from another advisor who stated “we don’t see part ordered,” Advisor manager intercepted call, extremely unprofessional, stated he reviewed 4/4 and found nothing to support my statement, yet no FU call was placed to I, nor was any contact ever attempted by Kia. The dealership management proceeded to claim the recall was 'Complete' despite no record of the part arriving or being installed, and other advise “misspoke”. When I presented in person and requested clarification on this discrepancy in documentation/information/last signed document by I based on statement of part is order and will call when arrived to schedule; a male staff member became physically aggressive and volatile. I am concerned that the dealership is inaccurately reporting recall completions to NHTSA/Kia America without actually performing the required repairs or using the specified parts.I am also concerned for the integrity and safe environment of this dealership for customers and staff. I cannot attach the 11 minute video of the encounter, but am happy to provide via email to those who inquire given discretion for other parties.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727249March 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle is currently under a recall (recall SC356), but I'm currently very far from a Kia dealership. The nearest one is about 175 miles away. I contacted Kia and they informed me that they can't reimburse me for having my car towed to the dealership. So now I am stuck with a car that could possibly catch fire at anytime, according to the recall notice. And they refuse to help me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721805March 3, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jolted forward three times and then lost power. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle into an independent mechanic and the vehicle was inspected, and there was oil all over the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown sensor was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred the same day the vehicle was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred nine times, and the valve cover was replaced each time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720975February 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank malfunctioned while driving. It appeared on my odometer that I had zero gas, once I pulled into a gas station to fill up, I could see the gas pouring out of the tank while the pump was unable to pump any gas due to the pressure coming out of the tank. Bev Smith Kia of Fort Pierce has the vehicle if you would like to inspect it. I also have photos of the melted tank from the dealership. NHTSA Recall Number: 25V-794 The fuel tank expansion/melting risk, fuel leak, or fire risk, put the driver, passenger, and nearby citizens at risk if the car caught fire. Also, the seats have been known to eject with this particular recall. Yes the vehicle was inspected by Bev Smith Kia per my insistence, and instead of fixing it and returning the vehicle, Kia Corporate forced the hand of Bev Smith Kia to confiscate the vehicle due to it being a deadly recall. SC288 Alpha Campaign Failed is what the dealership told me to tell corporate. There were no warning lights when the odometer appeared to have zero miles, it simply went to zero and the backseat became very hot to the passenger. There was no ability to fill the gas tank as the pressure of gas was pouring gas out from the fuel tank and the pump would not add additional gas. This appeared in May of 2025. We took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. The next time is happened was Sunday [XXX]. The car was taken to Bev Smith Kia dealership that Monday November 24th where it was confiscated by the dealership for the deadly recall that they claimed could never be fixed and Kia would do a buy back. There were no other issues with the vehicle prior to the incident in May of 2025. 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
#11720940February 27, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, the fuel gauge displayed zero miles to empty. The contact pulled into the nearest gas station, and while attempting to add fuel to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking out of the fuel tank outlet, and the gas pump nozzle was stopped. The contact was unable to refuel the vehicle. The contact stated that after returning to drive, the fuel gauge indicated 100 miles to empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the dealer advised the contact that the manufacturer had instructed the contact not release the vehicle to the owner due to the recall. While diagnosing the vehicle, a technician at the dealer sent a photo displaying that the rear driver's side seat had melted internally due to the fuel tank overheating. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the SC288 Alpha Campaign had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer for four months; however, the manufacturer later sent a letter advising the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired, and a buyback was suggested. The manufacturer offered to reimburse the down payment for the vehicle. The contact stated that the buy-back offer was unsatisfactory. The contact declined the offer, and the manufacturer then threatened to tow the unrepaired vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to honor the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720667February 26, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2021 car in April 2024, which was originally side-swiped in November 2024. I filed an insurance claim and had to wait for the other insurer’s statement. In January 2025, the insurance company sent the car to one of their approved shops for electrical repairs, but the shop refused to work on it after noticing a missing airbag and flagged the car as a liability. They also mentioned the car had multiple past accidents and should have been listed as salvage, not clean title. I informed the dealership, but they refused to service the car, claiming the 30-day window had passed, even though their website states a 6-month warranty. Over the past year, I’ve been repairing the car myself and taking it to Kia and Midas, where I was told the car is in terrible condition. The dealership found water damage from a slow leak and wiring issues that were present when I bought the car. Now I’ve been quoted over $5,000 for repairs including a new computer and electrical work. I’ve tried reaching out to the dealership with no success. This car is essential for commuting to work and for my kids. I’ve had to rent a car for the past month, costing me over $1,000. I’m seeking assistance with this situation as I believe I was sold a defective vehicle without proper disclosure. I put down $4,000 when I purchased the car and have continued making small payments because I need it to commute and can’t afford another vehicle right now. I have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with Progressive and comprehensive and collision coverage through the dealership’s partnered company, Brio Management, as they operate from the same office. Given these circumstances, I’m asking for help with this situation because I was sold a car with undisclosed damage and defects, and I’ve been left with costly repairs and rental expenses while the dealership won’t assist me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720629February 26, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair where the dealer replaced the check valve. After receiving the recall repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Exhaust Pressure Sensor was causing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Sensor to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719743February 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718393February 17, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I originally got my car 2023 from Carmax I took it in to Kia dealership to get my recalls done they kept my car for over 6 days without fixing it when I arrived I was showed a photo saying it’s after market parts on this vehicle and we can’t touch it also they stated my vehicle was dangerous to drive so I asked for documentation that my vehicle was denied and they refused also I called Kia cooperate to file a complaint to get proper documentation that my vehicle was denied they told me it was denied as well and said they can’t give me paperwork to state anything
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717979February 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The steering wheel became stiff all the sudden and became hard to turn. As well as all the warning lights came on when that happened such as Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning. I was driving in the middle of the road when this happened and this could’ve caused a huge accident due to the fact that I couldn’t steer my car properly. No, the problem has not been resolved yet. It is in the dealership at the moment to be inspected. There was no problem prior to the other signs coming on besides low tire pressure. The appeared as I was driving on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713571January 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I brought my car in for the recall regarding the faulty check valve in the fuel tank. My check engine light had also just come on. I have a 2021 Kia K5 with 60,000 miles and the dealership tells me I have to replace all 4 fuel injectors since it's causing a "system too lean" message.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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