Kia K5 Complaints

508 consumer complaints on file.

#11748609July 6, 2026
SEATS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Driving anywhere in general and which ever speed my gas would leak and smell would over take the car and I have a [XXX] and [XXX] babies. This is not the first but the third recall and this is a fire hazard I can’t imagine my car going in flames while we’re already suffering with a leaking gas smell every time we drive the car I can loose my whole family I will soon being filing a lawsuit against this I want a new vehicle completely I do not feel safe in this car with my kids at all there’s always an issue and my dealership is over 40min away to be going so often throughout the years of having this car this is completely unsafe dangerous and just out right unexpectedable and will be filing soon for a new car and compensation 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
#11748579July 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
The turning lights keep flickering and the back trim became lose.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748152July 3, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Submitted by [XXX], Authorized Representative for the owner. The vehicle has a physical defect in the ADAS forward-facing camera bracket caused by a dealer-concealed repair using industrial silicone adhesive. The bracket is now visibly sagging, causing misalignment that leads to intermittent Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) failure. Critically, the vehicle’s computer does NOT illuminate a warning light for this physical displacement ('silent failure'), posing a severe crash risk. An undisclosed aftermarket GPS tracker was also found installed, which is pending contract review. A third-party inspection report titled 'Repurchase Inspection (Silicon at Rearview Mirror)' confirms the non-OEM adhesive and physical sag. The dealer has refused to provide a safe replacement vehicle. This defect stems from a non-OEM repair performed prior to sale. 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
#11747936July 2, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse her vehicle and then shifting the gear shift into drive, the contact noticed her check engine warning illuminated, and she heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact then parked the vehicle, went into the dealer, and let them know about the failure, but they offered no assistance. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer, where NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) was completed. It was after the recall was completed that it was discovered that the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle was not driving properly. The dealer took the vehicle back and provided a loaner. The contact mentioned that the engine was replaced, and then a catalytic converter was replaced. Most recently, the fuel oxygen sensor was discovered to be melted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the recall was complete with no other assistance offered. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747487June 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice and noticed the back seat raise up also the check engine light came on but also the fuel was going down and up (the gauge), is currently at the kia dealership and has been reported fail recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747116June 29, 2026
WHEELS
While my 2025 Kia K5 was parked in the driveway, the front driver-side original-equipment Pirelli P Zero All Season tire suddenly blew out. I had just parked and walked inside when we heard a loud pop. There was no impact, no curb strike, and no driving event - the vehicle was stationary when the tire failed. The vehicle had approximately 16,500 miles. This is part of an apparent pattern: my son purchased an identical 2025 Kia K5 on the same day from the same dealer. At about 22,000 miles, his front driver-side tire developed a sidewall bulge, and all four of his original-equipment Pirelli tires show rapid, uneven wear. Two identical vehicles, bought together, both experienced failure of the same tire position (front driver-side) - his bulging, mine blowing out - which strongly suggests a defect in the original-equipment tires and/or a vehicle alignment/suspension condition causing abnormal wear and failure. No crash, injury, or fire resulted because the vehicle was parked. However, a sudden tire failure of this kind at highway speed would create a serious risk of a blowout, loss of control, and crash. The failed tire is available for inspection upon request. I am filing this complaint to document the failure and the pattern across two identical vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747112June 29, 2026
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
At approximately 22,000 miles, all four original-equipment Pirelli P Zero All Season tires on my 2025 Kia K5 are showing rapid and uneven tread wear that is far beyond normal for the mileage. Last week I discovered that the front driver-side tire has also developed a visible bulge/bubble in the sidewall, which indicates internal structural failure and an imminent risk of sudden blowout. There were no warning lights, no impact event, and no inflation problem before the bulge appeared. This is especially concerning because my father purchased an identical 2025 Kia K5 on the same day from the same dealer. His vehicle has significantly fewer miles, yet his front driver-side tire suddenly blew out while parked in his driveway. The fact that two identical vehicles, purchased together, both experienced failure of the same tire position points to a possible defect in the original-equipment tires and/or a vehicle alignment/suspension condition causing abnormal wear. No crash or injury has occurred yet, but a sidewall bulge at highway speed creates a serious risk of a blowout, loss of control, and crash. The vehicle and the affected tire are available for inspection upon request. The tires have not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent shop. I am filing this complaint to document the safety concern and the apparent pattern across two identical vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746884June 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks to floor. First noticed around 40,000 miles, inspected by team kia el cajon at 41,500 miles. Not dash lights associated. Brakes losing pressure is a major safety issue. Kia dealership had car over 30 days replaced brake master cylinder, booster and abs unit. Returned vehicle with same issue claimed normal operation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746788June 26, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred without impact. Upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 54,269.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746075June 23, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I took my 2021 KIA K5 to the dealership in March of 2025 for an oil change. While I was there, a diagnostic test was conducted to determine if my vehicle was affected by a damaged check valve. Therefore, the car could have caught on fire while it was being driven. I was given a rental car while my vehicle was supposed to be fixed. KIA deemed my 2021 K5 to be a hazard to the road. In June of 2025, KIA offered to pay my loan balance off and give me less than $250 for the "down payment." Please note when I purchased the KIA K5 in 2021, I traded my 2018 KIA Optima. Now, in June of 2026, KIA in offering me $13,200 for my KIA K5. I have until June 29, 2026, to accept the offer. The balance on my loan will come out of that so, I will receive approximately $7000 for a car I will pay a total of $44,000 for. I never once stopped making my monthly payment and my car has been deemed a hazard for the road since March of 2025. For years, I drove a vehicle that could have potentially caused a death or injury.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745022June 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle was shaking really bad. Inner tie rod was completely worn out and rusted around 32,000-37,000 miles. 04/23/2026 Ricart Automotive Group, Car purchased [XXX]. Issues since purchasing vehicle 1. AWD Electronic Motor Failed 02/28/2024 2,715 miles. 2. Chrome Side and Rear Pieces coming off 05/12/2026 22,019 miles. 3. Fuel Tank ECM Recall 08/05/2025 24,474 miles. 4. Passenger side mirror replaced 09/19/2025 26,180 miles 5. Fuel Tank Band Inspection 02/09/2026 34,167 miles 6. Passenger Side inner tie rod 04/23/2026 37,860 miles I have spoken with Theresa D. from Kia Customer Care (520)274-1627 requesting the vehicle be replaced or bought back, but due to Ohio's Law covering only the 1st year or 18,000 miles and Kia not issuing the recall until after these deadlines they were unwilling to work with me to replace or buy back, but instead offered me a 1,600.00 settlement. This seems unfair knowing that the issues above 3 and 6 had a recall for Kia K5 Models 2021–2024. 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
#11743707June 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the automatic front collision avoidance system abruptly engaged while there was a vehicle was parked on the passenger-side of the roadway. The contact stated the parked vehicle did not present a safety hazard to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742700June 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On startup, the engine took about an extra second to fire. The starter cranked noticeably longer than normal before the car turned on. Shortly after, I pulled out and turned onto a street. When I pressed the accelerator, there was no response at all. No rev increase and no acceleration. The car would not pick up speed. I switched to manual shift mode to try to force a gear change. When I changed gears, it took a couple of seconds to respond each time, much slower than normal. I managed to coast/limp to a nearby gas station. I shut the car off and restarted it, and the problem cleared completely. The car has driven normally since.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#11741426June 1, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I DROPPED OFF MY CAR AT THE COVINA KIA DEALERSHIP EXPLAINING THE RECALL AND THE ISSUES I NOTICE SUCH AS A BULGE IN THE VERTICAL PORTION OF THE SEAT NEAR WHERE THE CALVES TOUCH. THE SEAT ALSO FEELS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR. THEY SAID THERE IS A 3 BUSINESS DAY WAIT TO EVEN BE DIAGNOSED AND DID NOT ALLOW A RENTAL CAR. I HAD TO FIGURE OUT TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS VIA THE LINK OR FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND IT IS THE END OF DAY 2. I TRIED CALLING BUT THERE IS AN AI MENU THAT I CANNOT GET PAST. I GOT NOTIFICATIONS TODAY FROM THE KIA APP THAT MY DOORS WERE UNLOCKED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE SPAN OF 30 MINUTES AND LEFT UNLOCKED AFTER THAT. I DONT SEE AN UPDATE ON THE SERVICE REPORT LINK AND I RECEIVED NO CALL. THE RECALL HAS ALSO BEEN WIPED FROM MY VIN WITH NO UPDATE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740880May 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In XXX 2026, I brought my 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) to Jim Click Kia in Tucson, AZ for routine maintenance. Fuel system testing revealed my vehicle failed inspection due to an active federal recall affecting the fuel tank/fuel valve system. Kia America confirmed the recall defect caused cascading damage to additional components, rendering the vehicle completely unrepairable and unsafe to drive. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle cannot be operated and Kia has confirmed no repair is possible. I have been without my vehicle for over two months. Kia America has proposed a buyback at $10,550 (KBB value), which does not reimburse me for the approximately $35,000+ I paid into this vehicle. I have formally requested full reimbursement under 49 U.S.C. § 30120 and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which Kia has declined. I am currently in a rental vehicle paid by Kia, which they have threatened to terminate on June 9, 2026 if I do not accept their offer. 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
#11739815May 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Driver awareness warning goes off frequently. There is no way to desensitize it. As a result warnings are ignored. Dealer and manufacturer says there is not way to prevent this issue.
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
#11738894May 19, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A recall from Kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture Kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the Kia K5 GT Line. I have called my case manager as well, every time I call it goes straight to voicemail. I am looking to contact anyone from higher up to help me find a solution for my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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