Kia K5 Complaints

479 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11633201December 30, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine came on and off twice, car was smelling like gas and driving rough. Tried to put gas in car and it would not take the gas, it wasted all over car. I checked my back seat and felt it was hard and sitting right so I looked under and the seat was lifted. After doing research, I learned I have an expanded fuel tank. Not only that but there has been a recall on it that I was unaware of, I took the car immediately to the nearest dealership and they acknowledged there’s a recall and I can’t drive the car because the backseat can explode anytime now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633097December 30, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I've took my lease vehicle too dealer for the same problem 3 time car shake no matte what speed check engine light flashes code P0302 cylinder 2 misfire
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632773December 27, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had 130 miles until I needed to fuel up. Out of nowhere, my gas light comes on with the miles now blanked out. I thought it was odd, but stopped at the next gas station to fuel up. It would not let me put more than .22 cents into the tank without gas exploding out the side. Again, cranked up the car & it states it still needs gas. Tried another gas station & got the same result. Ended up at the nearest Kia & they stated it was the fuel tank expansion recall. They told me they ordered the parts and it should be fixed a little after Christmas. A week later and they are stating they do not know how to fix the vehicle and have no options for rentals/loaners. They said Kia would have to contact them before they can work on the vehicle. I have not received a call but did call the 1-800 number I was given and they basically said that they don’t know what they are going to do and someone will reach out to me. This is so scary as a consumer that Kia is allowed to place vehicles on the road that are considered very dangerous. A process needs to be in place fairly quickly or I am afraid there will be a lot of people in my situation. Not only was this scary, I was alone & this could have put me in danger on the road. I will never buy a Kia again & hate the service I have received as I have been left in the dark from the beginning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631865December 20, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Blower motor stops working, have to take fuse box cover off and move fuse assembly to regain function of blower motor. Replacing fuse only helped for a couple of months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631165December 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
While cruising at approximately 40 mph on a surface street, the car lost all power, completely shutting down. After rolling for two seconds it turned back on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630725December 14, 2024
STEERING
2022 Kia K5 GT Line steering wheel is getting stuck when driving over 20mph. It is hard to keep the wheel in a straight line when driving. The steering wheel becomes sticky and will veer to another lane. You have to apply pressure to bring the car back to center which is a safety hazard because when the wheel loosen up you unknowingly be in another lane. While driving, my wheel became extremely stiff and I close to hitting a vehicle in another lane because I had no control of the wheel. Kia dealerships are refusing to service my K5 without giving any reason. It is a scary situation when you can not control the car due to this stuck steering even when all assisted driving and lane assist features are turned off. This issue began in September and I have not been able to remediate the problem. Kia dealerships are not helping. I have taken my car to independent mechanics and they are not able to determine the cause of this issue. When driving at higher speeds like 60mph and over you have to continually add pressure to keep the car in a straight line. I have had front and rear end alignments and full inspections but have no found a solution to this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630533December 13, 2024
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Kia K5. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormally loud sound while driving and idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tensioner and the pulley were worn out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH six days later, the service, the battery, the low-pressure oil warning lights, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the brakes locked, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle that was behind swerved to avoid hitting the contact's vehicle and unexpectedly crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained mental injuries. The driver that was behind the contact's vehicle sustained significant bleeding from the forehead, back, and neck pain, and abrasions on the neck, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. The driver's vehicle was significantly damaged. The other driver whose vehicle was crashed into was an older individual, who sustained a broken arm, broken neck and collar bone, abrasions on the facial area, injured back, and a broken nose. The driver's vehicle was totaled. Both drivers were transported to the hospital by ambulance. No further information was provided. A police report was filed, but the contact did not have the police report information available. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Kia Delray(2255 S Federal Hwy, Delray Beach, FL 33483), where it was determined that the pulley and the tensioner had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and several cases were opened, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 2,230.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11630045December 11, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi I brought my 2021 kia k5 got line last February 2023 around 44k miles I have had coolant leak where nobody can tell me where is the leak coming from I look online and other Kia owner have had the same issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629536December 8, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For breaks: at 20k miles the steering wheel shakes like crazy when braking, and also the pedals: the rotors are very cheap for being a 0-mile purchase vehicle and Kia does not replace this under warranty. I saw a forum that this is an issue for all owners of this Kia K5 and Kia doesn't care and does not replace them. For Electrical issue: the fuse box melted a couple fuse because I used my rear defrost system. Kia extended the warranty for the HVAC motor fan only because was burning the fuses, but they did not wanted to replace my issue with the rear defrost because I was above 60k for only 1000 miles. This is a poor-quality system, Kia does not recognize it. This is a safety issue because 1. There is an electrical issue with a melted fuse box. Im driving around a car like this with 2 kids. 2. I don't have rear defrost working and I live in Chicago (wild winter). They want to charge +$6000 to repair the fuse box.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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