Kia K5 Complaints (2022)

129 consumer complaints on file.

#11728275March 31, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, while taking the vehicle to the dealer, it was determined by the dealer that the vehicle could not be repaired. The contact was not given any reason why the vehicle could not be repaired and was offered a buy-back option instead. The contact stated that the rear passenger seats were extremely hot. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727119March 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment system in my 2022 Kia K5 began failing on or around early December, 2025, at approximately 44,000 miles and has continued to worsen. The vehicle is currently at approximately 47,000 miles. The screen displays the Kia startup screen repeatedly and does not fully load, flashing, becoming unresponsive, and ultimately causing distraction while driving. Audio may still function, but key features such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and auxiliary input do not work. The backup camera will either not function at all or will flash intermittently while reversing. This failure affects safe operation of the vehicle because it limits access to vehicle controls and creates distraction while driving due to the malfunctioning display. It also impacts visibility and usability of integrated systems that are expected to function reliably. The problem has been reproduced consistently and was evaluated by a Kia dealership. The dealership was unable to determine a clear cause for the failure but recommended full replacement of the infotainment system at a cost of approximately $6,700. There were no clear warning messages prior to failure. The issue has persisted despite attempts to reset the system and power cycle the vehicle. This appears to be a premature failure of a critical electronic system that should not occur at this mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722377March 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
EPB light with multiple other dash lights come on. It affects my breaking, shifting and acceleration. I was attempting to get on the freeway the first time it happened and my car would not accelerate. I had to drive off to the side to prevent getting hit. It happens intermittently at no given time. I just got it back from the dealership and am still having the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714570January 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car was in an accident with the previous owner I bout the car and the carfax showed rear end collision I told the car worked perfectly. After purchase the car brakes have built up 2 times in 5 months the car stalled it has rpm issues lagging and hesitation as well as the safety front end collision has malfunctioned and it locked my brakes up I did all the steps to try to fix it and I ended up having to disconnect the battery. I sent it to the dealer and they said it was fine I now see the carfax as showing front end collision was reported and has been in the shop multiple times for the hesitation and stalling issue which now that my blue certificated warranty is out they found the issue (pcv valve etc) I’ve asked for a remedy with the dealer and they won’t budge this car is a safety liability.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711976January 19, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2022 Kia k5 has gone into limp mode multiple times now while I am driving in addition to when it starts up. Check engine light, AUTOHOLD, EPB, traction control, etc. all aluminate on my dashboard. Car drives very rough and doesn’t want to accelerate or shift. Huge safety issue. Dealership said it was the throttle body assembly. Paid to have it replaced and the issues still persists. I have read multiple other comments with the same issue and dealerships have no idea what the issue is or how to correctly diagnose. Error codes were P00BD00, C136081, and C174181.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710833January 14, 2026
SEATS
The driver's seat heater automatically deactivates after 30 seconds. The heating element remains active for only 20 seconds, and unfortunately, the console with the wireless phone charging station is not functioning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710200January 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding a confirmed safety recall on my 2022 Kia K5 LX that has not been repaired and currently has no available remedy, despite being acknowledged by Kia. This unresolved recall places me, my passengers, and other motorists at ongoing risk. I rely on this vehicle for daily transportation, and continuing to operate it under these conditions creates a constant safety concern that is beyond my control. I have been informed that the recall exists, yet there has been no corrective action, repair timeline, or interim safety solution provided. Leaving consumers in possession of a known defective vehicle without a remedy is unacceptable, especially when the issue involves safety-related components. I am requesting that the NHTSA: •Review Kia’s handling of this recall •Require timely corrective action or an interim safety solution •Ensure accountability so affected drivers are not left operating unsafe vehicles indefinitely I am deeply concerned about the lack of urgency and transparency surrounding this issue. A confirmed safety recall without a remedy is not a minor inconvenience; it is a serious hazard. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide additional documentation if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710146January 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The ac and or heat goes out and I have to press the fuse under the hood and it comes back on other Kia k5 owners have had the same problem was told to report here for recall so fuse box doesn’t get burned out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708605January 3, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The drive train car would not go then my accelerator will rev up and down and not go over 10 miles a hour then all these service lights come on and car go in like limp mode and not drive in middle of intersection no one inspected the car i tuned it off and let it sit for 24 hours and started it and it was normally except the acceleration goes up and down when it wants to there were a lot of warning lights
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707649December 29, 2025
ENGINE
UNKNOWN. Engine misfires. Piston rings
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706904December 24, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My son owned the 2022 Kia s-K5 and lost his life in the same car ...him and my nephew died in this car last [XXX] one month after his [XXX] birthday...he was driving the car hit maybe black ice or the car lock up and went sideways on the payment for .3 of a mile and couldn't pick straits or gain control of the car and then hit a ditch n tree and satellites 2 total with the front of the car rolled the car over into a canal with water in drown and died ..the front air bags never deployed the side ones did but it took a lot of damage on the front were it showed them air bags was defaults and did not perform as a safe device as they are designed for ...then the seat belts were locked and that's cause them to not be able to get out of the car they was trapped in the car so this Kia safety equipment didn't do or perform the job it was intended for so them factors could of very well contribute to them 2 boys deaths so I'm putting an the Kia manufacturer as the responsible ones for building or producing such a bad none safe vehicle that has killed my son and my nephew....I feel that the Kia manufacturer should pay for there negligence and be punished for selling them to the public...it's not fair I'll never see my son again INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
2
#11705994December 18, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
My vehicle is subject to an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel system. According to the manufacturer’s recall notice, a damaged check valve may allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing the tank to expand and contact hot exhaust components. This can melt the fuel tank, cause fuel leakage, and increase the risk of a vehicle fire. This vehicle has experienced multiple fuel-system-related recalls, and this recall is currently listed as incomplete with no remedy available. The manufacturer has not provided a repair timeline, and owner notification and repair availability are delayed. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers because I am required to continue driving a vehicle that the manufacturer acknowledges poses a fire risk and cannot currently be repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705504December 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienced the failure, causing the check engine warning light to remain illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the check valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while the AC was activated, one vent was blowing hot air while the other vent was blowing cold air. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702623December 3, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When engine is Idling the cabin immediately starts to smell completely like gasoline. This happens whether the A/C system is on or not. It’s so strong sometimes that I have to put my window down to release the fumes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700548November 20, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2022 Kia K5 EX has a serious fuel-system safety defect involving fuel tank expansion, which caused rear seat pan deformation and rear seat strap deformation. Kia America’s engineering review confirmed this in their findings. The fuel tank expansion caused the rear seat to lift/warp from underneath, creating a risk of fuel leakage, fire, and structural failure in a crash. This is a significant safety concern for occupants and the public. Kia America acknowledged this safety defect in a letter dated October 15, 2025 and stated it is “consistent with the fuel tank expansion condition.” They offered to repurchase the vehicle due to this safety issue. (Letter attached.) Because of this defect, my vehicle has been out of service for 78 days and is not safe to drive. I use this vehicle as my primary source of income for full-time rideshare work, which has caused severe loss of income. Due to the extended loss of use and financial hardship, I am now at risk of repossession, even though the vehicle is unsafe because of a manufacturer-confirmed defect. Despite Kia acknowledging the defect, no recall has been issued, which raises concern that other drivers may still be using potentially unsafe vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this defect for potential recall action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695489October 24, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV), resulting in damage and fuel tank expansion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Campaign: SC288. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was offered a buyback, but refused the buyback. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695160October 23, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2022 Kia K5 LXS, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost acceleration. The check-engine light came on, showing code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). The issue caused unsafe driving conditions, especially with my child in the car. Kia Roseville incorrectly documented the repair, while Kia Folsom later confirmed the issue was engine-related. The vehicle has also been subject to fuel tank expansion concerns under recalls SC288 and SC288A, which can create additional fire risk and pressure issues. Despite repairs, I still experience safety fears and severe loss of vehicle value due to these recurring defects and poor documentation. Kia America has not provided a resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694326October 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the highway under normal weather conditions and at the speed limit at approx 50 MPH a loud explosion like a gun shot was heard through the car. The sound of broken glass and wind could be heard; however, there was no collision or object that struck the vehicle in any way. Glass began dropping through the sun shade area and upon pulling over and further inspection the sunroof appears to have exploded outward as all the glass was bent in an upward direction. The vehicle is currently awaiting assessment at the dealership. There was no warning of any kind. It was just a spontaneous explosion. It is my understanding that this has been a problem in some vehicles and many different manufacturers and other companies have recalled their cars however Kia has not.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694231October 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and they blew me off saying it has electrical issues. WELL I went to Oreillys and they tested my battery it was good but only getting 10 % charge to it which he said was odd so he said to try and drive it some and come back he wlll see where it’s at. I did that and he said oh wow you’re back up to 100%! Well that was the 7th now last night I’m driving around Tallmadge ave and BOOM everything lit up I lost power steering my lights shut off completely and it was close to midnight! It was insane I am luckily a very good driver because I almost went right off the road!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691556October 6, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
the fuel tank on my car expanded a few hours after inspection was taken place. The dealership stated my car was completely unsafe to drive and would not let me leave with it. My daughter was in the backseat when it happened, but she is safe and so am i
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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