Kia K5 Complaints

508 consumer complaints on file.

#11753897July 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Recall NNK post-repair failure. Dealership: Kia of Valdosta (RO# XXX). After ECU update NNK-02-0118, my K5 suffered a severe loss of acceleration and torque. The car cannot safely merge on highways. The dealer’s own live scan data sheet proves that at 4,997 RPM under full load, the Turbo Recirculation (Dump) Valve reads "OFF". The factory tool key explicitly states (OFF = Open). The service manager is misreading the tool, claiming "OFF" means closed, and refuses to fix it. The boost gauge only rises under heavy floor acceleration, proving an uncalibrated boost leak. I have uploaded a photo of the technician's data sheet directly to the attachments and will also drop link to videos of my car in normal and sport mode. I have also opened Kia Corporate Case #XXX. I demand a corporate Regional Technical Manager review this data and authorize a Turbocharger Recirculation Valve (RCV) and Wastegate Adaptation Relearn at an alternate dealer...... 1. [XXX] 2. [XXX] 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
#11753777July 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me and my children in danger. The dealership kept my vehicle and will not give me me a loaner. They left me stranded without a way to get home or pick up my kids from daycare. the 1800 # said my car isnt under warranty so they arent obligated. If they keep my car an say its a safety hazard they should be obligated. im told i have to wait 3-5 business day to get a case manager to see how they can assist me,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753686July 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate due to an immediate fuel system fire hazard, and stated the vehicle is likely unrepairable. The manufacturer is currently holding the hazardous vehicle but is failing to provide immediate alternative transportation, leaving the consumer stranded and creating severe financial hardship. I do not have the financial means to pay rental car fees up front for an extended and undetermined amount of time while waiting for Kia to decide the next step. All of the issues with the vehicle are directly related to the manufacturer defect. My safety was at risk while operating the vehicle due to a severe fire risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753652July 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX, while traveling to [XXX], I experienced serious fuel system problems after filling my vehicle. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full to empty, and a loud pop caused the rear seat, where my two children were sitting, to lift upward. The vehicle would not accept more fuel despite the empty reading. I called AAA, but before the tow arrived, the gauge returned to normal, so I continued my trip. After returning to [XXX], I checked my Kia app and discovered active Recall SC356 describing a damaged check valve that could cause fuel tank expansion, rear seat lifting, and abnormal fuel gauge behavior—the same symptoms I experienced. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to The Kia Store in Louisville, advised them of the recall and my symptoms, and requested an inspection. Service Advisor Sidney Daub stated the issue was caused by a scratched muffler, not the recall, and no recall repair was performed. Relying on that assessment, I continued driving. From XXX, while traveling to [XXX], the same problems returned. Smoke came from the fuel tank area, fuel sprayed onto me when I opened the fuel door, and the vehicle became disabled and required towing home. I then took it to Kia Store East on June 10. There, [XXX] advised the failure was related to Recall SC356, and Haley informed me Kia Consumer Affairs would contact me. After weeks of communications, Kia advised on XXX that the vehicle was unrepairable and requested ownership documents. On XXX, Kia offered only to satisfy my loan balance through a buyback. I believe the dealership's failure to properly diagnose & repair the recall condition in April directly contributed to the later failure, safety hazards, towing expenses, and loss of my vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia's handling of Recall SC356 and the dealership's actions, & encourage Kia to consider a replacement vehicle, collateral swap, or another equitable resolution. 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
#11753188July 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
As I was driving down the road, I began to hear a loud, forceful noise. I assumed it was something in my trunk rolling against the rear seats. The noise kept getting louder, and I pulled over, very frightened, as several warning lights came on, including the low fuel light and check engine light, and the fuel gauge needle was past “E.” Before the incident, the GPM reading was 400. After a while, I made it home, but the car started making loud noises and then died. That’s when I noticed my back seats were lifted. I called Kia customer service and had the car towed to the Kia dealership on Seigan Lane, where it is now. Something needs to be done about this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753069July 27, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 50-65 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and came to a sudden stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was an issue with the water pressure cooling system. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair on the vehicle. The contact called the warranty company and informed the contact that the warranty mileage was 100,000. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the dealers were independently owned. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752750July 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I brought my 2023 Kia K5 to Citrus Kia in Ontario, California on 2/20/2026 for two safety recalls, including Recall SC356 involving a defective fuel check valve that can cause the fuel tank to expand, melt, and potentially catch fire. When I picked up my vehicle on XXX, I was given a repair invoice stating that both recalls had been completed. Four months later, I received another recall notice by mail for SC356. After contacting Kia corporate, they confirmed that Citrus Kia had never completed the recall, despite providing me with paperwork stating that it had been done. I made multiple attempts to contact the dealership for an explanation but my calls were never returned. Kia corporate also had difficulty reaching the dealership. They ultimately confirmed with Citrus Kia that the recall had NOT been performed and instructed me to have it completed at another dealership. This was not a minor paperwork error. Citrus Kia falsely represented that a serious safety recall involving a potential fire hazard had been completed when it had not. I have the dealership's own repair invoice documenting that they claimed the work was finished. I also have a voicemail recording from Kia corporate stating they were told by Citrus Kia that the recall was actually not completed. What is most alarming is that Kia corporate never asked the dealership why they provided an invoice stating the safety recall was completed when it had not. Attachments: page 3 of invoice from 2/23/2026 shows Recall SC356 as completed; 2 screenshots from NHTSA and [XXX] on 7/23/2026 shows Recall SC356 as not completed. 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
#11752335July 23, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge suddenly went from one-half tank to empty. The fuel level displayed 120 miles to empty. The contact attempted to refuel the vehicle but was unable to add fuel to the tank. The contact also stated that the oil warning light and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,185.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752288July 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The first time the collision warning lights and sounds came on when I was parked but had my engine on in the morning of 7/21/2026. The second time was when I was merging on a busy highway with cars going 65+mph... There were no cars around me, but the collision warning said crash, the sounds came on, and my brakes went into effect. I pulled off the road, and now I am terrified to drive my car. I called KIA and told them this. They sent out a tow. They had my car and told me that the computer on my car did not register any issues for both times this happened. Someone is taking my car home tonight and going on the same highway to see if it happens again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752242July 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America’s handling of a safety recall and repurchase of my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]. I purchased this vehicle used on XXX, and financed it through Capital One. After taking my vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership for the fuel tank valve safety recall, I was informed that my vehicle was unsafe to drive and could not be repaired. The dealership advised me that Kia would be repurchasing the vehicle. Kia has offered to buy back the vehicle, but the settlement being offered does not appear fair under the circumstances. Although Kia has determined that my vehicle is unsafe and unrepairable due to a manufacturer safety defect, I have only been provided with 15 days of rental vehicle coverage while Kia’s own repurchase letter states that the process may take 60 to 90 days to complete. This could leave me without transportation through no fault of my own. Additionally, Kia has refused to reimburse my $4,000 down payment or provide any additional compensation related to the loss of use of my vehicle. Their offer also includes a substantial mileage deduction under certain options, despite the fact that this repurchase is the result of a manufacturer safety defect rather than a voluntary sale or trade-in. I requested written clarification regarding my settlement options, rental coverage, loan payoff, and reimbursement of my expenses. Rather than answering my questions, Kia responded only that the offer was “firm” and compliant with Florida law, without addressing the specific concerns I raised. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed to determine whether Kia is handling this safety recall and repurchase fairly and whether consumers whose vehicles are deemed unsafe and unrepairable should receive adequate transportation assistance and fair compensation while waiting for the manufacturer to complete the repurchase process. I respectfully request assistance in reviewing Kia America’s handling this case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752175July 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7/20/26 My 17 year old daughter was on the way to work and heard a loud noise like an explosion in her car. She, new to driving, scared and in a panic just assumed this was a blowout on a tire and pulled over to check the tires. All tires were clear so she proceeded to work cautiously, on her way home she noticed her check engine light had come on and noticed there was some road noise coming from the back. She then called me, note this is the first I heard of the situation. While on the phone with her I pulled up the CarFax to check when it had last been maintenanced, while doing that I saw for the first time TWO RECALLS on this car we had just purchased 3 months ago! By this time she was home and I instructed her to get out of the car while I Immediately called our local Kia dealership to schedule an appt to have the two recalls fixed (7/20/26 at 4:38pm). I gave the make and model to the service department and they informed me they couldn’t see me till Wed July 29th,at 8:00 am. When my husband and I further assessed the car after we got home we found that an explosion had occurred around her fuel tank, which was full at the time of the incident! The fuel tank expanded enough to completely rupture and detach her entire backseat! This incident was due to a recall replacing a valve on the fuel tank that was not conducted on the car from prior owners nor communication to the new owners (ME) upon my purchase of the vehicle. This could have been catastrophic to my daughter and anyone else in the vehicle had she kept driving the car and could have very easily been engulfed with flames and loss of life especially with a full tank of gas. The car has been towed to the local Kia dealership and leaked gas all in our driveway as it sat there. We are still awaiting response from Kia on our case it has been over 48 hours now and we have received no communication from them. KIA NEEDS TO DEEM THIS RECALL AS POSSIBLY FATAL AND ACT IMMEDIATELY TO SAVE LIVES!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752163July 22, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SEATS, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered. The contact stated that fuel spewed out of the filler neck while refueling the vehicle, and the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty after refueling. Additionally, there was an abnormal egg and sulfur odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). During the inspection, the seats were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was negotiating a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751597July 20, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, upon further inspection the fuel level was lowering unexpectedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and diagnosed with a recall-related failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was short-staffed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751470July 20, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the fuel tank expanded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded, and that the vehicle was unrepairable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer offered a buyback. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751032July 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I don’t see any problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750099July 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 Kia K5's infotainment screen went completely pitch black, disabling the backup camera now creating an active safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749904July 13, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749430July 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on Route 22 in New Jersey, my vehicle's brakes suddenly became extremely hard, making it incredibly difficult to stop. There were no lights on indicating an issue, neither any concerning sounds prior to this incident. I came dangerously close to being involved in an accident and was left extremely shaken. The situation was serious enough that my father had to come retrieve both me and my vehicle because I no longer felt safe driving it. I brought my vehicle to the Kia dealership on Friday, where I was informed that the repair would cost over $1,000. I find this extremely concerning given that Kia has previously recalled brake system components on other models for similar issues. While I understand my vehicle may not currently be included in that recall, a brake system failure on a 2023 vehicle is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about safety and product reliability. To make matters worse, I never even received a phone call from the service department to explain what was wrong with my vehicle or discuss the recommended repairs. Instead, I received nothing more than a text message with a link to a video. The first words I heard were, "Your brakes are really bad." For a customer who had just experienced a frightening brake failure that nearly resulted in an accident, I expected the courtesy of a direct phone call to explain the diagnosis, answer my questions, and discuss my options. Receiving only a video link felt impersonal and dismissive given the seriousness of the situation. After repeated back and forth with Kia corporate over the span of two weeks they determined that the repairs are on me, and I was offered nothing, even though this issue was of no fault of my own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749173July 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am contacting Kia America Consumer Affairs to formally request a Goodwill Warranty Exception for the total failure of the factory infotainment and radio system in my 2024 Kia K5 LXS. The unit has completely lost Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay functionality. A certified technician has diagnosed the issue as an internal radio hardware failure requiring a complete replacement, quoted at an exorbitant out-of-pocket cost. While my vehicle has surpassed the standard 3-year/36,000-mile radio warranty threshold, this premature electronic failure is a documented, systemic manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. I have fully exhausted all personal troubleshooting measures—including performing hard pinhole resets, deep system restarts via battery disconnection, clear-pairing device profiles, and verifying device firmware. The underlying hardware remains completely non-responsive. Furthermore, Kia America is explicitly aware of this systemic defect in this generation of head units, as evidenced by the publication of Technical Service Bulletin SA582 ("AVN 5.0 Wide Non-Responsive Radio Icon"), which explicitly acknowledges software and hardware stability failures in 2023–2024 infotainment units. Because the failure of this head unit completely eliminates hands-free voice operations, emergency communications, and navigation systems, it introduces an immediate driver distraction and safety hazard on public roads. As a loyal Kia owner who purchased this vehicle expecting modern reliability, I am asking Kia Corporate to review this case, acknowledge the documented history of this defect, and issue a Goodwill Exception to cover the replacement cost of this unit at a certified local dealership. I look forward to your prompt response and the assignment of a regional case manager to resolve this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749168July 8, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car is losing power upon acceleration causing a loss of power upon take off upon taking off and when gears are shifting. Told by dealer it is a problem with fuel injection. Replaced several coil packs and spark plugs on my own. Dealer repair shop had my car for 4 days for the fuel talk and valve issues and did not repair anything. Losing power when I drive in traffic and on highway is a huge safety issue causing loss of power when at highway speeds. I plugged in a code reader bought by myself which is telling me it’s coil packs. We have replaced several with no luck. There is a smell of fuel and with all the other fuel system recalls and after reading other complaints on this site that sounds similar, I fear this is a safety issue with the vehicle. They checked my fuel tank and valve but didn’t replace either. I believe this is related to all the other fuel system recalls and should be repaired free of charge by dealer as a dysfunctional fuel problem as nothing we’ve done to repair with the code reader has fixed this issue. I fear a loss of power of fire caused by the mounting fuel system issues of these issues have caused the issue I’m having. Please look into this as several other complaints I’ve read online by owners are having same issue. My car only has 68,000 miles. I’m in fear of serious injury as a cause of these issues. Also concerned dealer had my car 4 days and DID. NOT repair or replace fuel tank or fuel valve, why did they have my car this long and DID NOT REPAIR the recall that the vehicle was there and the appointment was scheduled for such? I really have a fear there is an accident in my vehicle travels caused by mounting fuel issue recalls and problems. Please please look into this and help with these mounting fuel system issues before serious injury or death!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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