Kia K5 Complaints (2022)

129 consumer complaints on file.

#11671366July 5, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the car started to have the sensors for the adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency breaking, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, and rear cross traffic warning all came on. The rpm starting going crazy the car was shaking and struggling to start, the car was shifting weird causing the acceleration to be poor. This all happened while driving if we were on a busy road we would’ve gotten hit the car randomly started breaking and slowing down, this is dangerously and could cause serious injury and damages to the vehicle and others around it. This is a problem a lot of people have been complaining about and need to be fixed it’s not okay or safe to be driving a car with these issues especially when there is no warning it just breaks and shuts down no matter where you are or how fast you may be going.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670383June 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE:BODY
A silver piller price of trim flew off on the highway in the rear. A lot of Kia k5 owners have experienced this and it could fly off and hit someone on the highway. Transmission is super jerky and can sometimes lose power I’ve also known a lot of people that have similar issues with the kind of transmission in the k5 GT 2022
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667923June 19, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have replaced the Engine Splash on my Kia K5 twice and need to get it replaced again. This item is poorly made and it was replaced the two times from Kia at over $500. This seems to be a problem with many of the 2022 Kia K5's. It's almost like it disintegrates when it rains. This is a very expensive repair here are the dates of repairs 02/2023, 04/2024 and the date of the incident that is still needing to be repaired 03/2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667044June 15, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving home recently with my young stepson securely seated in his car seat and my fiancé in the passenger seat, we suddenly heard a terrifying loud bang. Immediately following the explosion, my stepson cried out in pain. At the time, the windows were up and the air conditioning was off, yet we all felt an intense gust of wind inside the vehicle. When I turned around, I saw that my stepson’s seat had been lifted unusually high. We later discovered that either the fuel tank or the fuel pump had exploded.I was shocked and terrified. I had no prior knowledge of any fuel system issues or recalls on this vehicle. After contacting my local Kia dealership, a representative informed me, “Yep, your car has the recall, and it sounds like it swelled up.” Even more troubling is that I never received any recall notifications regarding these issues. The only recall notices I’ve ever received by mail were years ago for a completely different vehicle — my previous Kia Soul, which is no longer in use, as well as the recall for the side curtain airbag.I took it upon myself to do a VIN check and learned that this recall was issued on July 9, 2021, yet I purchased the car from Bev Smith Kia of Fort Pierce on December 30, 2022 — long after the recall had been published. I’m struggling to understand how this vehicle was sold without the required recall repairs being completed or disclosed.I am currently trying to work with Kia to resolve the issue, but I felt it was important to share this with your team so others can be made aware of the potential danger. Had this explosion happened at higher speed or on the highway, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664959June 4, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My 2022 Kia K5 panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded while the car was parked. There was no impact, no debris, and no warning signs — just a loud explosion and shattered glass everywhere. I previously had a cracked windshield but was unable to afford repairs, as I am unemployed. Now the sunroof has blown out completely, and I believe this could be part of a structural or manufacturing defect. Kia will tow the vehicle to the dealership (Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh) 06/05 between 8am-10am and I am requesting support under goodwill repair. This was a serious safety hazard and could have injured me, my toddler or others. I’ve since found other reports of Kia sunroofs exploding and believe this needs to be investigated further.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662538May 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop at the red traffic light, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659496May 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving this morning 5/7/2025 at 9:09am and smoke started emitting from the center consol accompanied by a burning smell. My husband noticed the smoke coming from the car charging area, it made a popping/poof sound accompanied with even more smoke. We immediately pulled the charger out of the charger port. My car charger was melted and slightly burned.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657168April 28, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, SEATS
While accelerating in response to a green light I made a right hand turn and as I accelerated up to the speed limit of 55 mph I heard and felt a very loud “bang or pop”. I proceeded to pull the car over anticipating a tire blow out or something damaging the rear end of my car and upon a full visual inspection of all tires, undercarriage, under the hood and in the truck and main cabin of the car I was unable to locate and issues and there were zero codes or lights. After careful assessment I proceeded to get myself and child home but on the way the car started stumbling and there was a strong Oder of gas. A check engine Illuminated giving us an error code referencing our solenoid that works in pair with our fuel system. After checking the car and going inside for about two hours, my husband came to me and asked what happened to the backseat as the entire thing had been pulled up and underneath it was a very pressurized and round fuel system. I proceeded to call the car dealership service department and told them the codes and everything I was showing and what was happening and asked when I could get the car to them, and if it was safe to ride, they said if it’s still ran to go smoothly to the dealership which was a 10 minute drive. As directed by the dealership I brought the car for service and I also located a voluntary emissions report that Kia issued in April of 2024 along with a copy of letters said to be sent to each owner of my make and model. I never received these letters and update not completed. Kia failed to effectively notify all owners of this potential issue with an over pressurized fuel system, putting myself and my children in great risk. Kia America stated they needed to study my car. A recall still has not been issued, although there are several complaints of the same thing in their cars and now I’m forced into a very unfair buyback and I am being penalized due to Kia failing to alert All parties. There is still no recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656652April 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related issues, including erratic shifting, delayed response, slippage, and sudden loss of power while driving. These symptoms significantly impact drivability and pose a safety risk, especially when accelerating or merging in traffic. The issue was previously addressed by the dealership under a recall repair. However, the same transmission behavior has returned approximately 3–4 months after the repair. The dealership performed repairs multiple times before, and the symptoms have now recurred. The problem has been confirmed by the authorized dealership and is scheduled for another inspection. There have been warning symptoms such as hesitation during gear shifts and intermittent power dips while in motion, which began reappearing recently. The component remains available for inspection. Given the repeat nature of the issue following an official recall, I believe this may be part of a broader unresolved defect in the vehicle’s transmission system. The issue initially reappeared briefly after the recall repair, then subsided. However, it returned more consistently and noticeably after a couple of months, and is now ongoing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655337April 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN. When the vehicle is turned on and parked with the vent opened letting outside air circulate into the cabin. there is a foul smell like coolant or engine fume that come with the air flow. I did change my air filter multiple times but the suffocating smell does not stop. it gives headaches. there are reddit threads on this issue with Kias. please take a look into it. thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654429April 14, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving on [XXX] and I heard a really loud sound like a Gun Shot in my Car I couldn't just pull over I had to get off at the next exit when I did I checked myself and then I checked my Windows then I opened my back door on the passenger side and saw that behind the seat had swollen up. I drove to work and call KIA where I purchased the car and told them what happened my husband carried the car to them and to make a long story short. After Months of back & forth it was determined that the GAS TANK had EXPANDED!!! 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
#11649123March 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This has happened on 2 occasions, 1 while starting the car 1 while driving. Both times the cars volume went to max with either radio or Bluetooth on and produced a static noise with it. The volume knob did not adjust the piercing noise unless set to 0 or mute. This was remedied by pulling the amp fuze and reseting the radio. I had no lights or warnings pop up, and have yet to have this inspected by a dealership. This instant volume switch to max output with static while driving almost caused an accident as I was distracted trying to turn down my radio as quickly as possible with pain in my ears on the interstate. While stationary even after turning down the radio I still have lingering pain from how loud it was. From what I can tell this is something with the radio unit or amp within the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648432March 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Rotors from factory warp very early, noticable in under 30k miles. Warped rotors makes braking harsh, makes the brakes not work as well ans steering wheel jolt when braking making it dangerous. Was diagnosed by myself and other K5 drivers who took their cars to dealerships and mechanics. No warning lamps or anything, just very rough braking. Happened to me around 24,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648431March 15, 2025
STEERING
- Power Steering Motor Failed in under 50,000 miles - Failure of steering motor can make it hard to steer, steering wheel slightly shakes too - Turning the wheel you hear a high pitched rattling / squeak noise - Inspected and reproduced by Dealership / Manufacturer and determined it was the motor
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647878March 12, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
These warnings light up at the same time the dash for Electronic stability system, electronic parking brake, forward collision system, Auto hold and engine light, saying "check forward collision system, check blind spot detection, check smart cruise control system", and the vehicle goes into a sort of limp mode, not allowing it to accelerate past about 40 mph easily. In my research, I've have found approximately 50 other Kia k5 owners who have had this exact same issue. Half of the time, once taken to the dealership for diagnosis, it is weeks without anyone figuring out what the issue might be. Several instances where a part has been replaced which did not fix the issue at all, like an airbag module, or steering column. Several instances of the ecu and hecu being replaced, and several more of the entire engine/chassis wire harness being replaced. As for my case, now at the dealership for 2nd time because they could not reproduce warning lights while test driving vehicle. They have determined mine requires a full chassis wire harness replacement, with an estimated cost of $5k-$7k, which includes the $2800 harness. I initially thought mine was an isolated incident, and was shocked to find as many owners as I have that have experienced the same issue, some with mileage as low 25 miles, and causing sudden braking or issue with steering the vehicle. Being that it involves all the major safety systems of the vehicle, I am also surprised there has not been any sort of recall, considering these issues span all the way back to 2021. Just my two cents. Currently waiting on a tech to come out and determine if this is covered under extended warranty bought at dealership at time of purchase, as I am over the 60k mile factory warranty period. Have had this vehicle for 3+ years, and this just now started happening about a month and a half ago. Some have had this issue just weeks after leaving the lot with their brand new car, and a few of those returned the vehicle for a refund.
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
#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
#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
#11626499November 20, 2024
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle traveling at approximately 30 MPH collided with the driver's side door. The air bags did not deployed, resulting in the contacts wife wife sustaining injuries he attributed to the failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a body repair shop but later deemed a total loss by contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed and injuries were reported. The contact and his wife transported themselves to an area hospital for treatment. Both the contact and his wife were treated for varying levels of pain to their neck and back. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V149000 (Air Bgas), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened; the contact was informed that the manufacturer had requested his insurance provider hold the vehicle at the body repair shop pending a review of the incident recorder. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11625495November 15, 2024
SEATS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IN OCT 2023 I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY FUEL TANK. I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED MY FUEL GAGE WAS ON EMPTY BUT MY FUEL MILEAGE STATED THAT I HAD 100 MILES LEFT. I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FUEL UP AND I WASN'T ABLE TO PUMP ANY FUEL. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AND HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND A HISSING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO ASSESS MY VEHICLE AND DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/26/2023. IN MAY OF 2024 I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON AND STARTED NOTICING MY FUEL GAGE WAS HAVING AN ISSUE AGAIN. ON MY WAY TO THE GAS STATION I HEARD A LOUD BOOM. I COULDN'T PUMP FUEL AGAIN. I PROCEEDED TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON. AS THEY GOT IN THE BACKSEAT SHE ASKED ME WHY WAS THE SEAT LIFTED. I INSPECTED MY REAR SEAT AND NOTICED A 3-4 INCH GAP FROM THE SEAT AND THE BASE OF THE SEAT, ALSO IT HAD A LARGE LUMP. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY ON MAY 24, 2024.VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. IT'S CURRENTLY AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES. AS AN UBER DRIVER MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY PASSENGERS AS WELL AS FAMILY MEMBERS HAS BEEN PUT IN DANGER. UNKNOWN. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED FOR THIS ISSUE ON 10/26/2023, 05/24/2024, AND 09/24/2024. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE EARLY PART OF JULY I TOOK A TRIP TO SEE MY MOM IN ARIZONA APPROX. 280 MILES AWAY FROM MY RESIDENCE. AS I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME ON [XXX] I NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND GAS WAS HISSING AND SPILLING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK. I THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE FUEL CAP SO I WENT TO PURCHASE A NEW FUEL CAP. I TRIED TO PUMP MORE GAS BUT I WASN'T ABLE TOO. I REPLACED THE FUEL CAP AND RETURNED TO MY MOTHERS HOME BECAUSE AFTER I REPLACED THE CAP THE FUEL WAS STILL COMING OUT OF THE GAS TANK. I HAD TO PAY $1,000.00 TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED BACK TO CALIFORNIA. 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

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