Kia K5 Complaints

508 consumer complaints on file.

#11738856May 19, 2026
SEATS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Shortly after refueling, I experienced a serious and sudden vehicle safety-related malfunction involving suspected fuel tank expansion. The event coincided with abnormal fuel behavior and an unexpected structural issue in the rear cabin area, where the rear seat assembly displaced upward without any passenger interaction or impact. The vehicle was inspected at Kia Archer, where I was informed it was unsafe to operate and required escalation to Kia corporate for review. I was advised the issue may involve a fuel system defect consistent with tank expansion potentially affecting surrounding structural or mounting components. Since that inspection, I have made repeated attempts to obtain clarification, safety guidance, and a technical explanation of the failure. These requests have not been meaningfully addressed. Communication from Kia corporate has been limited, delayed, or non-responsive. Instead of receiving a clear diagnostic explanation, repair plan, or safety directive, I was provided a buyback offer without supporting technical documentation, including no defect analysis, no engineering explanation, and no clear justification of valuation. I have also been presented with time-sensitive pressure to sign the buyback agreement despite the absence of disclosed safety findings or complete information regarding the defect. At this time: * The vehicle has been deemed unsafe by a dealership technician * A suspected fuel system defect involving tank expansion has been identified but not explained or resolved * There is concern of associated structural or mounting stress affecting interior components * Manufacturer communication has been insufficient and non-responsive following escalation * A buyback has been offered without transparent technical findings or defect disclosure * There is perceived pressure to accept terms without adequate time or information This was a huge safety risk to myself and any passengers I’ve had in my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738283May 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to formally complain about the ongoing issues with my vehicle, specifically the repeated failure of the air conditioning system and the excessive number of recalls that have caused major inconvenience and lost work time. The air conditioning unit in my vehicle has failed three separate times. Each time, I was told the fan motor needed to be replaced, and the motor has now been replaced three times. After each repair, the system works temporarily before failing again. I have now been informed that the issue may actually be electrical in nature, which raises concerns that the original problem was never properly diagnosed or repaired. In addition to the air conditioning problems, my vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls requiring repeated trips for repairs. These ongoing issues have forced me to miss work several times, causing financial hardship, stress, and a loss of confidence in the reliability and safety of my vehicle. At this point, I am requesting the following: A full inspection and proper diagnosis of the electrical system related to the air conditioning failure. A permanent repair solution rather than temporary fixes. Reimbursement or compensation for repeated repair visits, missed work time, and inconvenience caused by these recurring issues. A review of my vehicle’s repair history to determine whether additional corrective action is appropriate. I have made every effort to address these issues through the proper service channels, but the recurring failures continue. I expect this matter to be taken seriously and resolved promptly. Please contact me as soon as possible regarding the next steps to resolve this issue. Sincerely,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737996May 15, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
chrome pillars came off on highway. the recall was sent in mail but upon visitation to kia for a different recall, I mentioned pillars and they did not have part to repair and there was a wait for part on their end is what they said. car was literally built with many defects I don't know how it passed inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737995May 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank expanded, the car was spitting out gas from where you are supposed to insert gas nozzle. my fuel tank expanded so bad from pressure my vehicle sensors malfunctioned my car did not tell me something was wrong, I heard a pop and my car was telling me I had no gas when I did. the insert area for gas to be pumped was swollen and couldn't shut my gas cap cover. I went to gas station and since my car said it was empty I attempted to add gas and it spit it back out immediately it could not take gas, so I called kia locations since I was in [XXX] with kids in my vehicle for halloween trick or treating. the recall papers I have in order says safety hazard was a FIRE. my car fuel tank could had made my car explode at any moment. my engine light did not come on all my car showed me was mile change and inaccurate amount of gas reading. the dealer has had my car since November 2025. I heard popping sounds when I would return home from work in the driveway but no warning. one Time in July of 2025 my engine light came on I went to autozone they gave me a code for something with fuel issue, light didn't stay on no longer than a few hours. kia has cost me so much mishap and unfair financial responsibility. it has been a nightmare. the person working my case I can only talk to in email, it has taken forever now I have a repurchase offer that I had to fight for. they are trying to make me return my rental before completion of repurchase offer which offer stated could take longer than 30 days. this is so unfair. it seems illegal. 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
#11737928May 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof glass spontaneously shattered causing glass to be everywhere inside my car while I was driving. It scared me and now my car is undrivable until the glass is repaired. I see many thread online of other Kia K5 owners have experienced the same issue. My initial thought was that my tire popped so I tried to pull off to the side of the road but cars were just trying to get around me. I opened up my sunroof because it did sound like something popped and there was a big hole in my sunroof. I immediately closed it and drove home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737882May 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving my Kia K5 and the subsequent handling of this matter by Kia America. My vehicle was subject to a voluntary recall and was inspected by an authorized Kia dealership. During inspection, I was informed the vehicle has a defective fuel tank system that allowed air intrusion, resulting in abnormal pressure and structural impact to the vehicle. I was further advised by dealership personnel this condition created a risk the vehicle could catch fire or explode while being operated. As a result, the dealership retained possession of my vehicle and deemed it unsafe to drive. I have been without use of my vehicle and Kia has provided a rental car. For approximately eighteen (18) months prior to this discovery, I unknowingly operated this vehicle under these conditions. During that time, my minor child was a regular passenger in the rear seating area of the vehicle. My child has experienced ongoing neurological symptoms, including persistent headaches over a period of several months, which have required medical evaluation. While no definitive cause has yet been determined, the possibility of prolonged exposure to fuel vapors within the vehicle is a serious concern. In addition to the safety risk, I have incurred substantial financial losses, including: Monthly payments totaling approximately $10,170 Down payment $1,000 Maintenence $1,800 Insurance costs totaling approximately $7,500 Despite the severity of the defect and the fact the vehicle cannot be repaired or returned to me, Kia America has only offered resolution options that: Do not fully reimburse my financial losses In some cases require me to pay out-of-pocket to resolve the issue Do not account for the significant safety risks involved Furthermore, Kia America has imposed a deadline for acceptance of these inadequate offers and has stated that if I do not accept, they will: Discontinue providing a rental vehicle Return the unsafe vehicle to me
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11737766May 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
There is a hard shift after the car has been parked. Bought the car with 6 miles on it, now has 35,000. This issue is not new, we have had it into 2 different dealerships, and neither "were able to duplicate the issue". It is increasingly getting worse so it will be going back to the shop yet again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737762May 14, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact received the recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737476May 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) in my Kia K5 GT (2.5T engine) has experienced a recurring internal electronic and mechanical fault. This is the third failure of this component. The failure causes the cooling system to malfunction, either by over-cooling or failing to cycle coolant once at operating temperature. Under acceleration—specifically when merging onto expressways—the vehicle suffers a sudden loss of power and enters 'limp mode' with a dashboard alert stating the engine is overheating. This creates an immediate safety hazard in high-speed traffic. When the fault occurs, the radiator fans lock at 100% duty cycle. This is a documented systemic issue with the Kia 2.5T powertrain (referenced by major automotive publications and multiple Technical Service Bulletins). Despite a prior Lemon Law settlement and an active 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge this as a powertrain or emissions defect, attempting to charge out-of-pocket for a component that prevents the vehicle from passing state emissions and safety inspections."This was also cited in a 2023 issue of car and driver magazine long-term test with The Kia Sorento that shares the same engine and transmission combination This is a third time that part has failed for me with others had to replace that part over seven times The first time it happened it was at 8,000 mi it did not get fixed until 30,000 mi The second time it happened was at 51,000 mi The third time 75,000 mi
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737061May 11, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On April 8th my car was taken to the dealership for repair on a hose. When the dealership did a diagnostic on the vehicle it had 4 safety recalls. And my car had a major recall the fuel pump on my car expanded and it was very dangerous for me and my kids to drive the vehicle per Kia they say it could have blown up. My car can not be released to me and I’m without a vehicle. On the night of April 7th my Kia k5 ran hot without any warning lamps and the thermostat radar in the car did not indicate hot at all!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736397May 7, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736237May 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I was driving on the highway and my check engine light came on. I pulled over and it told it was from engine control system. I had a computer connected to it and it came back the idle control system rpm higher than expected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735605May 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
I have experienced consistent electrical issues with my drivers side door panel on my 2021 Kia K5. The lights on the panel will flash off and on intermittently, the windows will not roll down, and doors will not lock/unlock, posing an entrapment risk. Additionally, when this panel malfunctions, my power seat will move and adjust (sometimes while I am driving and the vehicle is in motion) back to original settings instead of remaining in the settings I've saved for my vehicle; fully unintended motion of course. Additionally, my media screen/multimedia face also experiences issues where it will black out, cutting my navigation mid-drive, as well as any other sound including music and/or navigation guidance. I initially raised these issues early in the ownership process of my vehicle with a door panel replacement being offered as a fix. This did not fix the issue. I was told i needed to try to get video of the incident when it occurred which seemed impossible.to me because under GA law, how am I supposed to obtain video while operating a motor vehicle. However, I eventually obtained footage. I expressed concern about the issue persusting past my warranty date and was told my issue would will be able to be fixed if it persisted because I initially raised it during the warranty period. However, I have now proceeded to be dismissed and blown off by both of thr Kia dealerships in my area regarding this issue. Even being told by one that they no longer had previous service records of my vehicle because they've changed ownership. As an authorized Kia service center, my understanding is that the dealership is an agents of the manufacturer. If they failed to transfer records, they are essentially admitting to a lapse in their duty to maintain my vehicle's history—a history that involves a life-threatening safety defect. There were no warning lamps for this issue, I've not had this issue inspected by my insurance or other agents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735151May 1, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number SC356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.However, after evaluating the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealer informed me that the issue cannot be repaired. I am concerned because this situation leaves me without a proper remedy for a known safety defect. I understand that under federal law, manufacturers are required to provide an effective repair, replacement, or refund for safety recalls. At this time, I have not received a satisfactory resolution that ensures my safety or complies with recall obligations. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case and provide guidance or take appropriate action to ensure the manufacturer fulfills its responsibilities. Nov 17,2025 Manufacturer Recall NumberSC356 NHTSA Recall Number25V794 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary KIA AMERICA, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2021-2024 K5 VEHICLES. A DAMAGED CHECK VALVE CAN ALLOW AIR TO ENTER THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING IT TO EXPAND AND CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS, MELTING THE TANK. Safety Risk A MELTED FUEL TANK CAN LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Remedy DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHECK VALVE. THE FUEL TANK WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACED AS NECESSARY. ALL REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE MAILED JANUARY 16, 2026. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT [XXX] . KIA'S NUMBER FORTHIS RECALL IS SC356. Manufacturer's Notes SC356 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
#11734630April 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Manufacturer has failed to remedy the safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner. Vehicle is a fire risk and I am unable to drive it. My vehicle has been sitting at the dealership service center for over a month. I have not been contacted by Kia as of yet even after repeated phone calls and emails for updates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733011April 22, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that after fully refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732899April 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A fuel system-related safety recall (SC356) remains incomplete on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership in Jersey City, NJ, where I was informed that the recall repair had been completed. I paid for towing to the dealership for this repair. However, after picking up the vehicle, it immediately began exhibiting worsening symptoms, including engine shaking, rough operation while driving and idling, and prior stalling incidents. A check engine light also appeared after the visit. Upon further verification, the recall still shows as incomplete. This indicates that the recall repair was either not performed or not completed correctly. The issue appears to involve the fuel system, as the symptoms worsened after refueling and include unstable engine performance consistent with improper fuel delivery or air entering the system. This condition creates a safety risk due to potential engine stalling while driving, as well as the known recall risk involving fuel tank deformation and possible fire hazard. The problem has not been properly resolved by the dealership, and the vehicle is currently unsafe for normal use. The failed recall repair is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732881April 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I am reporting a documented and unresolved brake system safety issue on my 2024 Kia K5 involving repeated premature brake pad wear and rotor damage. The vehicle has required three full brake pad and rotor replacements by approximately 40,000 miles, with each set lasting less than 15,000 miles. Service records consistently document uneven wear on the front brakes, particularly the outer pads, with up to a 4 mm difference between sides. This has resulted in one side reaching metal-to-metal contact while the opposing side retained usable material. This pattern has repeated across multiple brake replacements. This condition creates a braking imbalance that affects vehicle control. The vehicle exhibits pulling under braking and changes in steering alignment, indicating uneven braking force across the front axle. Braking performance can degrade rapidly, transitioning from normal operation to reduced stopping effectiveness without sufficient warning. Despite these documented conditions, the dealership and manufacturer, including escalation through Kia customer care and technical support, have been unable to identify a root cause. The condition has been classified as “within normal range,” and warranty coverage has been denied. The vehicle has been returned to service multiple times without corrective action. It has been acknowledged that the wear pattern is not typical, yet no defect has been identified. This creates a contradiction and uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s ability to safely perform under normal operating conditions. Due to rapid wear progression and lack of warning before significant degradation, there is limited opportunity to service the vehicle before braking performance is affected. This results in continued operation with a recurring braking imbalance. I request this be reviewed as a safety defect due to repeated loss of braking consistency, impact on vehicle control, and increased risk of reduced stopping performance or crash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732143April 18, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle experienced an overheating condition involving the fuel system, which aligns with an active recall stating that a damaged check valve can allow air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand and come into contact with hot exhaust components, potentially melting the fuel tank. While operating the vehicle, this created a serious safety concern due to the risk of fuel tank damage, fuel leakage, and potential fire. This was not a minor issue, as it directly involved a component that could lead to a fire hazard. The vehicle was later evaluated and deemed unrepairable due to the severity of the issue. Because of this, the vehicle is not currently being used due to safety concerns. Despite the known safety risk and recall-related defect, the situation has not been properly resolved. The handling of this issue raises concerns given the potential for fuel system failure and fire risk associated with this defect. This complaint is being submitted due to the safety risk involving the fuel system and the potential for fire while operating the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730905April 13, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The display is shows a "Check Oil Level" error. It comes on then goes off regularly. I have verified that the oil level is OK. Took it into the dealer and he said that this is a common issue and a software fix is coming. The car only has less than 2K miles. I depend on the engine displaying error messages, but they need to be real ones. Online complaints indicate that this is a common error and there seems to be no fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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