Kia K5 Complaints

508 consumer complaints on file.

#11723003March 9, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the trim below the rear windshield and the trunk lid trim had partially detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the trunk lid trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722642March 7, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2023 Kia K5 experienced a fuel system issue related to Recall SC288 (Fuel Tank Inspection & ECM Update). The vehicle displayed a check engine light and could not accept fuel while refueling. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership on May 21, 2025 where the recall inspection failed. The repair order states the fuel tank swelled and damaged the body of the vehicle. Kia opened a Techline case and retained possession of the vehicle. Kia has now acknowledged the vehicle is not repairable. The vehicle has been in Kia’s possession since May 2025. This situation resulted in extended loss of use and financial hardship.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722397March 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While driving, the entire control panel shuts down including all interior and exterior lights. It completely resets everything including Bluetooth. It has happened 5 or 6 times since I got the car in October 2024. I’ve reported this to Stones Kia in Idaho Falls, and they were unable to duplicate the issue so they couldn’t do anything. It tends to only happen when I’m driving at night.
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
#11722365March 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
The car only has 150 miles on it and I bought it 3 days ago and there is a LOW ENGINE OIL warning on the dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722165March 5, 2026
ENGINE
Low oil engine warning. Oil level is okay. Car has 80 miles on it, total.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722163March 5, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2026 Kia K5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine immediately started to rev extremely high, and smoke was coming from under the hood, and the front passenger side lights failed to illuminate. There was a sizzling sound coming from the engine compartment, and the hood was very hot to the touch. The contact turned off the vehicle, and a tow truck company was contacted. The contact stated that while raising the vehicle onto the tow truck, hundreds of shards of black plastic fell from the vehicle onto the driveway along with a pink colored liquid. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. After the failure, the contact received several engine failure codes on the Phone App. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 110.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721854March 3, 2026
TIRES
The stock OE Pirelli PZero 235/45 R18 tire had a sidewall bubble identified after 7200 miles. The tire was originally the front passenger tire, moved to the rear passenger after tire rotation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721805March 3, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jolted forward three times and then lost power. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle into an independent mechanic and the vehicle was inspected, and there was oil all over the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown sensor was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred the same day the vehicle was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred nine times, and the valve cover was replaced each time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721232March 1, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car material itself is very cheap meaning it poor quality, very flimsy, I hit a curb and the grill and cover just broke so easily even though it was now a serious hit but very small and slight to the point where you can’t feel it. Now it’s just hanging off and shaking badly because of the poor material, it isn’t stuff enough to keep in place.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720975February 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank malfunctioned while driving. It appeared on my odometer that I had zero gas, once I pulled into a gas station to fill up, I could see the gas pouring out of the tank while the pump was unable to pump any gas due to the pressure coming out of the tank. Bev Smith Kia of Fort Pierce has the vehicle if you would like to inspect it. I also have photos of the melted tank from the dealership. NHTSA Recall Number: 25V-794 The fuel tank expansion/melting risk, fuel leak, or fire risk, put the driver, passenger, and nearby citizens at risk if the car caught fire. Also, the seats have been known to eject with this particular recall. Yes the vehicle was inspected by Bev Smith Kia per my insistence, and instead of fixing it and returning the vehicle, Kia Corporate forced the hand of Bev Smith Kia to confiscate the vehicle due to it being a deadly recall. SC288 Alpha Campaign Failed is what the dealership told me to tell corporate. There were no warning lights when the odometer appeared to have zero miles, it simply went to zero and the backseat became very hot to the passenger. There was no ability to fill the gas tank as the pressure of gas was pouring gas out from the fuel tank and the pump would not add additional gas. This appeared in May of 2025. We took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. The next time is happened was Sunday [XXX]. The car was taken to Bev Smith Kia dealership that Monday November 24th where it was confiscated by the dealership for the deadly recall that they claimed could never be fixed and Kia would do a buy back. There were no other issues with the vehicle prior to the incident in May of 2025. 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
#11720943February 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car started shaking as I was on the interstate headed to Orlando I decided to turn around and go back home I tried putting gas in the car and the gas was shooting back out I was literally a hour away from home so as I’m driving back home the back seat flew off causing my niece to fly from the back seat half way to the front the dealership said I have to pay for my own rental they can’t give me another vehicle and I have to keep making my car payments and insurance payments and they don’t have a answer for me about my car I have to make it to work
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720940February 27, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, the fuel gauge displayed zero miles to empty. The contact pulled into the nearest gas station, and while attempting to add fuel to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking out of the fuel tank outlet, and the gas pump nozzle was stopped. The contact was unable to refuel the vehicle. The contact stated that after returning to drive, the fuel gauge indicated 100 miles to empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the dealer advised the contact that the manufacturer had instructed the contact not release the vehicle to the owner due to the recall. While diagnosing the vehicle, a technician at the dealer sent a photo displaying that the rear driver's side seat had melted internally due to the fuel tank overheating. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the SC288 Alpha Campaign had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer for four months; however, the manufacturer later sent a letter advising the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired, and a buyback was suggested. The manufacturer offered to reimburse the down payment for the vehicle. The contact stated that the buy-back offer was unsatisfactory. The contact declined the offer, and the manufacturer then threatened to tow the unrepaired vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to honor the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720667February 26, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2021 car in April 2024, which was originally side-swiped in November 2024. I filed an insurance claim and had to wait for the other insurer’s statement. In January 2025, the insurance company sent the car to one of their approved shops for electrical repairs, but the shop refused to work on it after noticing a missing airbag and flagged the car as a liability. They also mentioned the car had multiple past accidents and should have been listed as salvage, not clean title. I informed the dealership, but they refused to service the car, claiming the 30-day window had passed, even though their website states a 6-month warranty. Over the past year, I’ve been repairing the car myself and taking it to Kia and Midas, where I was told the car is in terrible condition. The dealership found water damage from a slow leak and wiring issues that were present when I bought the car. Now I’ve been quoted over $5,000 for repairs including a new computer and electrical work. I’ve tried reaching out to the dealership with no success. This car is essential for commuting to work and for my kids. I’ve had to rent a car for the past month, costing me over $1,000. I’m seeking assistance with this situation as I believe I was sold a defective vehicle without proper disclosure. I put down $4,000 when I purchased the car and have continued making small payments because I need it to commute and can’t afford another vehicle right now. I have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with Progressive and comprehensive and collision coverage through the dealership’s partnered company, Brio Management, as they operate from the same office. Given these circumstances, I’m asking for help with this situation because I was sold a car with undisclosed damage and defects, and I’ve been left with costly repairs and rental expenses while the dealership won’t assist me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720629February 26, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair where the dealer replaced the check valve. After receiving the recall repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Exhaust Pressure Sensor was causing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Sensor to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719809February 23, 2026
TIRES
Within 1 month of purchasing this vehicle (new), the front passenger tire developed a bubble in the sidewall. We had to argue with the dealership to get it replaced. It had less than 200 miles on it. 7 months later there is a bubble in the sidewall of the front driver side tire. There is less than 9,000 miles on these tires. This is a safety issue and a defect that is not being addressed. We keep being told we must have hit a bump or something to cause this. I have owned many vehicles (more than I can count) and have never had this happen before. It should 100% be recalled or covered under warranty. Pirelli P Zero All Season 235/45R18 18-inch alloy
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719743February 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719452February 20, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2025 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 55 MPH, the hood vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that while being overtaken by a box truck or semi-truck, the vibration of the hood was more pronounced. The driver's side of the hood had a quarter-inch to a half-inch gap. After arriving to the destination, the hood was closed; however, the hood failed to latch securely. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the dealer suggested that the two rubber stoppers needed to be tightened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718393February 17, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I originally got my car 2023 from Carmax I took it in to Kia dealership to get my recalls done they kept my car for over 6 days without fixing it when I arrived I was showed a photo saying it’s after market parts on this vehicle and we can’t touch it also they stated my vehicle was dangerous to drive so I asked for documentation that my vehicle was denied and they refused also I called Kia cooperate to file a complaint to get proper documentation that my vehicle was denied they told me it was denied as well and said they can’t give me paperwork to state anything
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717979February 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The steering wheel became stiff all the sudden and became hard to turn. As well as all the warning lights came on when that happened such as Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning. I was driving in the middle of the road when this happened and this could’ve caused a huge accident due to the fact that I couldn’t steer my car properly. No, the problem has not been resolved yet. It is in the dealership at the moment to be inspected. There was no problem prior to the other signs coming on besides low tire pressure. The appeared as I was driving on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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