NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Kia K5. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
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.
My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line has had a recurring check engine light fault (P0471 — exhaust pressure sensor circuit) since approximately 9,874 miles in September 2022. The vehicle has been brought to the servicing Kia dealer a minimum of five times for this same fault across nearly 65,000 miles. It has never been permanently resolved. Most critically: dealer repair records from May 2025 (56,501 miles) confirm a technician identified fault code P047100, noted it as a history code, cleared it, test drove the vehicle, and returned it without performing any repair and without informing me. Ten months later, the same dealer presented this identical fault as a $1,121.07 customer-pay repair on a vehicle under active 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The repair was only approved after I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs directly — the dealer had not contacted them despite claiming otherwise. The February 2026 repair failed within 15 minutes of pickup. I made five documented phone calls to the dealer over 33 days reporting the failure. No action was taken. The April 2026 repair — sensor and hose replacement — failed within one hour of pickup on April 1, 2026. Of additional concern: Recall SC288/SC288A (Fuel Tank Inspection and ECM Re-Update) was performed on this vehicle twice — July 2024 and August 2025. The ECM governs the exhaust pressure sensor circuit. The P0471 fault first appeared in dealer records between these two recall dates and has persisted through both completions. CARFAX confirms the April 2026 repair involved the engine/powertrain computer module. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether SC288/SC288A is connected to recurring P0471 faults in 2022 Kia K5 vehicles. Kia Consumer Affairs Case escalated April 2, 2026.
STATEMENT OF FACTS: I presented my Kia K5 for two safety recalls (SC356 and SC263) with an active Check Engine Light for code P047100 (Exhaust Pressure Sensor). I informed the service advisor, Aliyah, that this code is a symptomatic secondary fault of the pressure irregularities addressed in Recall SC356, which explicitly lists an "Illuminated Check Engine Light" (MIL) as a primary warning sign. The dealership dismissed my technical assessment—which was backed by advanced AI data analysis. After the software update was performed, the advisor claimed the code remained "active," thereby "proving" it was unrelated to the recall. Based on this, I was charged a $248 diagnostic fee and told I needed a $534.02 out-of-pocket hardware repair for a "physically failing" differential pressure sensor that was allegedly reading 2 HPA against a spec of 23.09 HPA. EVIDENCE OF ERROR: Upon taking delivery of the vehicle, the Check Engine Light was completely extinguished. If the light were truly "still active" after the update, as I was told to justify the fee, the fault would have been present at pickup. Since then, I have driven over 120 miles (including multiple cold-start drive cycles between [XXX] and my place of work) with a 100% clear dashboard. My XXX App confirms the XXX fault is resolved, while the recalls remain "Open" administratively. REGULATORY VIOLATION: Under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, a manufacturer must remedy a safety defect without charge. A software "Logic Update" cannot physically repair a broken pressure sensor. The fact that the fault disappeared immediately following the update proves the sensor was functional and the fault was caused by the recall defect. By misdiagnosing a recall symptom as a non-covered hardware failure, the dealer effectively charged me for a federal safety repair. I request an investigation into these "diagnostic gatekeeping" practices and a full refund of the $248.00 fee. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
UNKNOWN. Engine misfires. Piston rings
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
I was driving my car and heard a loud pop, I was on the interstate and thought maybe my tire was going flat but nothing alerted me on my dash. I heard loud wind noises but everything seemed fine until my car started basically hopping forward and it became hard to accelerate. I had to push the gas harder than normal to maintain average highway speeds. I was also feeling super lightheaded while driving and kept rolling my window down as if I couldn’t get a full breath of air. I would roll it back up after 5 minutes or so and would have to roll it right back down. I was driving a long distance and wasn’t able to immediately stop but I was informed of the gasoline fumes when I family member helped get my bags out of my car. It was the scariest thing
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.
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.
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.
Paint chipping on driver’s side door
Gas tank expanding causing gas to drip from than tank onto the floor potentially causing a fire hazard.
I took my car because of fuel recall, due to multiple vehicles having their gas tank expanding or exploding. Even after they completed the recall on my vehicle I still had my gas tank expand. I took my vehicle to the Kia Frisco dealership and they took my vehicle advising they had to buy it back from me. Once they had the vehicle after close to a month they stated that my vehicle was repairable even after stating that several of these models had gas tanks expanding and exploding. I do not feel safe getting into this vehicle after the repair and I want to report it.
Thoratal body and engine light and engine rebbing up on its own.
Fuel consumption jumped then car began jerking shortly after engine failure
For really no reason at all truck locked and would not reopen while simultaneously the seats acces to trunk would not work not even emergency safety release would open either
Blower motor failure, available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred while driving in muggy conditions, resulting in rapid fogging of the windshield and front side windows. With no functioning airflow, the vehicle’s defrost/defog system was inoperable, and visibility through the windshield became significantly impaired. This required me to reduce speed and open windows in inclement weather to maintain a minimal view of the road, creating additional distraction and exposure to hazardous conditions. The blower motor produces no airflow at any fan speed setting. Failure was confirmed during inspection. No warning lights, messages, or other indicators appeared before, during, or after the failure. This is not an isolated incident. A brief search reveals numerous reports from Kia K5 owners describing the same sudden blower motor failure, indicating a likely systemic defect in the HVAC system design. Kia has not issued a recall, technical service bulletin, or other remedy despite repeated reports from vehicle owners. Kia’s continued inaction in the face of widespread, well-documented blower motor failures represents a disregard for both driver safety and basic manufacturing responsibility. Numerous Kia K5 owners have already been victimized by this defect, and doubtlessly many more will be as long as these vehicles remain on the road unrepaired. The loss of climate control directly compromises a driver’s ability to maintain a clear windshield, safely see the road, and operate the vehicle in adverse weather. These are not “comfort” issues, they are safety-critical failures. By ignoring the mounting evidence and leaving affected vehicles on the road without a remedy, Kia is willfully allowing a known hazard to persist, exposing thousands of drivers and passengers to unnecessary and avoidable risk.
Car stalls out without warning. The electronics (radio, dash, lights, etc...) all are still functional, the engine light comes on while the car is still "on" with the engine stalled out. I pulled over, put the car in park, turned it off, and then restarted the car without issue. After restarting the car, the check engine light is not longer on. This first occurred once about a year or two after i bought the car while on the freeway (2023). The second time I was on a dirt road outside of town (March 2025). The third time I was accelerating through an intersection while taking a left turn, after being stopped at the green light waiting for a time to turn (August 2025). My car stalled out in the middle of the intersection, but I was lucky enough to have gained enough momentum to roll out of the way of oncoming vehicles. The most recent time this occurred, the car had trouble turning over, but was able to after a few tries. I took it into my kia dealership and they told me to replace the battery as it was testing "low". I bought a battery from autozone and replaced it as instructed. However I have never had any issues otherwise and the battery test autozone performed on my old battery said the old battery was still "good". This was recent and the problem is rare so i have not confirmed if this is a fix, however it is a dangerous fault that does not seem to be resolved.
Kia dealership has confirmed that the components of the vehicle's multi-fuse (located under the hood) for the AC/HVAC system have started to burn and are melting part of the fuse panel due to excessive current draw and excessive heat. Due to this, the vehicle's HVAC (both heat and a/c) does not function. A vehicle's HVAC functions help to: 1) Defrost/defog vehicle's windows during rainy and humid days, 2) maintains a vehicle's air quality, 3) cools the vehicle's interior on hot and humid days, 4) assists in preventing mold and bacteria growth via dehumidification, 5) assists in keeping the cabin cool and dry to prevent driver fatigue and promote driver focus. Other than the inoperability of the HVAC system, no other signs or symptoms were present prior to the issue. I initially though this issue would be covered under Kia's HVAC Blower technical bulletin/warranty (WTY037) however the dealership has advised that the WTY037 only applies if the fuse is blown, not melted. This slight difference in melting vs. blowing should be an issue as the effect of the issue is the same, but components melting seems to be slightly more serious, but is not covered. Also, melting components, to me, could lead to fire hazards.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at 43 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud booming sound. The contact's daughter, who was occupying a rear seat, screamed out because the rear seats had suddenly risen. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The check engine and the low fuel warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife met the contact and picked up the children. The contact stated that upon resuming driving, the vehicle was jerking violently, and the fuel gauge level lowered significantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an EVAP system failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel tank had expanded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to repurchase the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
My fuel tank has expanded. It has deformed the body beneath the rear seat.
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.
July 5th we were driving heard a loud boom and the car slowed down we pulled over. Then we seen that the seat was lifted up and smelled gas. We had an appointment for Monday July 7 for this recall and wasn’t able to drop off the next on Tuesday July 8. As called that Monday made the dealer aware. Now they been having the car and we are just waiting on the next process. There’s not sure what saying Kia will contact us. I am reaching out to get some type of results. We can’t get a rental car and next week it will be 30 days on the 8th of August. We are looking to resolve this matter with Kia.
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
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear seat started to rise independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband was sitting on the rear seat. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle was refueled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the repair had taken three weeks. The vehicle was returned to the contact. The contact stated that two weeks later, the manufacturer began sending emails to the contact, which stated that the vehicle was under recall. The contact was advised to park and not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer for two additional months. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was non-repairable. The contact had not received an offer for a replacement vehicle and the contact was still required to continue monthly payments. In addition, the contact was concerned because her husband had been driving an unsafe vehicle for two weeks after the repair was performed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the A/C failed to blow cold air as intended. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the fuse box had started melting. The contact stated that the fuse was shaken as a temporary repair. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure was related to TSB: CS2301; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine failed for literally no reason and started smoking and Lia won’t stand by warranty either
Gas tank expanded and warped the back seat causing my child’s car seat to not be seated properly. Walking near the car you can smell gasoline very strongly. The check engine light came on briefly and then went away. My car is at the dealership currently as they decide what to do about the issue.
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.
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.
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
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.
- 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
Brake pump failure caused the exhaust camshaft to break on the engine rendering the car inoperable. Engine replacement will cost over 8000 quoted by dealership. Car has check engine lights on the dash. We were advised by the mechanic at the dealership, they have had problems with the k5s with this issue.
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.
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.
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.