2023 Kia K5

The vehicle experienced a failure directly related to a manufacturer recall involving fuel tank expansion. The incident occurred while the vehicle was in use during normal operation on a work trip approximately three hours away from home. This failure presents a serious safety concern due to the involvement of the fuel system, including the risk of fuel leakage, system failure, or potential fire hazard. The condition made the vehicle unsafe to operate and required immediate attention. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, where it was inspected and the issue was confirmed to be related to the recall. The dealership determined that the vehicle is a total loss and cannot be repaired. The failure has not been reproduced as the vehicle is no longer operable. The vehicle remains at the dealership and should be available for inspection upon request. UNKNOWN if warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. The issue occurred during normal driving conditions. The manufacturer has been notified and a case was opened; however, no resolution or response has been provided to date despite multiple attempts to follow up.

On March 9, 2026, I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership in Alexandria, Virginia after experiencing a loud thump noise from the rear of the vehicle while stopped at a red light. (3/08/2026) Immediately following the incident, I smelled gasoline, noticed a significant drop in fuel economy, and heard persistent road noise as if a window were open. I explained these concerns in detail to the service advisor and specifically stated my belief that the fuel tank may have expanded. I was informed that this was not related to any recall. After approximately two hours, my vehicle was returned to me without resolution. The symptoms persisted, including the smell of gasoline, which poses a clear safety risk. A few days later, I took my vehicle to a second Kia dealership for further inspection related to Recall SC356. At that time, I was informed that my initial concern was correct—the fuel tank had in fact expanded. I was initially told the repair would take 3–4 days due to parts ordering. However, I was subsequently contacted and instructed not to retrieve my vehicle, as Kia is now pursuing a buyback. While I understand the seriousness of the issue, I am currently without a vehicle, and I have not been provided with a rental or loaner. Given that this issue is tied to a safety-related recall and that my vehicle is unsafe to operate due to the presence of fuel odor, this situation is both unreasonable and unacceptable. They have yet to send me any reports from the second Kia dealership in which I had taken it on 3/14/2026 I was only told over the phone via a service advisor named India that I was correct in suspecting the fuel tank had expanded causing the gasoline fumes and road noise

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

RECALL CHECK AND THEY KEPT MY CAR AND SAID THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that he crashed into the rear of the truck. The contact stated that there was a slight dent in the metal frame of the truck. The contact stated that his vehicle's front grill and both headlight housings were crushed. The contact stated that the hood was crumpled back towards the windshield, and the radiator was punctured and crushed. The contact stated that the police were called and filed a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had called his insurance provider. The contact stated that he was later driven to the ER by a friend due to neck pain and headaches. The contact stated that he was diagnosed with neck strain and no other injuries. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V493000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, the fuel level was lowering, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were contacted: Boniface Hiers Kia (3890 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32904). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel system defect involving my 2023 Kia GT-Line. The vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall due to fuel tank expansion. Kia has acknowledged that the fuel tank expands beyond normal specifications, creating a potential safety hazard. As a result of this defect, Kia of America determined that the vehicle is not repairable and declared it a total loss. Kia has offered to buy back the vehicle and forgive the remaining loan balance, which confirms that the manufacturer considers the defect serious and unresolvable. A fuel tank expansion defect presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of fuel leaks, fuel system failure, inaccurate fuel readings, and potential fire hazards. This defect occurred under normal vehicle use and was not caused by misuse or modification. I am concerned that this defect affects other vehicles of the same model and year and may pose a broader public safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware of the issue and can evaluate whether further investigation or action is warranted. Kia’s determination that the vehicle is a total loss due to a fuel system defect indicates that this is a serious safety-related issue rather than a minor inconvenience.

•Back/Rear Windshield Trim Partial Detachment: unknown if available for inspection. •Large rear window trim piece might fall off, posing a road hazard. •Unknown if problem has been reproduced or confirmed • Unknown if component has been revised by anyone •No warning lights needed for this component

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the failure and received a code for a defective valve with an excessive amount of air. The contact then stated that while driving 80 MPH, there were three loud booming sounds coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle but found no external damage; however, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact then received a call from the dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was instructed to bring the vehicle to the dealer for immediate service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained with the dealer after the contact was informed that the vehicle had failed the recall inspection. The contact was provided a rental vehicle and was informed that he would be updated on what the manufacturer had decided about the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer but had not yet received an update about the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

10/25 I was traveling, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. 10/28 I was traveling on interstate, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. This is ridiculous.. When I hit the gas sometimes, feels like it fluttering and jerking. I’ve reported multiple times over the years and this one having hesitation when driving this car. Manager drove it was concern, mechanic talking about it’s the way the car supposed to be.

I’m loosing power when i drive

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor inside the vehicle. Occasionally, the low fuel warning light was illuminated. While attempting to refuel the vehicle, gasoline was not entering the fuel tank as intended. The fuel odor inside the vehicle grew stronger. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was severe. The contact was informed that, due to the severity of the failure, the vehicle could not be released to the contact. The contact was informed that the fuel tank had expanded severely and that the expanded fuel tank had shifted the frame of the vehicle. The contact was provided with a loaner vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's [XXX] son had been complaining about headaches for several months. In addition, the contact stated that the contact's son's normal seating space was the rear seat. The contact's son was receiving continued treatment from a neurologist for the unexplained, consistent headaches. In addition, the contact was being treated by primary care for unexplained headaches and other illnesses. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the request for a buy-back was required. The contact was informed that the vehicle would not be released due to the safety hazard. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving my car i heard a loud pop come from the rear of the car. Vehicle began driving poorly as if it could not get proper fuel. I took car to dealership on October 3, 2025 where fuel system was tested and failed all 3 stages of recall for fuel system. Fuel tank had expanded straps and clips had broken and was deemed unsafe to drive. Kia placed the vehicle on hold.at the dealership with a do not repair until further notice. As of today October 27, 2025 the car has still not been repaired and is still on hold at the dealership. Kia has not determined if it is safe to repair the vehicle and return to owner (myself). I however do not feel safe to drive this car as I am lucky to be alive and that it didnt explode when the fuel tank expanded. Hopefully my case can help save someone else from being placed in danger with this issue.

Driving down the highway and heard a pop and my seats were rising slowly and while trying to make it to the nearest exit only two minutes later my rpm’s started jumping and my engine just shut off and multiple dash lights came on. Had it towed to Kia and after they did an inspection they said that my fuel tank had expanded and was pushing on my fuel lines and pushing my back seats up. Screen shot of technician video summary sent to me by dealership down below.

While driving at about 70 MPH the right rear tire locked up temporarily causing loss of control of the vehicle. Luckily there were not other cars around as the car was in 3 lanes prior to coming to a complete stop. If this happened in traffic it could have caused a significant accident. There were no warning lamps on dash before or after the incident. After inspecting vehicle on side of road I could not see any issues. Drove about 15 yards and heard a grinding noise. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Dealership has inspected vehicle and advised it was caused by a failed awd coupler. The repair will be covered by warranty.

I am submitting this complaint regarding unresolved safety recalls affecting my Kia K5: Recall SC356 and Recall SC346. I have contacted my authorized Kia dealer multiple times over the past several months, yet no remedy has been provided. Most alarmingly, I was informed today that my recall “ticket” was closed without any repairs being completed, which is unacceptable. Recall SC356 involves a damaged fuel tank check valve that can allow air to enter the tank, causing it to expand and potentially contact hot exhaust components. This defect creates a serious fire hazard and poses a risk of injury, death, or property damage. Recall SC346 involves a supplier defect where the C-pillar garnish face plate may delaminate and detach from the vehicle. According to NHTSA (25V493), a detached face plate may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Warning signs include looseness, rattling, or wind noise. Both recalls represent clear safety risks, yet Kia and its dealer network have failed to provide a timely remedy or interim solution. Closing a recall case without performing mandated safety repairs is deeply concerning and exposes me and other road users to unnecessary danger. Due to the prolonged delay, repeated dealer contact, and continued exposure to known safety hazards, I am requesting: 1.Immediate reopening and escalation of my recall case 2.Prompt completion of all recall repairs or a clear timeline 3.Consideration of compensation or goodwill due to extended delay and safety risk

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact had received an unknown Emissions/Fuel Tank recall. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the vehicle was inspected and failed the inspection. The vehicle was deemed unsafe and inoperable due to an expanded fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired due to the recall not being honored by the dealer and manufacturer because the vehicle failed the inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

My engine line keeps returning regardless of the multiple visits to the service department in attempt to fix recall complications at BONIFACE-HIERS KIA. Today will be the fourth visit for fuel tank and ECM recall related malfunctions.