KIA K5 2023

Complete listing of complaints and recalls for this vehicle

75
Complaints
7
Recalls

Complaints & Recalls

75 Complaints 7 Recalls

Official Safety Recalls - Important!

7 Recalls

These are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.

Kia America, Inc.
NHTSA Campaign: 25V493000 SAFETY RECALL
100.1K Vehicles Affected
Recall Date: Jul 28, 2025
Safety Issue:

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Potential Risk:
Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
FREE Recall Solution:
Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.
Action Required: Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule your FREE recall repair.
Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: SC346
Recall Date: Jul 28, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
NHTSA Campaign: 23V149000 SAFETY RECALL
188.9K Vehicles Affected
Recall Date: Mar 7, 2023
Safety Issue:

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.

Potential Risk:
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
FREE Recall Solution:
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.
Additional Details:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Action Required: Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule your FREE recall repair.
Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: SC263
Notice Date: Apr 7, 2023
Recall Date: Mar 7, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V760000 SAFETY RECALL
69K Vehicles Affected
Recall Date: Oct 11, 2022
Safety Issue:

Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

Potential Risk:
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
FREE Recall Solution:
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Additional Details:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Action Required: Contact your local KIA dealer to schedule your FREE recall repair.
Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: SC250
Notice Date: Dec 9, 2022
Recall Date: Oct 11, 2022

Consumer Complaints

75 Complaints
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11530243 Other
Jul 3, 2023
Defect Description:

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Potential Consequences:

Was driving on the highway at roughly about 70 MPH and all of a sudden heard a big explosion and found out my sunroof blew open with glass all over the back seat and inside of my car. Luckily no one was in the back seat, if there was, they would have been injured very badly.

Corrective Action:

Was driving on the highway at roughly about 70 MPH and all of a sudden heard a big explosion and found out my sunroof blew open with glass all over the back seat and inside of my car. Luckily no one was in the back seat, if there was, they would have been injured very badly.

Additional Notes:

Was driving on the highway at roughly about 70 MPH and all of a sudden heard a big explosion and found out my sunroof blew open with glass all over the back seat and inside of my car. Luckily no one was in the back seat, if there was, they would have been injured very badly.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11530243
Notice Date: Jul 3, 2023
Recall Date: Jul 3, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11527419 Other
Jun 16, 2023
Defect Description:

ENGINE

Potential Consequences:

The car was 4 months old when I was trying to get home when all of a sudden I noticed all the engine lights started to go out. With a few minutes on the road, the car automatically shut down in the middle of the road. My head almost hit the steering wheel and I was so close to hitting another car. I tried to start the car but it wouldn't start, the engine was making a strange noise and it smelled like burning. I waited 45 minutes on the side of the road and started the car. I drove the car to Kia and the fastest the car will go was 25 miles. When I got to Kia I explained everything that had happened to the car. They did not assure me that the Kia warranty was going to pay for everything and that they were going to investigate what was wrong with the car. It was a wiring issue and was covered under warranty. I brought the car home around 6:300 p.m. m. From the Kia body shop and before I pulled out of the parking lot, I had the same problem again! The check engine light came on and the car came to a screeching halt again. I drove the car back to the body shop. I didn't tell him anything about what was wrong with the car. The car was serviced, however you should have no problem with a new 2023 car.

Corrective Action:

The car was 4 months old when I was trying to get home when all of a sudden I noticed all the engine lights started to go out. With a few minutes on the road, the car automatically shut down in the middle of the road. My head almost hit the steering wheel and I was so close to hitting another car. I tried to start the car but it wouldn't start, the engine was making a strange noise and it smelled like burning. I waited 45 minutes on the side of the road and started the car. I drove the car to Kia and the fastest the car will go was 25 miles. When I got to Kia I explained everything that had happened to the car. They did not assure me that the Kia warranty was going to pay for everything and that they were going to investigate what was wrong with the car. It was a wiring issue and was covered under warranty. I brought the car home around 6:300 p.m. m. From the Kia body shop and before I pulled out of the parking lot, I had the same problem again! The check engine light came on and the car came to a screeching halt again. I drove the car back to the body shop. I didn't tell him anything about what was wrong with the car. The car was serviced, however you should have no problem with a new 2023 car.

Additional Notes:

The car was 4 months old when I was trying to get home when all of a sudden I noticed all the engine lights started to go out. With a few minutes on the road, the car automatically shut down in the middle of the road. My head almost hit the steering wheel and I was so close to hitting another car. I tried to start the car but it wouldn't start, the engine was making a strange noise and it smelled like burning. I waited 45 minutes on the side of the road and started the car. I drove the car to Kia and the fastest the car will go was 25 miles. When I got to Kia I explained everything that had happened to the car. They did not assure me that the Kia warranty was going to pay for everything and that they were going to investigate what was wrong with the car. It was a wiring issue and was covered under warranty. I brought the car home around 6:300 p.m. m. From the Kia body shop and before I pulled out of the parking lot, I had the same problem again! The check engine light came on and the car came to a screeching halt again. I drove the car back to the body shop. I didn't tell him anything about what was wrong with the car. The car was serviced, however you should have no problem with a new 2023 car.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11527419
Notice Date: Jun 16, 2023
Recall Date: Jun 16, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11526279 Other
Jun 9, 2023
Defect Description:

AIR BAGS

Potential Consequences:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Corrective Action:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Additional Notes:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11526279
Notice Date: Jun 9, 2023
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11526279 Other
Jun 9, 2023
Defect Description:

STRUCTURE:BODY

Potential Consequences:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Corrective Action:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Additional Notes:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11526279
Notice Date: Jun 9, 2023
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11526279 Other
Jun 9, 2023
Defect Description:

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Potential Consequences:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Corrective Action:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Additional Notes:

I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11526279
Notice Date: Jun 9, 2023
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11517696 Other
Apr 18, 2023
Defect Description:

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Potential Consequences:

Unknown

Corrective Action:

Unknown

Additional Notes:

Unknown

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11517696
Notice Date: Apr 18, 2023
Recall Date: Apr 18, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11516448 Other
Apr 11, 2023
Defect Description:

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Potential Consequences:

My sunroof exploded while driving on Lakeshore drive. I hear a loud boom and I almost crashed. I thought it was my tire or something else look up its my sunroof, I could have hit some one or hit something. It hasn't been inspected or anything as of yet it just happened at 6:30am. This is crazy because there was no warnings no cracks no anything. I ride with my sunroof cracked open every morning. so I don't understand.

Corrective Action:

My sunroof exploded while driving on Lakeshore drive. I hear a loud boom and I almost crashed. I thought it was my tire or something else look up its my sunroof, I could have hit some one or hit something. It hasn't been inspected or anything as of yet it just happened at 6:30am. This is crazy because there was no warnings no cracks no anything. I ride with my sunroof cracked open every morning. so I don't understand.

Additional Notes:

My sunroof exploded while driving on Lakeshore drive. I hear a loud boom and I almost crashed. I thought it was my tire or something else look up its my sunroof, I could have hit some one or hit something. It hasn't been inspected or anything as of yet it just happened at 6:30am. This is crazy because there was no warnings no cracks no anything. I ride with my sunroof cracked open every morning. so I don't understand.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11516448
Notice Date: Apr 11, 2023
Recall Date: Apr 11, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11516253 Other
Apr 10, 2023
Defect Description:

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Potential Consequences:

Went through automatic car wash, in neutral. The gear shifted and the car sped up, bumping the back of another car in front. No warning sound, and no auto break.

Corrective Action:

Went through automatic car wash, in neutral. The gear shifted and the car sped up, bumping the back of another car in front. No warning sound, and no auto break.

Additional Notes:

Went through automatic car wash, in neutral. The gear shifted and the car sped up, bumping the back of another car in front. No warning sound, and no auto break.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11516253
Notice Date: Apr 10, 2023
Recall Date: Apr 10, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11516253 Other
Apr 10, 2023
Defect Description:

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Potential Consequences:

Went through automatic car wash, in neutral. The gear shifted and the car sped up, bumping the back of another car in front. No warning sound, and no auto break.

Corrective Action:

Went through automatic car wash, in neutral. The gear shifted and the car sped up, bumping the back of another car in front. No warning sound, and no auto break.

Additional Notes:

Went through automatic car wash, in neutral. The gear shifted and the car sped up, bumping the back of another car in front. No warning sound, and no auto break.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11516253
Notice Date: Apr 10, 2023
Recall Date: Apr 10, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11514393 Other
Mar 29, 2023
Defect Description:

TIRES

Potential Consequences:

Factory-installed tire on brand new KIA K-5 suffered catastrophic sidewall failure without contact with any foreign object after tire and vehicle was driven 151 total miles since new. Tire is Pirelli UPR18-235 PZERO All Season. ( R57-119, 029974 S2 WRZ (E4), (E3) 022958)

Corrective Action:

Factory-installed tire on brand new KIA K-5 suffered catastrophic sidewall failure without contact with any foreign object after tire and vehicle was driven 151 total miles since new. Tire is Pirelli UPR18-235 PZERO All Season. ( R57-119, 029974 S2 WRZ (E4), (E3) 022958)

Additional Notes:

Factory-installed tire on brand new KIA K-5 suffered catastrophic sidewall failure without contact with any foreign object after tire and vehicle was driven 151 total miles since new. Tire is Pirelli UPR18-235 PZERO All Season. ( R57-119, 029974 S2 WRZ (E4), (E3) 022958)

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11514393
Notice Date: Mar 29, 2023
Recall Date: Mar 29, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11512736 Other
Mar 20, 2023
Defect Description:

SERVICE BRAKES

Potential Consequences:

This is the letter I sent to Kia: Dear Sirs, I own a 2023 Kia K5 EX that I bought new and currently has about 8500 miles on it. Today, while driving on I95 in Florida, I had my right rear tire blow out. I could tell by the feel of the car that I had a flat before the systems warned me, but that is not why I’m writing you today. While I was working my way over to the right shoulder to stop, all of the waring lights came on and the brakes stopped working. Now I want to be clear. It wasn’t a failure of the brakes themselves. It was not the anti-lock brake system. The brake pedal itself locked and would not let me apply the brakes. Again, I want to be perfectly clear here. I am now driving on a 6 lane highway at about 50 miles and hour on three tires with no working safety systems and I cannot slow down the car. Eventually, the brakes came bake on line and I was able to stop the car. However, If the traffic suddenly slowed down, as is common on South Florida, I would have had no way to avoid a collision. I do not know if this is a programmed response to a tire blow out or a major flaw in your safety systems. If it was designed that way, fire the moron who designed it and have it fixed. If it’s a flaw in the design, have it fixed. I cannot believe how dangerous a car you let me drive. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Corrective Action:

This is the letter I sent to Kia: Dear Sirs, I own a 2023 Kia K5 EX that I bought new and currently has about 8500 miles on it. Today, while driving on I95 in Florida, I had my right rear tire blow out. I could tell by the feel of the car that I had a flat before the systems warned me, but that is not why I’m writing you today. While I was working my way over to the right shoulder to stop, all of the waring lights came on and the brakes stopped working. Now I want to be clear. It wasn’t a failure of the brakes themselves. It was not the anti-lock brake system. The brake pedal itself locked and would not let me apply the brakes. Again, I want to be perfectly clear here. I am now driving on a 6 lane highway at about 50 miles and hour on three tires with no working safety systems and I cannot slow down the car. Eventually, the brakes came bake on line and I was able to stop the car. However, If the traffic suddenly slowed down, as is common on South Florida, I would have had no way to avoid a collision. I do not know if this is a programmed response to a tire blow out or a major flaw in your safety systems. If it was designed that way, fire the moron who designed it and have it fixed. If it’s a flaw in the design, have it fixed. I cannot believe how dangerous a car you let me drive. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Additional Notes:

This is the letter I sent to Kia: Dear Sirs, I own a 2023 Kia K5 EX that I bought new and currently has about 8500 miles on it. Today, while driving on I95 in Florida, I had my right rear tire blow out. I could tell by the feel of the car that I had a flat before the systems warned me, but that is not why I’m writing you today. While I was working my way over to the right shoulder to stop, all of the waring lights came on and the brakes stopped working. Now I want to be clear. It wasn’t a failure of the brakes themselves. It was not the anti-lock brake system. The brake pedal itself locked and would not let me apply the brakes. Again, I want to be perfectly clear here. I am now driving on a 6 lane highway at about 50 miles and hour on three tires with no working safety systems and I cannot slow down the car. Eventually, the brakes came bake on line and I was able to stop the car. However, If the traffic suddenly slowed down, as is common on South Florida, I would have had no way to avoid a collision. I do not know if this is a programmed response to a tire blow out or a major flaw in your safety systems. If it was designed that way, fire the moron who designed it and have it fixed. If it’s a flaw in the design, have it fixed. I cannot believe how dangerous a car you let me drive. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11512736
Notice Date: Mar 20, 2023
Recall Date: Mar 20, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11502507 Other
Jan 18, 2023
Defect Description:

POWER TRAIN

Potential Consequences:

My wife was driving down the highway with her cruise control set to 75. She noticed she was only doing 71 and pushed the gas pedal manually. The rpm's increased to between 4000-5000 but there was no acceleration with the car. The car then dropped to 68 mph and would not accelerate at all. After pulling over and turning the car off and then restarting it started working ok. This seems to match the transmission recall of the 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line but this car is not currently included in that recall. This recall should be investigated and possibly expanded.

Corrective Action:

My wife was driving down the highway with her cruise control set to 75. She noticed she was only doing 71 and pushed the gas pedal manually. The rpm's increased to between 4000-5000 but there was no acceleration with the car. The car then dropped to 68 mph and would not accelerate at all. After pulling over and turning the car off and then restarting it started working ok. This seems to match the transmission recall of the 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line but this car is not currently included in that recall. This recall should be investigated and possibly expanded.

Additional Notes:

My wife was driving down the highway with her cruise control set to 75. She noticed she was only doing 71 and pushed the gas pedal manually. The rpm's increased to between 4000-5000 but there was no acceleration with the car. The car then dropped to 68 mph and would not accelerate at all. After pulling over and turning the car off and then restarting it started working ok. This seems to match the transmission recall of the 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line but this car is not currently included in that recall. This recall should be investigated and possibly expanded.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11502507
Notice Date: Jan 18, 2023
Recall Date: Jan 18, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11492462 Other
Nov 6, 2022
Defect Description:

WHEELS

Potential Consequences:

Wheel resonance ducting separated from wheel inside of the tire. Broken pieces, threw off the balance of the wheel/tire resulting in very excessive vehicle vibration.

Corrective Action:

Wheel resonance ducting separated from wheel inside of the tire. Broken pieces, threw off the balance of the wheel/tire resulting in very excessive vehicle vibration.

Additional Notes:

Wheel resonance ducting separated from wheel inside of the tire. Broken pieces, threw off the balance of the wheel/tire resulting in very excessive vehicle vibration.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11492462
Notice Date: Nov 6, 2022
Recall Date: Nov 6, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11490250 Other
Oct 21, 2022
Defect Description:

ENGINE

Potential Consequences:

MPG is lower then number provided by both dealer and manufactorer (my average 24 city 27 highway ) factoring that i rarely even use climate controls and other fuel consuming things and often turn off engine in mcdonald's drive thru lane

Corrective Action:

MPG is lower then number provided by both dealer and manufactorer (my average 24 city 27 highway ) factoring that i rarely even use climate controls and other fuel consuming things and often turn off engine in mcdonald's drive thru lane

Additional Notes:

MPG is lower then number provided by both dealer and manufactorer (my average 24 city 27 highway ) factoring that i rarely even use climate controls and other fuel consuming things and often turn off engine in mcdonald's drive thru lane

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11490250
Notice Date: Oct 21, 2022
Recall Date: Oct 21, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Campaign: 11488746 Other
Oct 11, 2022
Defect Description:

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Potential Consequences:

Purchased a 2023 Kia K5 in August 2022 and as of Oct 2022 it has 800 miles. Four times within that period when I was either stopped or coming to a stop the acceleration excessively increased to 4 or more RPMs. I held my brake hard and put it in Neutral in which the RPMs got higher so I proceeded to Park. The first 3 times (while in traffic) it lowered the RPMs back down to normal. The 4th time (today) when stopped and shifting to Park the RPMs did not lower so while in Park, i slowly took my foot off the brake and it slowly lowered the RPMs. In all 4 instances I had the Auto Hold on. The 4th occurrence I noticed that the Auto Hold on the dash was blinking green then white so I turned it off. If this were to occur while I am driving at a high speed, I am afraid it will cause me to have a severe accident. Please investigate if this has been reported in the past and act fast before there is a fatal result.

Corrective Action:

Purchased a 2023 Kia K5 in August 2022 and as of Oct 2022 it has 800 miles. Four times within that period when I was either stopped or coming to a stop the acceleration excessively increased to 4 or more RPMs. I held my brake hard and put it in Neutral in which the RPMs got higher so I proceeded to Park. The first 3 times (while in traffic) it lowered the RPMs back down to normal. The 4th time (today) when stopped and shifting to Park the RPMs did not lower so while in Park, i slowly took my foot off the brake and it slowly lowered the RPMs. In all 4 instances I had the Auto Hold on. The 4th occurrence I noticed that the Auto Hold on the dash was blinking green then white so I turned it off. If this were to occur while I am driving at a high speed, I am afraid it will cause me to have a severe accident. Please investigate if this has been reported in the past and act fast before there is a fatal result.

Additional Notes:

Purchased a 2023 Kia K5 in August 2022 and as of Oct 2022 it has 800 miles. Four times within that period when I was either stopped or coming to a stop the acceleration excessively increased to 4 or more RPMs. I held my brake hard and put it in Neutral in which the RPMs got higher so I proceeded to Park. The first 3 times (while in traffic) it lowered the RPMs back down to normal. The 4th time (today) when stopped and shifting to Park the RPMs did not lower so while in Park, i slowly took my foot off the brake and it slowly lowered the RPMs. In all 4 instances I had the Auto Hold on. The 4th occurrence I noticed that the Auto Hold on the dash was blinking green then white so I turned it off. If this were to occur while I am driving at a high speed, I am afraid it will cause me to have a severe accident. Please investigate if this has been reported in the past and act fast before there is a fatal result.

Manufacturer: KIA
Mfg Campaign: 11488746
Notice Date: Oct 11, 2022
Recall Date: Oct 11, 2022

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