2022 Kia K5 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 22V760000Oct 11, 202269,038 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  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.

  Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 202657,000 miTXCrash2 injuredTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The contact did not attempt to restart the vehicle. The contact activated the hazard lights; however, 20–30 minutes later, another vehicle struck the front passenger side of the vehicle near the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact sustained sharp lower back, hip, and left knee pain. The contact's…

   NHTSA complaint #11766144 · source
2. Filed May 12, 2026PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) in my Kia K5 GT (2.5T engine) has experienced a recurring internal electronic and mechanical fault. This is the third failure of this component. The failure causes the cooling system to malfunction, either by over-cooling or failing to cycle coolant once at operating temperature. ​Under acceleration—specifically when merging onto expressways—the vehicle suffers a sudden loss of power and enters 'limp mode' with a dashboard…

   NHTSA complaint #11737476 · source
3. Filed May 7, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving on the highway and my check engine light came on. I pulled over and it told it was from engine control system. I had a computer connected to it and it came back the idle control system rpm higher than expected.

   NHTSA complaint #11736237 · source
4. Filed Apr 2, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11728917 · source
5. Filed Apr 1, 2026KSTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11728595 · source
6. Filed Oct 23, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my 2022 Kia K5 LXS, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost acceleration. The check-engine light came on, showing code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). The issue caused unsafe driving conditions, especially with my child in the car. Kia Roseville incorrectly documented the repair, while Kia Folsom later confirmed the issue was engine-related. The vehicle has also been subject to fuel tank expansion concerns under recalls SC288 and SC288A, which can create…

   NHTSA complaint #11695160 · source
7. Filed Jul 5, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11671366 · source
8. Filed Jun 30, 2025TXBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11670383 · source
9. Filed May 22, 202538,000 miPATowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11662538 · source
10. Filed Apr 24, 2025NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11656652 · source
11. Filed Sep 15, 2024NVCrashTowedElectrical SystemSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

    My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line was involved in a hit and run accident while my vehicle was unattended and legally parked on the street. The repairs for this vehicle were $11,500+ The entirety of the left side of the car was mauled. Very key integral parts were involved and I have had alignment issues, A/C and heating issues, electrical problems including safety features (lane change, etc) and heavy suspension damage. It took almost 5 months to fix everything on my car insurance…

    NHTSA complaint #11614726 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 2024CATransmission & Drivetrain

    Trying to pass a truck that was traveling slowly, i accellerated and lost power. I tried again and same thing. This is indeed a trafic hazard. I noticed that the rpm raised, but the vehicle lost power.

    NHTSA complaint #11605780 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology