2023 Kia K5 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia K5, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
108
Recalls
4
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
17
Median mileage
37,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion is the most-reported problem area, named in 54 of 108 complaints (50%).
  • Body & Structure (14) and engine (12) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 37,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 6 crashes, 0 fires and 17 injuries.
  • The 2023 Kia K5 has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 3rd of 6 Kia K5 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 16% fewer complaints than the 2022 model year (129).

2023 Kia K5 problems by category

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    54 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    23 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 2 crashes
    14 complaints
  • Engine
    12 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 2 crashes
    7 complaints
  • Electrical System
    6 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    5 complaints
  • Airbags · 3 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Fuel/propulsion system40
Unknown or other23
Fuel system, gasoline14
Engine12
Power train11
Structure:body10
Service brakes6
Electrical system6

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k510k–30k430k–60k360k–100k100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2023 Kia K5 complaints that list mileage.

2023 Kia K5 recalls (4)

  • Recall 25V794000Nov 17, 2025250,547 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

    Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.

  • Recall 25V493000Jul 28, 2025100,063 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM

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

    Risk: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

  • Recall 23V149000Mar 7, 2023188,912 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

    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.

    Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: 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.

  • 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    Loss of Motive Power

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…

Recent 2023 Kia K5 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 8, 2026TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I am filing this complaint regarding the handling of a fuel tank recall involving my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line. On September 29, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Kia Rockwall in Rockwall, Texas, after being informed of an issue related to a fuel tank recall. I was told that my vehicle could not be returned to me and that Kia would pursue a buyback instead. Before this incident, I had spent approximately $1,200 on repairs related to the issue, including replacing the charcoal…
    NHTSA complaint #11769994 · source
  2. Filed Sep 17, 2026SCElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    My 2023 Kia K5 GT has an intermittent and unpredictable audio defect which the vehicle suddenly and spontaneously produces an extremely loud static-like noise through all speakers in the car, immediately upon starting the vehicle. This is not related to the radio, car play, phone connection, weather, etc. Adjusting the volume dial does not effect the issue either, for example. Shutting the car off, stops it momentarily, but will return upon starting it. The only way to stop…
    NHTSA complaint #11765039 · source
  3. Filed Aug 31, 2026AZFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank could expand and explode. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and fuel pump needed to…
    NHTSA complaint #11760941 · source
  4. Filed Aug 31, 2026INFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed and the contact was provided a receipt. However, the contact later received several email recall notifications and verified that the VIN remained included in the recall three months after the repair. The dealer was contacted several times…
    NHTSA complaint #11760869 · source
  5. Filed Aug 6, 2026FLElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    The infotainment system in my Kia K5 has failed completely. The screen went black, causing the radio, infotainment features, and backup camera display to stop functioning. At times, the system will attempt to reboot on its own, but it does not return to normal operation and continues to malfunction. I have attempted to reset the system multiple times using the available reset methods, but none have resolved the issue. I took the vehicle to my local Kia dealership, where I…
    NHTSA complaint #11755373 · source
  6. Filed Jul 31, 2026FLFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 95. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by the dealer yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Bev smith KIA sent my info to…
    NHTSA complaint #11754095 · source
  7. Filed Jul 30, 2026GAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me and my children in danger. The dealership kept my vehicle and will not give me me a loaner. They left me stranded without a way to get home or pick up my kids from daycare. the 1800 # said my car isnt under warranty so they arent obligated. If they keep my car…
    NHTSA complaint #11753777 · source
  8. Filed Jul 30, 2026KYFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate due to an immediate fuel system fire hazard, and stated the vehicle is likely unrepairable. The manufacturer is currently holding…
    NHTSA complaint #11753686 · source

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Other 2023 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. 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