2023 Kia K5 fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

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 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. Filed Jul 24, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I brought my 2023 Kia K5 to Citrus Kia in Ontario, California on 2/20/2026 for two safety recalls, including Recall SC356 involving a defective fuel check valve that can cause the fuel tank to expand, melt, and potentially catch fire. When I picked up my vehicle on XXX, I was given a repair invoice stating that both recalls had been completed. Four months later, I received another recall notice by mail for SC356. After contacting Kia corporate, they confirmed that Citrus Kia…

   NHTSA complaint #11752750 · source
8. Filed Jul 22, 2026FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America’s handling of a safety recall and repurchase of my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]. I purchased this vehicle used on XXX, and financed it through Capital One. After taking my vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership for the fuel tank valve safety recall, I was informed that my vehicle was unsafe to drive and could not be repaired. The dealership advised me that Kia would be repurchasing the vehicle. Kia has offered to buy back…

   NHTSA complaint #11752242 · source
9. Filed Jul 22, 2026LAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts

   7/20/26 My 17 year old daughter was on the way to work and heard a loud noise like an explosion in her car. She, new to driving, scared and in a panic just assumed this was a blowout on a tire and pulled over to check the tires. All tires were clear so she proceeded to work cautiously, on her way home she noticed her check engine light had come on and noticed there was some road noise coming from the back. She then called me, note this is the first I heard of the situation.…

   NHTSA complaint #11752175 · source
10. Filed Jun 1, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I dropped off my car at the covina kia dealership explaining the recall and the issues i notice such as a bulge in the vertical portion of the seat near where the calves touch. The seat also feels different from the other side of the car. They said there is a 3 business day wait to even be diagnosed and did not allow a rental car. I had to figure out transportation. I have not received an update on the status via the link or from the service department and it is the end of…

    NHTSA complaint #11741426 · source
11. Filed May 19, 2026TNFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    A recall from Kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture Kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the Kia K5 GT Line. I have called my case manager as well, every time I call it goes straight to voicemail. I am looking to contact anyone from higher up to help me find a solution for my car.

    NHTSA complaint #11738894 · source
12. Filed May 19, 2026TXFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSeats & Seat Belts

    Shortly after refueling, I experienced a serious and sudden vehicle safety-related malfunction involving suspected fuel tank expansion. The event coincided with abnormal fuel behavior and an unexpected structural issue in the rear cabin area, where the rear seat assembly displaced upward without any passenger interaction or impact. The vehicle was inspected at Kia Archer, where I was informed it was unsafe to operate and required escalation to Kia corporate for review. I was…

    NHTSA complaint #11738856 · 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