Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 4 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

4 total · 4 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Fuel system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 25V794000 · Nov 2025

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Structure recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 25V493000 · Jul 2025

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 23V149000 · Mar 2023

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Transmission recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V760000 · Oct 2022

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

107 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
69

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 9 mention an injury.

fluid leaks 17fire 13
A recent report: 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…
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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 and eventually informed the contact that the recall repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760869 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
5

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 3sudden stalling 2
A recent report: 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…
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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 the issue is to either disconnect the battery or pull the main fuse to the dash, resetting the car. The issue has been occurring for 3 years. With multiple videos of the issue happening. The noise is loud enough to cause medical damage, especially to a child or infant. This will put my newborn infant at risk of medical damage to her ears due to the decibel of the issue which is a safety issue. Kia of Greer South Carolina, has had the vehicle on numerous occasions and not been able to fix the car or made any attempts to fix the issue. I have escalated a case with Kia North America customer care due to the nature of it being a safety concern. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time outside of the dealerships I have taken it to.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11765039 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
7

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of braking 3unintended acceleration 2premature wear 1
A recent report: I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on…
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I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on Route 22 in New Jersey, my vehicle's brakes suddenly became extremely hard, making it incredibly difficult to stop. There were no lights on indicating an issue, neither any concerning sounds prior to this incident. I came dangerously close to being involved in an accident and was left extremely shaken. The situation was serious enough that my father had to come retrieve both me and my vehicle because I no longer felt safe driving it. I brought my vehicle to the Kia dealership on Friday, where I was informed that the repair would cost over $1,000. I find this extremely concerning given that Kia has previously recalled brake system components on other models for similar issues. While I understand my vehicle may not currently be included in that recall, a brake system failure on a 2023 vehicle is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about safety and product reliability. To make matters worse, I never even received a phone call from the service department to explain what was wrong with my vehicle or discuss the recommended repairs. Instead, I received nothing more than a text message with a link to a video. The first words I heard were, "Your brakes are really bad." For a customer who had just experienced a frightening brake failure that nearly resulted in an accident, I expected the courtesy of a direct phone call to explain the diagnosis, answer my questions, and discuss my options. Receiving only a video link felt impersonal and dismissive given the seriousness of the situation. After repeated back and forth with Kia corporate over the span of two weeks they determined that the repairs are on me, and I was offered nothing, even though this issue was of no fault of my own.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11749430 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
4

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1
A recent report: The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing…
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The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing theres no signs of external damage. Due to the misalignment it wears down the tires and made one of my tires explode on the road. Also the door seal on the driver side gets a chunk ripped out from just opening and closing the door over time. Also the breaks, whenever I break from speeding to slow down the speed the steering wheel shakes as well

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11706162 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
3

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 7 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 2
A recent report: I was involved in a head on collision, all of my safety warning notified me but my airbags NEVER deployed. This is a serious safety hazard especially with many problems being reported with airbag…
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I was involved in a head on collision, all of my safety warning notified me but my airbags NEVER deployed. This is a serious safety hazard especially with many problems being reported with airbag deployment. The adjuster and collision center both stated at the rate of speed from the accident, the airbags should have definitely deployed. My car was deemed a total loss from the damage even without the deployment.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11650047 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
13

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 13
A recent report: The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the trim below the rear windshield and the trunk lid trim had partially detached. The…
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The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the trim below the rear windshield and the trunk lid trim had partially detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the trunk lid trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11723003 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

premature wear 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred…
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The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred without impact. Upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 54,269.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11746788 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 107 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2022 and 2026, roughly 27 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2023 has 107 complaints on file, fewer than the 2022 (125) and more than the 2024 (30). Of the 6 model years of the Kia K5 we cover, the 2021 has the most (165). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.