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
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Structure recall
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.
Exterior lighting recall
Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The PDC software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC341.
- 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
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
9
Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
On startup, the engine took about an extra second to fire. The starter cranked noticeably longer than normal before the car turned on. Shortly after, I pulled out and turned onto a street. When I pressed the accelerator, there was no response at all. No rev increase and no acceleration. The car would not pick up speed. I switched to manual shift mode to try to force a gear change. When I changed gears, it took a couple of seconds to respond each time, much slower than normal. I managed to coast/limp to a nearby gas station. I shut the car off and restarted it, and the problem cleared completely. The car has driven normally since.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11742700 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
11
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748579 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
1
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
The first time the collision warning lights and sounds came on when I was parked but had my engine on in the morning of 7/21/2026. The second time was when I was merging on a busy highway with cars going 65+mph... There were no cars around me, but the collision warning said crash, the sounds came on, and my brakes went into effect. I pulled off the road, and now I am terrified to drive my car. I called KIA and told them this. They sent out a tow. They had my car and told me that the computer on my car did not register any issues for both times this happened. Someone is taking my car home tonight and going on the same highway to see if it happens again.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11752288 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
19
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Read full complaint
I am filing this on behalf of a relative. He was driving his Kia k5 home and he heard a sudden POP. He got it to the side of the road and saw his tread was delaminated and a flap was made on the sidewall. The tires were the factory installed ones with a long life left
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762124 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
2
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11704815 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
6
Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
The car material itself is very cheap meaning it poor quality, very flimsy, I hit a curb and the grill and cover just broke so easily even though it was now a serious hit but very small and slight to the point where you can’t feel it. Now it’s just hanging off and shaking badly because of the poor material, it isn’t stuff enough to keep in place.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11721232 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
3
Most reports here involve other issues.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751032 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2025 has 51 complaints on file, more than the 2024 (30) and more than the 2026 (11). 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.