KnownCarProblems2023 Kia K5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia K5, most often about the fuel system (50% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about K5 model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2023 Kia K5 problems
Fuel system
54 complaints · 50%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that after fully refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 25v794000 (fuel system, gasoline)…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, the fuel level was lowering, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that fuel…
Other or unspecified
23 complaints · 21%Body and structure
14 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side chrome trim extending to the trunk had separated from the vehicle. The contact related the failure to tsb number: sa552. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause a road safety hazard. The dealer and the manufacturer were…
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…
Engine
12 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated while making a turn from a complete stop, the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The message "a possible condition with your engine control system has been detected" was displayed on the infotainment screen display. The…
Transmission
11 complaints · 10%The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, while the transmission was changing gear, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, shuddered, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was…
Brakes
6 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went…
Driver assistance
6 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went…
Electrical
6 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated while making a turn from a complete stop, the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The message "a possible condition with your engine control system has been detected" was displayed on the infotainment screen display. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2023 Kia K5 recalls
Fuel system: fuel system, gasoline
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: exterior trim
Risk: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Kia america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 k5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
Air bags: curtain
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
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 complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are
Questions about the 2023 Kia K5
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia K5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (54 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); other or unspecified (23 complaints); body and structure (14 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia K5 have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 17, 2025 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2023 a bad year for the Kia K5?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about K5 model year since 2000, with 108 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.