2022 Kia K5: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

- The exact component that failed has not yet been determined. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while driving, followed by a popping noise, smoke, and a fire that severely damaged the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle has an open Safety Recall SC356 / the federal safety agency Recall 25V794 involving the purge control system check valve and fuel tank, which may result in fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire. The recall repair had not been performed prior to the incident. The vehicle is currently being preserved and is available for inspection upon request. - The vehicle caught fire while driving on XXX, in [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, a popping noise, and then smoke began coming from the vehicle shortly afterward. The vehicle subsequently caught fire and was destroyed. The incident created a serious risk of injury to me, other occupants, nearby motorists, and others in the area. Fortunately, there were no injuries. - The cause of the failure and fire has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle was severely damaged by the fire. The vehicle has an open Kia SC356 / the federal safety agency 25V794 safety recall, which we were unaware of, but it has not yet been determined whether the condition addressed by that recall caused or contributed to this incident. - The Killeen Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire and extinguished the fire. The incident has also been reported to my insurance company, and an insurance claim is currently pending. No inspection has yet been performed to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle is being preserved so that it remains available for inspection by the manufacturer, insurance representatives, the federal safety agency, or an independent expert if necessary. -No warning lamps or warning messages prior to the incident. While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, then a popping noise was heard, followed by smoke, and the vehicle subsequently caught fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Fuel system, Seats · KY

On XXX, while traveling to [XXX], I experienced serious fuel system problems after filling my vehicle. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full to empty, and a loud pop caused the rear seat, where my two children were sitting, to lift upward. The vehicle would not accept more fuel despite the empty reading. I called AAA, but before the tow arrived, the gauge returned to normal, so I continued my trip. After returning to [XXX], I checked my Kia app and discovered active Recall SC356 describing a damaged check valve that could cause fuel tank expansion, rear seat lifting, and abnormal fuel gauge behavior—the same symptoms I experienced. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to The Kia Store in Louisville, advised them of the recall and my symptoms, and requested an inspection. Service Advisor Sidney Daub stated the issue was caused by a scratched muffler, not the recall, and no recall repair was performed. Relying on that assessment, I continued driving. From XXX, while traveling to [XXX], the same problems returned. Smoke came from the fuel tank area, fuel sprayed onto me when I opened the fuel door, and the vehicle became disabled and required towing home. I then took it to Kia Store East on June 10. There, [XXX] advised the failure was related to Recall SC356, and Haley informed me Kia Consumer Affairs would contact me. After weeks of communications, Kia advised on XXX that the vehicle was unrepairable and requested ownership documents. On XXX, Kia offered only to satisfy my loan balance through a buyback. I believe the dealership's failure to properly diagnose & repair the recall condition in April directly contributed to the later failure, safety hazards, towing expenses, and loss of my vehicle. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate Kia's handling of Recall SC356 and the dealership's actions, & encourage Kia to consider a replacement vehicle, collateral swap, or another equitable resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Driving anywhere in general and which ever speed my gas would leak and smell would over take the car and I have a [XXX] and [XXX] babies. This is not the first but the third recall and this is a fire hazard I can’t imagine my car going in flames while we’re already suffering with a leaking gas smell every time we drive the car I can loose my whole family I will soon being filing a lawsuit against this I want a new vehicle completely I do not feel safe in this car with my kids at all there’s always an issue and my dealership is over 40min away to be going so often throughout the years of having this car this is completely unsafe dangerous and just out right unexpectedable and will be filing soon for a new car and compensation INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 7, 2025 · Electrical, Wheels · CA · fire

Driving this morning 5/7/2025 at 9:09am and smoke started emitting from the center consol accompanied by a burning smell. My husband noticed the smoke coming from the car charging area, it made a popping/poof sound accompanied with even more smoke. We immediately pulled the charger out of the charger port. My car charger was melted and slightly burned.

Filed Nov 15, 2024 · Fuel system, Seats · CA

In oct 2023 I started having issues with my fuel tank. I was driving and noticed my fuel gage was on empty but my fuel mileage stated that I had 100 miles left. I went to the gas station to fuel up and I wasn't able to pump any fuel. I proceeded to drive and heard a loud boom and a hissing noise. I pulled over to assess my vehicle and didn't notice anything wrong. I took my car to the dealership on 10/26/2023. In may of 2024 I was on my way to pick up my daughter and grandson and started noticing my fuel gage was having an issue again. On my way to the gas station I heard a loud boom. I couldn't pump fuel again. I proceeded to pick up my daughter and grandson. As they got in the backseat she asked me why was the seat lifted. I inspected my rear seat and noticed a 3-4 inch gap from the seat and the base of the seat, also it had a large lump. I took my vehicle to the dealership the following day on may 24, 2024.vehicle is available for inspection. It's currently at the kia dealership in downtown los angeles. As an uber driver my life and the lives of my passengers as well as family members has been put in danger. Unknown. My vehicle has been inspected for this issue on 10/26/2023, 05/24/2024, and 09/24/2024. The vehicle is currently at the dealership. The early part of july I took a trip to see my mom in arizona approx. 280 miles away from my residence. As I was driving back home on [xxx] I noticed what I thought was smoke coming from the driver side of my vehicle. I pulled over and gas was hissing and spilling out of the fuel tank. I thought something was wrong with the fuel cap so I went to purchase a new fuel cap. I tried to pump more gas but I wasn't able too. I replaced the fuel cap and returned to my mothers home because after I replaced the cap the fuel was still coming out of the gas tank. I had to pay $1,000.00 to have my car towed back to california. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 22, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · OH · fire

On December 28th 2022 between the 6:30 am to 8:00 my car was parked and caught on fire. I have filed a complaint with Kia and since then I have gotten the run around about them looking into the vehicle and seeing what cause the issue. My car was still under the manufacture warranty