2022 Kia K5: sudden loss of power

Filed May 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) in my Kia K5 GT (2.5T engine) has experienced a recurring internal electronic and mechanical fault. This is the third failure of this component. The failure causes the cooling system to malfunction, either by over-cooling or failing to cycle coolant once at operating temperature. ​Under acceleration—specifically when merging onto expressways—the vehicle suffers a sudden loss of power and enters 'limp mode' with a dashboard alert stating the engine is overheating. This creates an immediate safety hazard in high-speed traffic. When the fault occurs, the radiator fans lock at 100% duty cycle. This is a documented systemic issue with the Kia 2.5T powertrain (referenced by major automotive publications and multiple Technical Service Bulletins). ​Despite a prior Lemon Law settlement and an active 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge this as a powertrain or emissions defect, attempting to charge out-of-pocket for a component that prevents the vehicle from passing state emissions and safety inspections."This was also cited in a 2023 issue of car and driver magazine long-term test with The Kia Sorento that shares the same engine and transmission combination This is a third time that part has failed for me with others had to replace that part over seven times The first time it happened it was at 8,000 mi it did not get fixed until 30,000 mi The second time it happened was at 51,000 mi The third time 75,000 mi

Filed Oct 18, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and they blew me off saying it has electrical issues. WELL I went to Oreillys and they tested my battery it was good but only getting 10 % charge to it which he said was odd so he said to try and drive it some and come back he wlll see where it’s at. I did that and he said oh wow you’re back up to 100%! Well that was the 7th now last night I’m driving around Tallmadge ave and BOOM everything lit up I lost power steering my lights shut off completely and it was close to midnight! It was insane I am luckily a very good driver because I almost went right off the road!

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Body, Transmission · TX

A silver piller price of trim flew off on the highway in the rear. A lot of Kia k5 owners have experienced this and it could fly off and hit someone on the highway. Transmission is super jerky and can sometimes lose power I’ve also known a lot of people that have similar issues with the kind of transmission in the k5 GT 2022

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related issues, including erratic shifting, delayed response, slippage, and sudden loss of power while driving. These symptoms significantly impact drivability and pose a safety risk, especially when accelerating or merging in traffic. The issue was previously addressed by the dealership under a recall repair. However, the same transmission behavior has returned approximately 3–4 months after the repair. The dealership performed repairs multiple times before, and the symptoms have now recurred. The problem has been confirmed by the authorized dealership and is scheduled for another inspection. There have been warning symptoms such as hesitation during gear shifts and intermittent power dips while in motion, which began reappearing recently. The component remains available for inspection. Given the repeat nature of the issue following an official recall, I believe this may be part of a broader unresolved defect in the vehicle’s transmission system. The issue initially reappeared briefly after the recall repair, then subsided. However, it returned more consistently and noticeably after a couple of months, and is now ongoing.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Trying to pass a truck that was traveling slowly, I accellerated and lost power. I tried again and same thing. This is indeed a trafic hazard. I noticed that the RPM raised, but the vehicle lost power.

Filed Aug 27, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NE · 1 injury

The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) failed/ malfunctioned. Available for inspection. My car completely lost power on the interstate and it was 70 mph speed limit, I had a semi behind me. I’m taking to the dealer when I’m off in 3 to 4 weeks. Problem has been reported by other owners, as well as Hyundai Sonata N-Lines. Also video evidence. Not been inspected yet, but that’s the problem. No warning lights. Could see the temp gauge moving up when I accelerated. Problem happened when it was cold outside, popped the hood and engine wasn’t overheated at all, ITMS failed.

Filed Jan 22, 2023 · Transmission · IL

The transmission is experiencing a loss of power and getting heavy/stuck at about 20-30 mph before It begins to accelerate somewhat faster. The car is also not accelerating properly. Engine light came on as this began. Oil changes on vehicle are up to date as well