2022 Kia K5: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine · AL

Verified by ASE Certified Mechanic Premature PCV valve/ Oil Separator failure. Causes codes such as P0507, P0171, P0471. This can trigger limp mode, sudden loss of speed/engine power, thus increasing the event of an accident.

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 Jan 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IL

My 2022 Kia k5 has gone into limp mode multiple times now while I am driving in addition to when it starts up. Check engine light, AUTOHOLD, EPB, traction control, etc. all aluminate on my dashboard. Car drives very rough and doesn’t want to accelerate or shift. Huge safety issue. Dealership said it was the throttle body assembly. Paid to have it replaced and the issues still persists. I have read multiple other comments with the same issue and dealerships have no idea what the issue is or how to correctly diagnose. Error codes were P00BD00, C136081, and C174181.

Filed Jan 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · CA

The drive train car would not go then my accelerator will rev up and down and not go over 10 miles a hour then all these service lights come on and car go in like limp mode and not drive in middle of intersection no one inspected the car i tuned it off and let it sit for 24 hours and started it and it was normally except the acceleration goes up and down when it wants to there were a lot of warning lights

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Driver assistance · CA

These warnings light up at the same time the dash for Electronic stability system, electronic parking brake, forward collision system, Auto hold and engine light, saying "check forward collision system, check blind spot detection, check smart cruise control system", and the vehicle goes into a sort of limp mode, not allowing it to accelerate past about 40 mph easily. In my research, I've have found approximately 50 other Kia k5 owners who have had this exact same issue. Half of the time, once taken to the dealership for diagnosis, it is weeks without anyone figuring out what the issue might be. Several instances where a part has been replaced which did not fix the issue at all, like an airbag module, or steering column. Several instances of the ecu and hecu being replaced, and several more of the entire engine/chassis wire harness being replaced. As for my case, now at the dealership for 2nd time because they could not reproduce warning lights while test driving vehicle. They have determined mine requires a full chassis wire harness replacement, with an estimated cost of $5k-$7k, which includes the $2800 harness. I initially thought mine was an isolated incident, and was shocked to find as many owners as I have that have experienced the same issue, some with mileage as low 25 miles, and causing sudden braking or issue with steering the vehicle. Being that it involves all the major safety systems of the vehicle, I am also surprised there has not been any sort of recall, considering these issues span all the way back to 2021. Just my two cents. Currently waiting on a tech to come out and determine if this is covered under extended warranty bought at dealership at time of purchase, as I am over the 60k mile factory warranty period. Have had this vehicle for 3+ years, and this just now started happening about a month and a half ago. Some have had this issue just weeks after leaving the lot with their brand new car, and a few of those returned the vehicle for a refund.