1) gas tank 2) I was stranded in the highway, because the gas pump exploded 3)the car was taken to the dealer 4) no warning sign
The worst 2023 Kia K5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system56
- Body14
- Engine13
- Transmission11
- Driver assistance7
- Brakes6
- Electrical6
- Seats5
- Airbags4
- Acceleration2
- Suspension2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Lights1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Kia K5
Check engine light 19Loss of power 7Fuel smell 6Fuel gauge 5Fuel leak 5Fuel pump 5
Recalls 4
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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 beginning December 1, 2025.
Recall number 25V794000 · Recall details
Structure: exterior trim
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 25V493000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 23V149000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 22V760000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2023 Kia K5
Defect investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency 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 susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Kia K5 68
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Infotainment system software update using update.kia.com
- Infotainment software update procedure
- Customer action: chrome trunk lid molding replacement (CA2514)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: fuel tank and/or pcsv check valve inspection/replacement + ECU sw...
- Pitstop: technical operations: external damage to ultrasonic sensor
- Trunk lid and c-pillar garnish inspection & replacement (SA552) - closed and superseded by SC346
- Itm replacement and ECM logic improvement (CA2511)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner renotification (SC288 flight 301)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC288A)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC288)
2023 Kia K5 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 27 | 37 | 31 |
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | AWD | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 24 | 32 | 27 |
What 2023 Kia K5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). While driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle shook violently, went into LIMP Mode, and failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the fuel rail sensor was replaced. However, the fuel tank became deformed and bent the subframe, which the dealer deemed unrepairable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Fuel Tank has expanded and is in danger of exploding due to heat from exhaust system. My vehicle has been returned to a local dealer and Kia Corporate is willing to pay off my loan , but not compensate me for my down payment of $3500 that I put down 6 mths ago.
I bought a 2023 Kia K5 GT vehicle as a CERTIFIED PREOWNED from Rick Case KIA Sunrise, FL. I paid $30,000.00 + an extended warranty for about $4,000.00, traded in my vehicle (for $9,000.00) and put a down payment of $5,000.00. Within two days of buying the vehicle in April of 2025 my car was back at the dealership in the service department for transmission issues. My vehicle has had 4 total transmissions and it is 3 years old (original transmission, 3 replacement transmissions). SHOCKER - it is STILL having transmission problems. I have NEVER had a good drive in this vehicle. I filed a request for a buy back with Kia Customer Care and they told me I did not meet the requirements. My car has been in the dealerships service centers 9 times due to transmission issues that continue arrising since I bought the vehicle about a year and a half ago. Kia Customer Care stated the only option was to open a "tech line" with Kia from the dealership directly so again I dropped my car off for over a week and they could not replicate the issue to start the tech line. I took a 45 minute test drive with the manager and duplicated it twice but the manager stated they could not feel it and sent me home with my vehicle. The vehicle stops accelerating all together in the middle of traffic, shudders when trying to speed up, sounds like and feels like the entire engine is going to drop out of the car to the floor. You can feel the gears slip. Even though it is more infrequent now, it still happens and I am afraid to drive my car.
I am filing this complaint regarding the handling of a fuel tank recall involving my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line. On XXX, I brought my vehicle to Kia Rockwall in [XXX], after being informed of an issue related to a fuel tank recall. I was told that my vehicle could not be returned to me and that Kia would pursue a buyback instead. Before this incident, I had spent approximately $1,200 on repairs related to the issue, including replacing the charcoal canister. These repairs occurred the previous month. I am concerned about the circumstances surrounding the defect, the expenses I incurred attempting to address the problem, and the handling of the vehicle once it was brought in for the recall. I was initially told that a case manager would assist with arrangements. On XXX, a case manager contacted me, and I explained I could not afford to pay for a rental vehicle out of pocket. I was subsequently informed that I would need to pay for a rental through Enterprise and seek reimbursement from Kia. I explained again that this was not financially possible. On XXX, I received a further response, and Kia America ultimately stated that if I could not rent a vehicle under its specified conditions or pay for one out of pocket, it would not provide a rental. As of XXX, I remain without my vehicle and without a transportation arrangement that I can afford. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review the safety defect and recall associated with my vehicle, including whether the recall remedy and handling of affected vehicles are adequate and whether the circumstances warrant further review. I would also like my experience documented as part of the broader record of complaints concerning this recall. I can provide repair receipts, dealership communications, and correspondence with Kia America to support the timeline above. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2023 Kia K5 GT has an intermittent and unpredictable audio defect which the vehicle suddenly and spontaneously produces an extremely loud static-like noise through all speakers in the car, immediately upon starting the vehicle. This is not related to the radio, car play, phone connection, weather, etc. Adjusting the volume dial does not effect the issue either, for example. Shutting the car off, stops it momentarily, but will return upon starting it. The only way to stop the issue is to either disconnect the battery or pull the main fuse to the dash, resetting the car. The issue has been occurring for 3 years. With multiple videos of the issue happening. The noise is loud enough to cause medical damage, especially to a child or infant. This will put my newborn infant at risk of medical damage to her ears due to the decibel of the issue which is a safety issue. Kia of Greer South Carolina, has had the vehicle on numerous occasions and not been able to fix the car or made any attempts to fix the issue. I have escalated a case with Kia North America customer care due to the nature of it being a safety concern. No one has inspected the vehicle at this time outside of the dealerships I have taken it to.
The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank could expand and explode. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after driving 10 miles after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, and similar fault codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired after the latest failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed and the contact was provided a receipt. However, the contact later received several email recall notifications and verified that the VIN remained included in the recall three months after the repair. The dealer was contacted several times and eventually informed the contact that the recall repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The infotainment system in my Kia K5 has failed completely. The screen went black, causing the radio, infotainment features, and backup camera display to stop functioning. At times, the system will attempt to reboot on its own, but it does not return to normal operation and continues to malfunction. I have attempted to reset the system multiple times using the available reset methods, but none have resolved the issue. I took the vehicle to my local Kia dealership, where I was informed that the radio/infotainment unit itself is defective and needs to be replaced. The loss of the backup camera display is particularly concerning because it affects visibility and safety while reversing. I have also found numerous reports of similar infotainment and radio failures involving Kia vehicles, which makes me concerned that this may be a widespread defect rather than an isolated failure. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated as a potential vehicle defect.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 95. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by the dealer yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Bev smith KIA sent my info to KIA America when they saw it. SEE PHOTO. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? It blew up on me.
Compare the 2023 Kia K5
Other model years
Questions about the 2023 Kia K5
Is the 2023 Kia K5 reliable?
Owners have filed 112 complaints about the 2023 Kia K5, close to a typical K5 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Kia K5?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 56 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is body (14).
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia K5 have?
4 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, structure and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Kia K5 fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 25V794000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia K5 have the most fuel system problems?
The Kia K5 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2021 (59 complaints), 2023 (56 complaints) and 2022 (44 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia K5 get?
Official estimates for the 2023 Kia K5 range from 27 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 27 city and 37 highway.
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