Kia K5 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 507 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the Kia K5 (2021–2026) that have at least 5 complaints. 2021 has the most, with 169. Across all years, the part named most often is fuel system (161 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All K5 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 110 | 1 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 54 | 4,358 | 2 | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 12,780 | 2 | 44 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 110 | 37,000 | 4 | 68 | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 129 | 57,000 | 5 | 113 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 169 | 45,000 | 6 | 134 | 56 · Typical | Rising |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Fuel system161 27%
- Electrical system98 16%
- Other or unknown93 15%
- Engine87 14%
- Transmission and drivetrain60 9.9%
- Body and structure44 7.2%
- Forward collision avoidance35 5.8%
- Brakes29 4.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2021: “I was traveling at approximately 40-45 MPH, another vehicle crossed in my path, and I broadsided his vehicle. I am not sure of my speed at impact. I would guess 30 MPH. Airbags did not deploy. The rear drivers side seat also came unlatched, folding itself down. There were no other passengers in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11394262, filed 2021-02, 10,400 miles2024: “I was driving on the expressway and the engine made a noise and I lost power. I was in the left lane of the expressway. I did not have any warning lights or signs or symptoms prior to this incident. No oil ever leaked prior to this incident. When it occurred, oil was pouring out of the engine all over the ground. The engine was smoking. And a warning message came across the entertainment screen that said, “A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected, recommend service soon” I never received any notification of any oil pressure loss, oil loss, warning lights, nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11604603, filed 2024-07, 10,719 miles2022: “EPB light with multiple other dash lights come on. It affects my breaking, shifting and acceleration. I was attempting to get on the freeway the first time it happened and my car would not accelerate. I had to drive off to the side to prevent getting hit. It happens intermittently at no given time. I just got it back from the dealership and am still having the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11722377, filed 2026-03Other Kia models
10,219 complaintsKia Optima
7,532 complaintsKia Soul
5,579 complaintsKia Sportage
4,713 complaintsKia Forte
2,560 complaintsKia Sedona
2,415 complaintsKia Telluride
2,058 complaintsKia Sephia
1,701 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology