2023 Kia K5 recalls and problems

The 2023 Kia K5 has 4 recalls and 112 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is fuel system.

2022 Kia K5
Pictured: a 2022 model; the 2023 may differ in details. Photo: 2022 Kia K5 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2023 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 6 K5 model years — 3rd most.

4recalls
112complaints
6crashes
0fires
17injuries
40,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

4 recalls

Fuel System

Nov 17, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V794000 · 250,547 vehicles

Problem: 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 NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.

Structure

Jul 28, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V493000 · 100,063 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Air Bags

Mar 7, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V149000 · 188,912 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Power Train

Oct 11, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 69,038 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2022: 3 complaints20222023: 15 complaints20232024: 19 complaints20242025: 38 complaints2025382026: 37 complaints202637

NHTSA investigations

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003 · opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023
Summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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 NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ 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. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA 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 as…

2023 vs. other Kia K5 years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2023. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2023 Kia K5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns covering the 2023 Kia K5, the latest from Nov 17, 2025 (fuel system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia K5?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention fuel system (56), unknown or other (24), structure (14). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.