2022 Kia K5 Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 09/29/2026

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 09/29/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). While driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated with an abnormal burning odor briefly inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/28/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The contact did not attempt to restart the vehicle. The contact activated the hazard lights; however, 20–30 minutes later, another vehicle struck the front passenger side of the vehicle near the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact sustained sharp lower back, hip, and left knee pain. The contact's boyfriend sustained lower back and right knee pain. A family member transported both occupants to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to Custom Auto-Collision. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/18/2026

The vehicle is subject to Kia Safety Recall SC356 / NHTSA Recall 25V794 involving the fuel tank/check valve. The recall concerns potential fuel-tank swelling that can cause the tank to contact hot exhaust components, potentially melt and leak fuel and create a fire hazard. The component/system involved is the fuel tank and fuel tank check valve. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that a fuel tank that swells could contact hot exhaust components, potentially resulting in a fuel leak and vehicle fire. Because the vehicle is driven by my daughter, I am concerned about her safety and the safety of other occupants. The recall condition has been identified/communicated by Kia as an applicable safety recall for this vehicle. The Kia dealership has been contacted regarding the recall, but we were told that they cannot currently repair the vehicle. I am seeking clarification from Kia regarding the specific reason the repair cannot be completed and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle has been presented/contacted with the Kia dealership regarding the recall. To my knowledge, there has been no crash, fire, or fuel leak involving this vehicle. There have been no warning lamps or warning messages reported prior to a failure. We became aware of the problem through the manufacturer’s safety recall. The vehicle has not experienced an actual failure or fire at this time.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/08/2026

- The exact component that failed has not yet been determined. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while driving, followed by a popping noise, smoke, and a fire that severely damaged the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle has an open Safety Recall SC356 / NHTSA Recall 25V794 involving the purge control system check valve and fuel tank, which may result in fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire. The recall repair had not been performed prior to the incident. The vehicle is currently being preserved and is available for inspection upon request. - The vehicle caught fire while driving on XXX, in [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, a popping noise, and then smoke began coming from the vehicle shortly afterward. The vehicle subsequently caught fire and was destroyed. The incident created a serious risk of injury to me, other occupants, nearby motorists, and others in the area. Fortunately, there were no injuries. - The cause of the failure and fire has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle was severely damaged by the fire. The vehicle has an open Kia SC356 / NHTSA 25V794 safety recall, which we were unaware of, but it has not yet been determined whether the condition addressed by that recall caused or contributed to this incident. - The Killeen Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire and extinguished the fire. The incident has also been reported to my insurance company, and an insurance claim is currently pending. No inspection has yet been performed to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle is being preserved so that it remains available for inspection by the manufacturer, insurance representatives, NHTSA, or an independent expert if necessary. -No warning lamps or warning messages prior to the incident. While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, then a popping noise was heard, followed by smoke, and the vehicle subsequently caught fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 09/02/2026

All lights on dash appear. Forward collision warning, blind spot warning, other warnings. Car loses ability to accelerate for a few moments and makes unsafe to drive. RPM needle bounces.

SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/21/2026

On XXX, while traveling to [XXX], I experienced serious fuel system problems after filling my vehicle. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full to empty, and a loud pop caused the rear seat, where my two children were sitting, to lift upward. The vehicle would not accept more fuel despite the empty reading. I called AAA, but before the tow arrived, the gauge returned to normal, so I continued my trip. After returning to [XXX], I checked my Kia app and discovered active Recall SC356 describing a damaged check valve that could cause fuel tank expansion, rear seat lifting, and abnormal fuel gauge behavior—the same symptoms I experienced. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to The Kia Store in Louisville, advised them of the recall and my symptoms, and requested an inspection. Service Advisor Sidney Daub stated the issue was caused by a scratched muffler, not the recall, and no recall repair was performed. Relying on that assessment, I continued driving. From XXX, while traveling to [XXX], the same problems returned. Smoke came from the fuel tank area, fuel sprayed onto me when I opened the fuel door, and the vehicle became disabled and required towing home. I then took it to Kia Store East on June 10. There, [XXX] advised the failure was related to Recall SC356, and Haley informed me Kia Consumer Affairs would contact me. After weeks of communications, Kia advised on XXX that the vehicle was unrepairable and requested ownership documents. On XXX, Kia offered only to satisfy my loan balance through a buyback. I believe the dealership's failure to properly diagnose & repair the recall condition in April directly contributed to the later failure, safety hazards, towing expenses, and loss of my vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia's handling of Recall SC356 and the dealership's actions, & encourage Kia to consider a replacement vehicle, collateral swap, or another equitable resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/27/2024

The car was in an accident with the previous owner I bout the car and the carfax showed rear end collision I told the car worked perfectly. After purchase the car brakes have built up 2 times in 5 months the car stalled it has rpm issues lagging and hesitation as well as the safety front end collision has malfunctioned and it locked my brakes up I did all the steps to try to fix it and I ended up having to disconnect the battery. I sent it to the dealer and they said it was fine I now see the carfax as showing front end collision was reported and has been in the shop multiple times for the hesitation and stalling issue which now that my blue certificated warranty is out they found the issue (pcv valve etc) I’ve asked for a remedy with the dealer and they won’t budge this car is a safety liability.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/12/2025

My son owned the 2022 Kia s-K5 and lost his life in the same car ...him and my nephew died in this car last [XXX] one month after his [XXX] birthday...he was driving the car hit maybe black ice or the car lock up and went sideways on the payment for .3 of a mile and couldn't pick straits or gain control of the car and then hit a ditch n tree and satellites 2 total with the front of the car rolled the car over into a canal with water in drown and died ..the front air bags never deployed the side ones did but it took a lot of damage on the front were it showed them air bags was defaults and did not perform as a safe device as they are designed for ...then the seat belts were locked and that's cause them to not be able to get out of the car they was trapped in the car so this Kia safety equipment didn't do or perform the job it was intended for so them factors could of very well contribute to them 2 boys deaths so I'm putting an the Kia manufacturer as the responsible ones for building or producing such a bad none safe vehicle that has killed my son and my nephew....I feel that the Kia manufacturer should pay for there negligence and be punished for selling them to the public...it's not fair I'll never see my son again INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/01/2025

Engine failed for literally no reason and started smoking and Lia won’t stand by warranty either

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/29/2023

Side Curtain and Seat Side Airbags. Unavailable for inspection as Avis Rental Company cleaned the vehicle, removed airbags, and sold at auction as salvage. Side curtain airbags trapped me in the vehicle, and shrapnel from seat side airbag impaled/injured my arm. Combination of Side Curtain and Seat Side airbags, and seat belt, resulted in catastrophic shoulder injuries. Additionally, the gases and powder substance from the airbag deployment caused a severe asthma attack. I was told that the entire interior was covered in a powder substance. Note: It appears that Avis Rental Company rented this vehicle out in violation of Federal Law (FIXING AMERICA'S SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ACT - Public Law 114-94 114th Congress - SEC. 24109. <<NOTE: Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015.>> RENTAL CAR SAFETY.) as the recall is still showing as unresolved. I had also contact Kia Corporate and Kia Maui to inquire as to whether they had record of the recall being resolved and neither did.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/07/2025

Driving this morning 5/7/2025 at 9:09am and smoke started emitting from the center consol accompanied by a burning smell. My husband noticed the smoke coming from the car charging area, it made a popping/poof sound accompanied with even more smoke. We immediately pulled the charger out of the charger port. My car charger was melted and slightly burned.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/13/2024

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle traveling at approximately 30 MPH collided with the driver's side door. The air bags did not deployed, resulting in the contacts wife wife sustaining injuries he attributed to the failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a body repair shop but later deemed a total loss by contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed and injuries were reported. The contact and his wife transported themselves to an area hospital for treatment. Both the contact and his wife were treated for varying levels of pain to their neck and back. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V149000 (Air Bgas), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened; the contact was informed that the manufacturer had requested his insurance provider hold the vehicle at the body repair shop pending a review of the incident recorder. The failure mileage was 62,000.

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/01/2022

My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line was involved in a hit and run accident while my vehicle was unattended and legally parked on the street. The repairs for this vehicle were $11,500+ The entirety of the left side of the car was mauled. Very key integral parts were involved and I have had alignment issues, A/C and heating issues, electrical problems including safety features (lane change, etc) and heavy suspension damage. It took almost 5 months to fix everything on my car insurance company/shop; mostly using aftermarket parts to save money. Loved the “State of condition must be repaired to a pre-accident condition” yet the insurance gets away with using after market parts! As of, 08/29/2024, my vehicle is currently at the Kia dealership for o2 sensor recall, as well as my melted blower motor, melted a/c wiring harness kit, foul stench coming from A/C vents when recirculating switched into fresh air mode. The smell is foul and causing upper respiratory issues for me. The seat has become toxic smelling from mildew/rust. I’ve been trying to address all of the above issues. The shop believes once they fix the A/C blower motor/wiring harness they can try to diagnose the fumes coming from the vents. Most of the repairs are on back order and without a date (2weeks-2months+) I am without a vehicle for my job and my insurance doesn’t cover rental reimbursement.

STEERING — Filed 08/06/2024

The contact’s daughter owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ravine. No warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained arm injuries due to the air bag deployment. No medical attention was received as of yet. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

AIR BAGS,WHEELS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 04/02/2023

I was involved in an accident where my lane departure warning did not work! I was hit twice, causing significant body damage over19,000 in which my air bags did not deploy!

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/26/2023

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/25/2023

I had a single vehicle collision and ran into a ditch, none of my airbags deployed and I had a sternal fracture from hitting my chest so hard on the steering wheel. My vehicle was totaled as well.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/28/2022

On December 28th 2022 between the 6:30 am to 8:00 my car was parked and caught on fire. I have filed a complaint with Kia and since then I have gotten the run around about them looking into the vehicle and seeing what cause the issue. My car was still under the manufacture warranty

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 03/17/2022

I was traveling normally, exiting a highway ramp when my car acceleration system malfunctioned. It seemed as if it was a power train issue or engine issue. I was not able to accelerate or slow down properly due to this malfunction and it caused me to crash. My car was totaled.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 12/13/2022

While driving at 40 mph a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled out into my lane causing me to struck the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The airbags deployed in the truck that failed to stop but the airbags in my car failed to deploy resulting in several injuries to my head, neck, back, shoulders, abdomen and fractured spine. Police and EMT were called and arrived on scene. I was then transported to the ER via personal vehicle. I have since followed up with my primary care physician along with more tests, lab work and more imaging.

STEERING — Filed 12/17/2022

While breaking the steering wheel cut hard right, went to brake even more and the steering locked up and was unable to move properly. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It sent me into a guard rail, sprained my wrist due to the air bag Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? N/a Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Insurance Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights. Car was repaired previously and made multiple complaints about the tightness of the steering to the repair shop and the dealership

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/31/2022

Client called about his car. After a exhausting analysis, we noticed that the ADA system released the brakes, causing an incident. The forward collision warning did not get activated. The car should stop automatically if it detects a possible crash or when the car it’s getting out of the road and it never happened. The main problem was the airbag placed above the pedals. It’s too big and when gets deployed, can cause a fracture, mainly on the right leg of the driver.

AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/13/2022

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the driver-assist feature, activated, there was another vehicle driving slower at approximately 50 MPH was in front however the vehicle's feature did not automatically decrease in speed causing the contact to rear the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had his daughter and her husband at the time of the incident where both sustained a concussion, fractured nose, and arm injuries. Both passengers were taken to the hospital. A police report was filed. The contact was unaware of the passengers in the other vehicle sustained any injuries. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot due to it not being drivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 11/29/2021

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, she struck two deers that jumped into the roadway. No safety object detection was activated during the failure. The vehicle went to the left and right and stalled. The driver-side door was jammed. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000. The VIN was not available.