KIA K5 · model year

2023 KIA K5

115 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023KIAK5 carries 115 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2023 K5 is fuel/propulsion system with 23 filings, followed by unknown or other (15) and engine (11). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 38 investigation files overlapping the 2023 K5, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

115
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
2023 KIA K5 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2023 KIA K5. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

115 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
ENGINE11
POWER TRAIN11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE10
STRUCTURE:BODY9
SERVICE BRAKES5
AIR BAGS4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
TIRES2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING2
STRUCTURE2
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION2

Recalls (4)

25V49300028/07/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

25V79400017/11/2025

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

22V76000011/10/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

23V14900007/03/2023

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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.

Recent Complaints

20260130CrashSERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that he crashed into the rear of the truck. The contact stated that there was a slight dent in the metal frame of the truck. The contact stated that his vehicle's front grill and both headlight housings were crushed. The contact stated that the hood was crumpled back towards the windshield, and the radiator was punctured and crushed. The contact stated that the police were called and filed a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had called his insurance provider. The contact stated that he was later driven to the ER by a friend due to neck pain and headaches. The contact stated that he was diag

Mileage: 27,000

20260130CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that he crashed into the rear of the truck. The contact stated that there was a slight dent in the metal frame of the truck. The contact stated that his vehicle's front grill and both headlight housings were crushed. The contact stated that the hood was crumpled back towards the windshield, and the radiator was punctured and crushed. The contact stated that the police were called and filed a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had called his insurance provider. The contact stated that he was later driven to the ER by a friend due to neck pain and headaches. The contact stated that he was diag

Mileage: 27,000

20260126FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

serious safety-related defects in my 2023 Kia K5 involving the fuel/emissions system &other vehicle components. From early ownership & throughout the lease period, the vehicle experienced repeated& unresolved issues including fuel system abnormalities, emissions failures, fuel odors, check engine light activation, abnormal noises, &performance concerns consistent with fuel pressure or fuel tank-related problems. I reported these issues multiple times to the dealership &to Kia Consumer Affairs beginning well within the first 24 months of the lease, continuing for over a year. Despite repeated complaints and service visits, the vehicle was repeatedly returned to me- deemed safe to drive, my concerns were ignored. In June 2024, the dealership identified fuel tank expansion, confirming the same safety concerns I had been reporting. In November 2025, Kia issued Safety Recall SC356 (NHTSA Recall No. 25V794), stating that a damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing exp

20260126SEATS

serious safety-related defects in my 2023 Kia K5 involving the fuel/emissions system &other vehicle components. From early ownership & throughout the lease period, the vehicle experienced repeated& unresolved issues including fuel system abnormalities, emissions failures, fuel odors, check engine light activation, abnormal noises, &performance concerns consistent with fuel pressure or fuel tank-related problems. I reported these issues multiple times to the dealership &to Kia Consumer Affairs beginning well within the first 24 months of the lease, continuing for over a year. Despite repeated complaints and service visits, the vehicle was repeatedly returned to me- deemed safe to drive, my concerns were ignored. In June 2024, the dealership identified fuel tank expansion, confirming the same safety concerns I had been reporting. In November 2025, Kia issued Safety Recall SC356 (NHTSA Recall No. 25V794), stating that a damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing exp

20260126UNKNOWN OR OTHER

serious safety-related defects in my 2023 Kia K5 involving the fuel/emissions system &other vehicle components. From early ownership & throughout the lease period, the vehicle experienced repeated& unresolved issues including fuel system abnormalities, emissions failures, fuel odors, check engine light activation, abnormal noises, &performance concerns consistent with fuel pressure or fuel tank-related problems. I reported these issues multiple times to the dealership &to Kia Consumer Affairs beginning well within the first 24 months of the lease, continuing for over a year. Despite repeated complaints and service visits, the vehicle was repeatedly returned to me- deemed safe to drive, my concerns were ignored. In June 2024, the dealership identified fuel tank expansion, confirming the same safety concerns I had been reporting. In November 2025, Kia issued Safety Recall SC356 (NHTSA Recall No. 25V794), stating that a damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing exp

20260121STRUCTURE:BODY

Front driver side bottom bumper has unclipped randomly. I’ve spoken to a group with other 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line owners and at minimum 30 others have had the same exact clip from the bumper randomly detach. This could cause a hazard for other drivers if the bumper were to detach and possibly hang while driving at a high speed on the freeway.

20260115FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel system defect involving my 2023 Kia GT-Line. The vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall due to fuel tank expansion. Kia has acknowledged that the fuel tank expands beyond normal specifications, creating a potential safety hazard. As a result of this defect, Kia of America determined that the vehicle is not repairable and declared it a total loss. Kia has offered to buy back the vehicle and forgive the remaining loan balance, which confirms that the manufacturer considers the defect serious and unresolvable. A fuel tank expansion defect presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of fuel leaks, fuel system failure, inaccurate fuel readings, and potential fire hazards. This defect occurred under normal vehicle use and was not caused by misuse or modification. I am concerned that this defect affects other vehicles of the same model and year and may pose a broader public safety risk. I am submitting this complai

20260115UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel system defect involving my 2023 Kia GT-Line. The vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall due to fuel tank expansion. Kia has acknowledged that the fuel tank expands beyond normal specifications, creating a potential safety hazard. As a result of this defect, Kia of America determined that the vehicle is not repairable and declared it a total loss. Kia has offered to buy back the vehicle and forgive the remaining loan balance, which confirms that the manufacturer considers the defect serious and unresolvable. A fuel tank expansion defect presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of fuel leaks, fuel system failure, inaccurate fuel readings, and potential fire hazards. This defect occurred under normal vehicle use and was not caused by misuse or modification. I am concerned that this defect affects other vehicles of the same model and year and may pose a broader public safety risk. I am submitting this complai

20260106STRUCTURE:BODY

•Back/Rear Windshield Trim Partial Detachment: unknown if available for inspection. •Large rear window trim piece might fall off, posing a road hazard. •Unknown if problem has been reproduced or confirmed • Unknown if component has been revised by anyone •No warning lights needed for this component

20260105FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251222FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the failure and received a code for a defective valve with an excessive amount of air. The contact then stated that while driving 80 MPH, there were three loud booming sounds coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle but found no external damage; however, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact then received a call from the dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was instructed to bring the vehicle to the dealer for immediate service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained with the dealer after the contact was informed that the vehicle had failed the recall inspection. The contact was provided a rental vehicle and wa

Mileage: 77,000

20251219SUSPENSION

The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing theres no signs of external damage. Due to the misalignment it wears down the tires and made one of my tires explode on the road. Also the door seal on the driver side gets a chunk ripped out from just opening and closing the door over time. Also the breaks, whenever I break from speeding to slow down the speed the steering wheel shakes as well

20251219SERVICE BRAKES

The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing theres no signs of external damage. Due to the misalignment it wears down the tires and made one of my tires explode on the road. Also the door seal on the driver side gets a chunk ripped out from just opening and closing the door over time. Also the breaks, whenever I break from speeding to slow down the speed the steering wheel shakes as well

20251216FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, the fuel level was lowering, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were contacted: Boniface Hiers Kia (3890 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32904). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

20251216FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2023 KIA K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251215UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting this complaint regarding unresolved safety recalls affecting my Kia K5: Recall SC356 and Recall SC346. I have contacted my authorized Kia dealer multiple times over the past several months, yet no remedy has been provided. Most alarmingly, I was informed today that my recall “ticket” was closed without any repairs being completed, which is unacceptable. Recall SC356 involves a damaged fuel tank check valve that can allow air to enter the tank, causing it to expand and potentially contact hot exhaust components. This defect creates a serious fire hazard and poses a risk of injury, death, or property damage. Recall SC346 involves a supplier defect where the C-pillar garnish face plate may delaminate and detach from the vehicle. According to NHTSA (25V493), a detached face plate may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Warning signs include looseness, rattling, or wind noise. Both recalls represent clear safety risks, yet Kia and its dealer network

20251209STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V493000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251209FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V493000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251028FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10/25 I was traveling, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. 10/28 I was traveling on interstate, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. This is ridiculous.. When I hit the gas sometimes, feels like it fluttering and jerking. I’ve reported multiple times over the years and this one having hesitation when driving this car. Manager drove it was concern, mechanic talking about it’s the way the car supposed to be.

20251028UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10/25 I was traveling, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. 10/28 I was traveling on interstate, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. This is ridiculous.. When I hit the gas sometimes, feels like it fluttering and jerking. I’ve reported multiple times over the years and this one having hesitation when driving this car. Manager drove it was concern, mechanic talking about it’s the way the car supposed to be.

Compare 2023KIAK5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 KIA K5 have?
The 2023 KIA K5 has 115 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 KIA K5?
The 2023 KIA K5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 KIA K5?
Yes, the 2023 KIA K5 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 KIA K5?
The most-complained component for the 2023 KIA K5 is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 23 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ENGINE.
Is the 2023 KIA K5 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2023 KIA K5 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.