2022 Kia K5
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 163 |
| 2022 | 125 |
| 2023 | 104 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 35 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
- 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260910
Also filed under ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260730
As I was driving down the road, I began to hear a loud, forceful noise. I assumed it was something in my trunk rolling against the rear seats.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
22% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211202
Also filed under AIR BAGS and STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260902
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
20% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
CRASH FIRE INJURY16% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURY DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults.
Remedy: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.
Campaign 21V447000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Campaign 21V519000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V760000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 23V149000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V794000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2022 Kia K5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V447000 (lane departure, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V519000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V760000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V149000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V794000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2022 Kia K5 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia K5?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia K5 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.