VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia K5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 205 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median K5 year — the 2022 model ranks #2 of 6 K5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 38 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (39), engine (25), and electrical system (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

205

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

38

Injuries

6

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other K5 years?

K5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted237 complaints2021: 237 complaints2022: 205 complaints2023: 138 complaints2024: 37 complaints2025: 63 complaints2026: 14 complaints
K5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia K5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3919%
Engine2512%
Electrical System2311%
Transmission2010%
Driver Assistance199%
Other189%
Airbags94%
Brakes94%
Body & Structure84%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Seats63%
Steering63%
Speed Control52%
Tires & Wheels42%
Lighting42%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks10%
Suspension10%

Does the 2022 Kia K5 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V794000Fuel SystemNovember 17, 2025 · 250,547 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V149000AirbagsMarch 7, 2023 · 188,912 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in 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.

22V760000TransmissionOctober 11, 2022 · 69,038 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

21V519000Fuel SystemJuly 8, 2021 · 21,575 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

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.

21V447000Driver AssistanceJune 14, 2021 · 846 units

Defect

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. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required.

Consequence

A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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 ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 28, 2022 · fire

“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 ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 28, 2022 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 7, 2025 · fire

“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 ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 28, 2022 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 31, 2022 · crash

2022 Kia K5 — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia K5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 205 complaints put the 2022 model at #2 of 6 K5 years. It is one of the K5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2022 K5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (39 complaints), engine (25 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia K5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Kia K5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia K5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K5 years to avoid are 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among K5 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2022 Kia K5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Kia K5 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.