VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia K5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2023 Kia K5 sits mid-pack among K5 years: 138 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 101, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 45 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

138

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other K5 years?

K5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted237 complaints2021: 237 complaints2022: 205 complaints2023: 138 complaints2024: 37 complaints2025: 63 complaints2026: 14 complaints
K5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia K5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System4533%
Other1914%
Body & Structure1410%
Engine118%
Transmission118%
Driver Assistance107%
Electrical System54%
Brakes54%
Airbags43%
Seats43%
Tires & Wheels32%
Speed Control21%
Suspension21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Lighting11%

Does the 2023 Kia K5 have recalls?

4 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.

25V493000Body & StructureJuly 28, 2025 · 100,063 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Heard and felt extremely loud BANG under the car while driving then check engine light came on. Vehicle had low power and the gas was decreasing severely fast. The backseat had moved with our 2yr daughter in her car seat above it. Took it to dealership and they said the gas tank expanded and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 15, 2024

“I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 29, 2023 · crash

“I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 29, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, while the transmission was changing gear, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 7, 2023

“MPG is lower then number provided by both dealer and manufactorer (my average 24 city 27 highway ) factoring that i rarely even use climate controls and other fuel consuming things and often turn off engine in mcdonald's drive thru lane ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 20, 2022

2023 Kia K5 — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia K5 reliable?

It is close to typical for the K5: 138 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2023 K5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (45 complaints), other (19 complaints), body & structure (14 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia K5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Kia K5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2023 Kia K5 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2023 Kia K5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.