Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | −15% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2025 | 53 | 1.7× | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Caution |
| 2024 | 31 | −40% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2023 | 110 | 1.5× | 4 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2022 | 129 | — | 5 | Fuel System | Limited data |
| 2021 | 169 | — | 6 | Fuel System | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median K5 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia K5 problems
Latest Kia K5 recalls
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026.
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.
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.
Structure › Exterior trim
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
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.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K5 vehicles. A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) may cause the parking lights to flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated…
Remedy: The PDC software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia K5 should you avoid?
2025 and 2023 — these years have the most complaints relative to other K5 years at the same age, led by wheels & tires problems in the 2025.
What is the best year for the Kia K5?
2024 has the fewest complaints compared with other K5 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia K5 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (161), electrical system (97) and engine & cooling (92). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2021 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia K5 had?
9 recalls across 2021–2026. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Kia K5 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.