Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2022 Kia K5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with the driver-assist feature, activated, there was another vehicle driving slower at approximately 50 MPH was in front however the vehicle's feature did not automatically decrease in speed causing the contact to rear the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had his daughter and her husband at the time of the incident where both sustained a concussion, fractured nose, and arm injuries. Both passengers were taken to the hospital. A police report was filed. The contact was unaware of the passengers in the other vehicle sustained any injuries. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot due to it not being drivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.
My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line was involved in a hit and run accident while my vehicle was unattended and legally parked on the street. The repairs for this vehicle were $11,500+ The entirety of the left side of the car was mauled. Very key integral parts were involved and I have had alignment issues, A/C and heating issues, electrical problems including safety features (lane change, etc) and heavy suspension damage. It took almost 5 months to fix everything on my car insurance company/shop; mostly using aftermarket parts to save money. Loved the "State of condition must be repaired to a pre-accident condition" yet the insurance gets away with using after market parts! …
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the A/C failed to blow cold air as intended. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the fuse box had started melting. The contact stated that the fuse was shaken as a temporary repair. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure was related to TSB: CS2301; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the A/C unit occasionally shut off, and failed to return to normal operation several minutes later. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuse was burned and could cause an electrical fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
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 charger port. My car charger was melted and slightly burned.
On 11/29/2022 my car wouldn't start, just click and continued to try and start then the check ESC warning came on. I had to get it jump started from KIA Roadside assistance and drove vehicle to local KIA Dealership where they tested the battery and said it was a bad battery. They replaced the battery. My car was purchased Dec 23rd 2021, battery was not even a year old . Fast forward 27 days, on Dec 26th, 2022, I was originally scheduled for the 8000 mile maintenance with Jake Sweeney KIA at 10am, went to start vehicle and wouldn't start again. It done the same as before on 11/29. Just click several times and then the check ESC warning came one(I have video of the entire process). after the Check ESC went off the entire cars electrical system went out and I couldn't even get jumper cables out of trunk of car. …
On August 23rd my car slowed down while on the highway and completely came to a stop and wouldn't drive while pressing the gas. At this time the forward safety system, EPB, Auto Hold, caution and traction control lights were on. I had to get the car towed to the dealership. September 1 Kia called said nothing was wrong with the car I could pick it up that same day I got charged for a diagnostic fee and also asked for the inspection to be done. Picked up the car on 9/2. After driving the car 2 days all the lights came up including the check engine light, at this moment the car completely stopped and turned off while in the middle of incoming traffic when turning at a light. …
Kia dealership has confirmed that the components of the vehicle's multi-fuse (located under the hood) for the AC/HVAC system have started to burn and are melting part of the fuse panel due to excessive current draw and excessive heat. Due to this, the vehicle's HVAC (both heat and a/c) does not function. A vehicle's HVAC functions help to: 1) Defrost/defog vehicle's windows during rainy and humid days, 2) maintains a vehicle's air quality, 3) cools the vehicle's interior on hot and humid days, 4) assists in preventing mold and bacteria growth via dehumidification, 5) assists in keeping the cabin cool and dry to prevent driver fatigue and promote driver focus. Other than the inoperability of the HVAC system, no other signs or symptoms were present prior to the issue. …
- 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. The vehicle is a 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line, VIN [redacted]. The vehicle has an open Safety Recall SC356 / NHTSA Recall 25V794 involving the purge control system check valve and fuel tank, which may result in fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire. The recall repair had not been performed prior to the incident. The vehicle is currently being preserved and is available for inspection upon request. - The vehicle caught fire while driving on [redacted], in [redacted]. The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, a popping noise, and then smoke began coming from the vehicle shortly afterward. The vehicle subsequently caught fire and was destroyed. …
I was experiencing problems with my air conditioning not staying on and the blower would not come on at all. It would come on sometimes but it stop cooling and sometimes it wouldn't come on. I reported the problem in November 2023 and was told that the something in the wiring harness had burnt out and the wiring harness had to be replaced. Their earliest available service appointment was in February 5, 2024. I asked if it was safe to continue driving, and I was told yes it is drivable and wouldn't be a hazard. It's been over a month and I can never get the status of my vehicle from the service department. I contact the Kia corporate office and they gave them a service completion date and my vehicle has not been repaired. After a second attempt with the corporate office, the corporate office call wasn't answered so a message was left. …
Electrical complaints in other K5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2022 Kia K5?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2022 Kia K5, 19% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2022 Kia K5 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2022 Kia K5, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2022 Kia K5 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.