Kia K5 Fuel System Problems

Owners have filed 161 complaints about fuel & propulsion system problems with the Kia K5 — 32% of all K5 complaints. The worst model years are 2021 (57), 2023 (55) and 2022 (44). Problems typically start around 92,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

161complaints
2021worst year
92ktypical miles
2related recalls
0crashes
3fires

Fuel System complaints by model year

2021202220232024202520265744555
Fuel System complaints per model year, Kia K5.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2024516%—
20235550%60,000 miles
20224434%85,000 miles
20215734%115,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Storage › Tank assembly
    3

Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    14%
  • 25k–50k
    311%
  • 50k–75k
    519%
  • 75k–100k
    933%
  • 100k–150k
    726%
  • 150k+
    27%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2024 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair, and the contact was unable to ship the vehicle as planned. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

2024 K5 · Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Kia K5. The contact received the recall notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch fire while driving. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

2024 K5 · Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the failure and received a code for a defective valve with an excessive amount of air. The contact then stated that while driving 80 MPH, there were three loud booming sounds coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle but found no external damage; however, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact then received a call from the dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact was instructed to bring the vehicle to the dealer for immediate service. …

2023 K5 · 77,000 miles · Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, the fuel level was lowering, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were contacted: Boniface Hiers Kia (3890 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32904). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

2023 K5 · 45,000 miles · Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear seat started to rise independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband was sitting on the rear seat. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle was refueled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the repair had taken three weeks. The vehicle was returned to the contact. The contact stated that two weeks later, the manufacturer began sending emails to the contact, which stated that the vehicle was under recall. The contact was advised to park and not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. …

2022 K5 · 79,000 miles · Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse her vehicle and then shifting the gear shift into drive, the contact noticed her check engine warning illuminated, and she heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact then parked the vehicle, went into the dealer, and let them know about the failure, but they offered no assistance. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer, where NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) was completed. It was after the recall was completed that it was discovered that the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle was not driving properly. The dealer took the vehicle back and provided a loaner. The contact mentioned that the engine was replaced, and then a catalytic converter was replaced. Most recently, the fuel oxygen sensor was discovered to be melted. …

2022 K5 · 91,000 miles · Mar 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact was struggling to receive updates on the status of the vehicle. The contact spoke with a service clerk and was informed that the repair was going well and that only one recall test remained. However, a supervisor later called and stated that the recall repair could not be completed. The vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was no longer functional due to a high risk of catching fire from fuel tank swelling caused by the recall defect. The contact stated that prior to the dealer visit, the vehicle had no issues but became inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. …

2021 K5 · 111,000 miles · Jul 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, when the gas tank expanded, and the back seat popped up. The contact stated that two teenagers were in the back seat, and one was injured. The contact's daughter pulled over and waited for a short while. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle drove slowly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the seat had moved two inches. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired because the frame of the seats could be damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not been driven since. …

2021 K5 · 86,000 miles · Mar 2025 · 1 injury

Related recalls (2)

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 25V-794 · Nov 17, 2025 · 250,547 vehicles

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.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA recall 21V-519 · Jul 8, 2021 · 21,575 vehicles

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.

Frequently asked questions

Which Kia K5 years have fuel system problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (57), 2023 (55), 2022 (44) and 2024 (5) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2021.

Is there a recall for Kia K5 fuel system problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 25V-794 (fuel system, gasoline, Nov 17, 2025); 21V-519 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 8, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Kia K5 fuel system problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the storage › tank assembly (3 mentions).

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.